SOME ASPECTS OF MONITORING OF FOUNDRY MOULDING SANDS PREPARATION PROCESS

摘要

The study outlines the basic features of a newly-designed computer-supported system for monitoring and recording the instantaneous power consumption, used to control the operating parameters of foundry mixers as well as moulding sand preparing process course. Basic idea of monitoring of power demand treated as the factor of quality evaluation of moulding sand preparation process have been described. The main coefficients and factors characterizing electric power demand by mixer drive are recalled. Comparison of values of the indicators of power consumption by various types of mixers has been done. The study has also summarized the preliminary test data of power consumption during moulding sand preparation process in a paddle mixer drive and roller mixer (Simpson type). Process parameters were varied during the tests: moisture content in moulding sand, load of the mixers pan and mixing time. Electric power demand is expressed by effective values, assuming the balanced load. As the mixing levels change, the technological parameters will change, too, and this fact might be utilized in monitoring of the mixing process. The power factor of the mixer drive cos op would vary considerably during the mixer's operation under loading. The selected results of tests performed to find the relationship between the technological and operational parameters and power consumption by a mixer drive have been presented. Two aspects of the monitoring system are considered to be of major importance: potential optimization of the mixing process in the function of energy consumption and control of the mixing process and its impacts on the properties and quality of thus prepared moulding sand. Potential following applications of the module for fast recording of instantaneous currents and voltages in a single or triple phase power supply system in other foundry machines and devices have been pointed out. Further research areas are indicated, to extend the system and the range of its using.