Mixer Process Control

A critical step in most dry bulk batching manufacturing processes is mixing or blending. Various raw materials are usually mixed/blended together in a specific proportion to produce a final compound. Mixer process control is critical to quality and production efficiency. This includes applications in food and baking, rubber, and feed milling, among other industrial applications.

Some mixers are very specialized, such as the “Banbury” mixer used in rubber production or applications where the mixing container (bowl, tote, or other) is used to collect the batch of ingredients. The “Banbury” mixer in rubber compounding is somewhat unique. Most often, to produce a rubber compound, a combination of plastic resin (pellets, flakes, powders, or liquid) is combined with other materials, including liquids and bulk solid materials. Sterling Systems mixer process control includes automation of the mixing and batching processes, bulk bag unloading and the electrical controls.

The HMI mixing screen in the Sterling Systems’ automation system is an extension of the main batching screen showing all of the mixer’s associated equipment. From the mixer process control screen, the user can control the mixer’s RPM on the formula being run, along with the capability to view the status of and control related equipment. This screen also offers a data trending screen, allowing the user to view the batch temperature, mixer torque, power, and mixer speed for the last twenty hours.

Sterling Systems & Controls, Inc. has nearly 50 years of experience providing efficient solutions for process equipment, batching, micro, minor and bulk weighing, bag unloading systems, process control and plant automation. Sterling’s designs utilize the latest technology to provide specialized data management, raw material management, along with production data tracking. For more information, contact Sterling Systems & Controls.