Functionality of Process Control in Moulded Goods Production

Abstract

The article presents the findings of the research in the field of automatic control of peat mass quality in hollow peat pot production. The strength of the finished product determines its integrity and crumblability which affect the loss during drying and transportation. Therefore, knowing the strength characteristics we can use them for quality control. Besides, not strength but heterogeneity in the distribution of pores, moisture, and density is responsible for crumbling. Automatic regulation of effective peat mass water content is one of the main stages determining the quality. At this stage automatic control of the flow, dispersion and water content of peat mass entering the pulper tank as well as measurement and control of the amount of additional elements introduced, such as mineral components, wood pulp, and water to form the required consistency, are provided for. The models of automatic process control are built and analyzed with the methods of differential equation theory, numerical integration, and stability theory. The model is implemented with the custom-made proprietary software. The model adequacy is determined empirically by comparing the data obtained on the model with the actual technological process.