Closed-loop control system from Agr optimizes blow molding process

Process Pilot Agr’s control system manages the blow molding machine based on direct measurements from every bottle produced. By controlling the blow molding machine based on direct feedback from bottle measurements rather than just machine performance indicators, the system helps to ensure final product quality and performance, regardless of environmental, machine or material variations that occur during production. 

What’s new? A new version, called Process Pilot+, which is especially effective when processing recycled PET. Process Pilot+ has multiple control loops, compared with Process Pilot, which Agr introduced in 2009 as a single-control-loop system. Process Pilot’s single-control loop chains the system to the speeds of the slowest equipment in the process, typically the ovens. The Value Performance feature of the Process Pilot+ makes it possible to control the blow molding machine with a focus on optimal material distribution, energy efficiency or cost. 

Benefits The ability to react to process changes much more quickly, reducing rejects and ensuring the production of more-consistent bottles. According to Agr, with Process Pilot+, blow molders can reach baseline material distribution about 65 percent faster, while reducing the impact of process disturbances by about 40 percent. Overall, Process Pilot+ helps operators reduce costs, and achieve optimal material distribution and energy efficiency.  

Agr International Inc., Butler, Pa., 724-482-2163, www.agrintl.com