Re-engineering of automatic dosing system for viscous liquids

Abstract

This paper details the reengineering of an automated system for the dosing of viscous food grade fluids, optimizing the efficiency and performance of the equipment for an uninterrupted dosing process. A development methodology is proposed that includes the reconfiguration of the design, adaptation and installation of electrical and electronic components for the implementation of an automated control system. The development involves the installation of a control panel that integrates a Programmable Logic Controller (LOGO), connection terminals, wiring, start/stop push buttons, emergency stop, relay, electrical protections, power supply, and wiring. In addition, the sequence is configured in the LADDER programming language for the activation of the solenoid valves and pneumatic cylinders by means of Logosoft. Once the reengineering process was executed, a defined operation of the machine was achieved, starting with the aggregation of the raw material in the silo by the operator, start of cycle from the push buttons, opening and closing of the 3-way valve and loading of raw material in the dosing chamber, obtaining displacement of the raw material in stages from the pneumatic cylinders and subsequent dosing in the final product container.