Automated batching system，中央供料系統，Centralized feeding system，集中給料系統

1. System Components and Workflow

1.1 Core Modules

• Raw Material Storage:

  • Silos/Hoppers: Store virgin materials (e.g., PP, ABS), masterbatches, additives, and regrind. Equipped with level sensors and humidity monitors.

  • Dedicated Units:

    • For Injection Molding: Separate hoppers for colorants to enable rapid color changes.

    • For Extrusion: High-capacity silos for continuous production.

• Preprocessing Units:

  • Dehumidifiers/Dryers: Target hygroscopic materials (e.g., PET, PA) with hot air circulation, reducing moisture to ≤50 ppm.

  • Metal Detectors & Filters: Remove contaminants (e.g., metal particles, dust) to protect downstream equipment.

• Conveying System:

  • Vacuum/Pressure Pipes: Transport materials via negative pressure (vacuum) or positive pressure (blower).

  • Central Distributor: Routes materials to multiple machines with automatic valve switching.

• Mixing & Dosing:

  • Loss-in-Weight (LIW) Feeders: Achieve ±0.1–0.5% dosing accuracy for masterbatches/additives.

  • Gravimetric Blenders: Pre-mix materials at preset ratios (e.g., 95% virgin + 5% regrind).

• Control System:

  • PLC/SCADA Integration: Manages recipes, monitors real-time parameters (temperature, humidity, throughput), and enables fault diagnostics.

1.2 Operational Workflow

1. Material Loading:

   • Raw materials are loaded into designated silos. Hygroscopic resins are pre-dried to specified moisture levels.

2. Automated Conveying:

   • Vacuum pumps transport materials through insulated pipes to prevent cooling (critical for high-viscosity resins like HDPE).

3. Precision Dosing & Mixing:

   • LIW feeders dynamically adjust material flow rates based on weight loss data.

   • Blenders ensure homogeneous mixtures (e.g., colorant dispersion CV < 5%).

4. Machine Feeding:

   • Materials are delivered to individual machines (injection molders, extruders) via the distributor.

   • Hopper-level sensors trigger automatic refills to prevent downtime.

5. Recycling:

   • Sprues, runners, and scrap are crushed, filtered, and reintroduced into the system (up to 95% reuse rate).