DE102022112313A1 - FIBER PROCESSING DEVICE FOR USE IN A FIBER PROCESSING PLANT, FIBER PROCESSING PLANT AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A FIBER PROCESSING PLANT - Google Patents

Abstract

A fiber processing device for use in a fiber processing system (100), a fiber processing system (100) with at least two fiber processing devices and a method for controlling a fiber processing system (100) are described, wherein the fiber processing devices each have at least one processing station for treating a fiber-containing material, a control device and have at least one interface, which is designed and set up for bidirectional communication between the at least two fiber processing devices with one another, so that at least one processing station of the at least two fiber processing devices for treating a fiber-containing material is controlled in accordance with specific information provided via the interfaces of the at least two fiber processing devices are exchanged, the specific information comprising information about the respective fiber processing device and further information of this fiber processing device related to the production of products.

Description

Technical area

A fiber processing device for use in a fiber processing system, a fiber processing system with at least two fiber processing devices and a method for controlling a fiber processing system are described.

Fiber-containing materials are increasingly being used to produce recyclable products made from natural products, for example packaging for food (e.g. trays, capsules, boxes, lids, etc.) and consumer goods (e.g. electronic devices, etc.) as well as beverage containers. The fiber-containing materials usually contain natural fibers, which are obtained, for example, from renewable raw materials or waste paper. The natural fibers are mixed in a so-called pulp with water and possibly other additives, such as starch. Additives can also have an impact on color, barrier properties and mechanical properties. This pulp can have a proportion of natural fibers of, for example, 0.5 to 10% by weight. The proportion of natural fibers varies depending on the process used to produce packaging etc. and the product properties of the product to be manufactured.

background

The production of fiber-containing products often takes place in fiber processing plants that have several fiber forming devices and/or fiber processing devices. In a fiber processing device, for example, a liquid pulp can be provided, which is then fed to at least one, but usually several, fiber molding devices in order to produce finished, fiber-containing products from the liquid pulp in the fiber molding devices in several work steps. There are also fiber processing systems with several fiber processing devices, with each fiber processing device being assigned a fixed number of fiber shaping devices, each of which is only supplied with pulp by the fiber processing device assigned to the fiber shaping devices.

In fiber processing devices that are independent of one another, various additives can be added to the pulp in order, for example, to provide a special pulp for the downstream fiber forming devices, which is then used for the production of products that differ from the products of other fiber forming devices in addition to the shape and, for example, in terms of material properties and barrier effect and/or coloring can differ.

A system with two fiber forming devices, which are supplied with liquid pulp from a common fiber processing device, is, for example, in 10 from DE 10 2019 127 557 A1 shown.

Disadvantages of the fiber processing systems known from the prior art are that, for example, in the event of a failure or an interruption in a fiber forming device, the supply in a fiber processing device cannot be completely used up because the pulp provided can be processed, for example, in a defined period of time due to its composition must. Regardless of this, the failure of one fiber processing device can lead to a loss of production for all downstream fiber forming devices. Depending on the malfunction in one of the facilities, there is a high risk of failure in known fiber processing plants and the risk of consequential damage and negative effects on the manufacturing process and output.

Task

The task is therefore to provide a solution for the processing of fiber-containing material, with optimization in terms of resources used, such as material (e.g. pulp, water), particularly in a system (fiber processing plant) with several fiber processing devices (fiber forming devices and/or fiber processing devices). , additives, etc.), energy and facilities, and in terms of output (quality and quantity), processing speed, process and product quality and flexibility can be achieved, eliminating the disadvantages of the prior art.

Solution

The above-mentioned object is achieved by a fiber processing device for use in a fiber processing plant for producing products from a fiber-containing material, at least having at least one processing station for treating and / or processing a fiber-containing material, a control device and at least one interface which is for bidirectional communication the control device is designed and set up with a control device at least one further fiber processing device via its at least one interface, with specific information about at least one further fiber processing via the at least one interface processing device can be transmitted and received via its interface, wherein the specific information includes information about the respective processing fiber processing device and further information of this fiber processing device related to the production of products, and wherein the fiber processing device can be controlled at least in accordance with the specific information that can be exchanged with one another.

The fiber processing device can be, for example, a fiber shaping device or a fiber processing device. A processing station can therefore be a processing station that is used to produce a product made of fibrous material, such as a suction tool, a pre-pressing station, a hot-pressing station, a coating station, a filling station, a sealing station, etc., or that is used to prepare a Pulp serves, for example, a control and/or conveying device (valve, pump, etc.) for supplying water, fibrous material or additives, a mixing device (e.g. stirrer), a heating element, etc.

The fiber processing device is distinguished in particular from other known devices from the prior art in that specific information can be exchanged via the interface with at least one further fiber processing device via its interface, the respective fiber processing device being controllable depending on the specific information of another fiber processing device, whereby these fiber processing devices communicate directly with each other.

For example, a cycle time for the production of products from a pulp in a fiber processing device can be increased if this fiber processing device receives the specific information from another fiber processing device that this fiber processing device in turn has longer cycle times for the production of the same product due to additional parameters to keep the overall throughput at the same level over a definable period of time, i.e. to keep the amount of manufactured products the same. Thus, for example, a specification for a production quantity of products can be specified for an arrangement of fiber processing devices, with the division/distribution of pulp or a dry fiber material in corresponding systems for the production of products from dry fiber material among the fiber processing devices of this arrangement itself being determined on the basis of those exchanged with one another specific information is provided. Each of the fiber processing facilities has specific information regarding its manufacturing/production capabilities and performance data as well as current parameters. This specific information can then be exchanged within a system or arrangement to achieve definable objectives of controlling its own fiber processing equipment performance in accordance with the performance or capabilities of other fiber processing equipment. In the example mentioned above, a fiber processing device can have at least one unit or station that allows a low throughput or, for example, is about to reach a maintenance interval or has exceeded it and can therefore only be operated with a lower power. Accordingly, in order to achieve a production specification (number of pieces per unit of time) for an arrangement of fiber processing devices with such a reduced performance fiber processing device, the performance of the other fiber processing devices in this arrangement must be adjusted.

Furthermore, for example, in a system with at least two fiber processing devices, which are designed as fiber processing devices for providing a pulp, and fiber processing devices designed as fiber shaping devices assigned to them, if one of the at least two fiber processing devices fails, the at least one other fiber processing device can automatically supply pulp to those of the others Fiber shaping devices assigned to the fiber processing device take place. What is important here is that the at least two fiber processing devices preferably exchange specific information with one another continuously and permanently. Alternatively, such an exchange could also take place discontinuously and/or at definable and variable intervals. In addition, the at least two fiber processing devices can also exchange specific information with the fiber shaping devices. For example, consideration can be given to the composition of the pulp required for the fiber forming devices of the different subsystems. For example, in a system with several fiber processing devices, the fiber processing device that is best equipped for this in terms of quantity can then provide the supply of pulp to two subsystems, provided that a corresponding composition can be provided, in which case another fiber processing device must then take over the provision for the subsystem, which was previously supplied by the largest fiber processing facility in terms of quantity. Appropriate additives can be used for this purpose and fluids, materials, etc. are regulated in their supply via pumps, valves, etc., which in turn exchange specific information bidirectionally as components of the fiber processing devices via appropriate interfaces and control devices.

A fiber processing device described herein can therefore always be operated in accordance with current conditions, changes and requirements.

The object is further achieved by a fiber processing system, having at least two fiber processing devices according to the embodiments described above, the at least two fiber processing devices that are connected to one another being controllable via their interfaces in accordance with specific information that can be exchanged with one another.

This results in the advantages as described above for various designs of a system (fiber processing system) with in particular several subsystems (number of fiber processing devices). In such a fiber processing system, a definable result can be ensured regardless of whether, for example, there are failures or a fiber processing device remains below its actual performance capacity, because in the fiber processing system all fiber processing devices exchange specific information with one another bidirectionally and the fiber processing devices, in addition to other control commands, in accordance with the information exchanged with one another specific information can be controlled.

In further embodiments, the fiber processing system can further have at least one control unit, which has at least one measuring device for detecting parameters that include at least a fill level, a flow rate, a time period, a weight and / or a number of processing steps carried out at at least one processing station, whereby the control unit can be controlled and/or monitored in accordance with the recorded parameters. Control devices for the distribution of fibrous material can be controlled and/or monitored. Such control devices can be, for example, pumps, valves, orifices, etc., which serve to regulate the amount of a medium or material that is supplied and/or removed. A measuring device can be, for example, a level sensor, a flow sensor, a time measuring device, a weight measuring device, a counting device for counting the process steps carried out, etc. Control units can be provided centrally or decentrally in a fiber processing plant. Such control units, like the control devices to be controlled, can themselves have interfaces for bidirectional communication for the transmission and exchange of specific information from the control units and/or control devices. In further embodiments, such control units can be part of fiber processing devices. The supply and removal of, for example, pulp, its composition and quantity can be regulated via a control unit.

In further embodiments, the fiber processing device can have at least one storage container which is arranged in front of a fiber processing device and has a supply of pretreated fiber-containing material. This allows, for example, fiber forming devices to be decoupled from fiber processing devices and failures to be further compensated for. In further embodiments, other fiber forming devices and/or fiber processing devices can be fed from the storage containers. The latter can be done, for example, in order to temporarily store a large supply of pulp, for example in a silo of a fiber processing device that is not being operated.

In addition, the above-mentioned object is achieved by a method for controlling a fiber processing system according to the embodiments described above, the fiber processing devices each having at least one processing station for treating a fiber-containing material, a control device and at least one interface, which is for bidirectional communication of the at least two Fiber processing devices are designed and set up with one another, so that at least one processing station of the at least two fiber processing devices for treating a fiber-containing material is controlled in accordance with specific information that is exchanged via the interfaces of the at least two fiber processing devices, the specific information being information about the respective processing fiber processing device and further information related to the production of products of this fiber processing facility.

The control of a fiber processing device in a fiber processing plant is therefore always carried out taking into account and in accordance with the specific information of at least one further fiber processing device. This means that regulation and adjustment are carried out individually ner fiber processing devices also directly under the fiber processing devices, without a central control having to make adjustments in a complex control loop, the adjustment usually taking place in accordance with a recorded parameter. The above method significantly reduces the control effort. The specific information means that not only specific information, for example regarding the temperature of a heating element, is transmitted to the interconnected fiber processing devices, but also a set of information, for example all measurable parameters of the fiber processing device, the at least one processing station as well as the product to be produced and the pulp or a fibrous material. The set can also include control commands and signals. Furthermore, a set can also include environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, etc.) and maintenance intervals, etc. All information in a set defines the specific information of a fiber processing device.

The exchange of special information enables further conclusions to be drawn about the performance of other fiber processing devices and thus a determination of the own performance of a fiber processing device. This allows the processing to be adapted and optimized in advance with regard to the current and future states resulting from the current information. If necessary, it can also be recognized that, for example, a processing station of a fiber processing device will have a drop in performance if, for example, the cycle time for producing a product for the fiber processing device is maintained. In order to prevent or mitigate the drop in performance, other fiber processing devices can be increased in advance in their throughput of products in order to relieve the potentially endangered fiber processing device and to ensure operation over a longer period of time. In particular, in the above example, at least one fiber processing device can be identified that is operating below its performance capacity and is therefore predestined to additionally take over the performance difference of the fiber processing device at risk.

For example, it can be taken into account in advance in a fiber processing plant that maintenance or cleaning, for example of a molding tool, is required, so that the operation of the corresponding fiber processing device and the other fiber processing devices involved in the processing is adjusted or prepared for an adjustment.

In further versions, the specific information can be exchanged at definable intervals or continuously. The definable distances can be, for example, intervals in the range of a few seconds or minutes, depending on the design of the fiber processing device. However, the specific information is preferably exchanged permanently, so that a reaction can be carried out immediately in a fiber processing plant with several fiber processing devices.

• - Anforderungen von beteiligten Medien am Verarbeitungsprozess der mindestens einen Verarbeitungsstation, und/oder
• - den Betriebszustand der mindestens einen Verarbeitungsstation getroffen werden.

In further embodiments, at least one prediction for can be made based on the specific information

• - Requirements from media involved in the processing process of the at least one processing station, and/or
• - the operating state of the at least one processing station can be taken.

For example, based on completed manufacturing steps and further information on parameters such as temperature, etc., a prediction can be made as to when, for example, an internal supply of a medium (e.g. pulp, water, additive, etc.) will be used up. Furthermore, based on the temperature of a tool, the power consumption (e.g. electrical) and an output result, a conclusion can be drawn that the tool in question can or will fail. As a result, various measures arise, such as reducing the output power, distributing it to other fiber processing devices and/or reducing the pulp provided via a fiber processing device.

In further embodiments, the at least one processing station can be controlled in accordance with the at least one prediction made. A prediction made based on the specific information transmitted can be used to control at least one fiber processing device accordingly. The prediction made and a measure provided by a fiber processing device based on the prediction (in the future) can in turn be specific information that is shared with other fiber processing devices and influences them.

In further embodiments, the specific information may include information regarding pressure, temperature, electrical conductivity, volume, thermal conductivity, the operating state and/or the processing speed of at least one component of the at least one processing station, a product to be manufactured or a preliminary product and/or a medium involved in the production. As already stated above, specific information can include further information, for example a set of parameters, measurement results, control signals, environmental conditions, etc. In further embodiments, the specific information can be divided into sets of different parameters and/or categories that receive a weighting, whereby the weighting can be provided for the sets or the individual values associated with the sets. Based on the weighting, in the case of different, possibly conflicting information for the adapted control of a fiber processing device, a decision can be made as to which measure should be taken or in what proportion measures should be taken using the transmitted specific information from another fiber processing device. Specific information can be differently relevant for different types of fiber processing devices, so that, for example, an assignment can be made based on the weighting.

In further embodiments, the specific information can be used to regulate the supply of fibrous material and/or the nature of the fibrous material and to send a request.

In further embodiments, the provision of a fiber-containing material and/or its properties can be changed by at least one fiber processing device in accordance with the request sent. For example, the supply of additives, a fiber-containing material and/or water can be regulated for a fiber processing device in accordance with the request sent. This means that the future provision of pulp is adjusted or prepared in advance in accordance with the request sent.

In further embodiments, in a network with several fiber processing devices that produce at least preforms of fiber-containing products through at least one processing station each, the supply of fiber-containing material and its nature to each of the fiber processing devices can be determined in accordance with specific information of each individual fiber processing device, which is at least for the production of Preforms serve to be regulated.

In further embodiments, the order of switching off and/or activating fiber processing devices for producing products or preforms can be regulated depending on the fill level of a supply of fiber-containing material. For example, several fiber processing devices or fiber forming devices can be switched off gradually when the supply of pulp in a fiber processing plant is running out, with the remaining amount being able to be used to predict the period of time for which which fiber forming devices can still be operated. Since the fiber forming devices in turn also exchange specific information about their own performance, etc. bidirectionally with each other and with the fiber processing device, the distribution and operation of the individual fiber processing devices can be optimized.

In further embodiments, the order of switching off and/or activating fiber processing devices can take place depending on the performance of the fiber processing devices involved in the production of fiber-containing materials.

In further embodiments, the performance can relate to the throughput, pressure, temperature, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity and/or the processing speed of at least one component of at least one processing station, a product to be manufactured or a preliminary product and/or a medium involved in the production.

In further embodiments, at least one additive can be added to a product to be produced and/or a precursor and/or the fiber-containing material in any process step for the production of fiber-containing products, the amount and type of the at least one additive being regulated in accordance with the specific information.

In further embodiments, the amount and type of the at least one additive can be monitored in accordance with the position or state of at least one control device, with control devices themselves in further embodiments being able to have interfaces in order to exchange data or specific information bidirectionally. For example, the position of valves etc. can be monitored to avoid incorrect dosing. A monitoring result may itself serve as specific information that is exchanged with other control devices and/or fiber processing devices.

In further embodiments, fiber processing devices can be connected to one another via pipelines, in which, for example, a pulp is fed as a medium to selected fiber processing devices. Such a line system with pipelines can also have control devices, such as valves, diaphragms, pumps, etc., which regulate the provision and the supply and/or removal of a medium. In further embodiments, pulp can also be exchanged between two fiber processing devices in order, for example, to provide a sufficient supply of pulp for an arrangement with several fiber shaping devices if the fiber processing device assigned to this arrangement has a fault or the supply of pulp has been used up is.

When controlling various fiber processing devices, measures can be taken in response to the specific information exchanged with one another with a time delay.

In further embodiments, in a fiber processing plant with at least two fiber processing devices and fiber shaping devices assigned to them, if one of the at least two fiber processing devices fails and the other fiber processing device also takes over the supply of the fiber shaping devices that are assigned to the failed fiber processing device, as an additional step between the start of the Supply of the additional fiber forming devices and at the end of the supply by the failed fiber processing device, the supply line to the fiber forming devices to be newly supplied is flushed.

In further embodiments, a specific structure may exist between different fiber processing devices, for example fiber processing devices and fiber shaping devices, with one type of fiber processing device (fiber shaping device or fiber processing device) acting as a master and the other type as a client. The type of transmission of control commands can be wireless or electrical, for example wired (e.g. via a network, a bus system or direct wiring, etc.).

In a master-client structure, at least one fiber processing device can serve as a master and allocate the required pulp to the associated fiber forming devices (clients) and control them. In further embodiments, fiber forming devices can also act as masters and request required pulp quantities from assigned fiber processing devices (clients). In further embodiments, an external control unit, which is part of a fiber processing system but not a fiber processing device, can calculate an optimal distribution of the pulp quantities between the different fiber processing devices. In further embodiments, a user can determine the distribution of pulp between fiber processing devices and fiber forming devices and control commands can be transmitted electronically. In further embodiments, control commands can be transmitted from a control unit in text form to fiber processing devices and displayed via a display, with an operator carrying out the specified commands (e.g. changing valves, etc.). However, specific information is exchanged between the fiber processing devices, which forms the basis for the control.

Further features, refinements and advantages result from the following presentation of exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures.

Short description of the characters

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines Anlagensystems mit mehreren Faserformeinrichtungen und Aufbereitungseinrichtungen in einer Ausführung gemäß dem Stand der Technik;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung einer Faserverarbeitungsanlage gemäß der hierin beschriebenen technischen Lehre;
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren Faserverarbeitungsanlage gemäß der hierin beschriebenen technischen Lehre;
• 4 ein Verfahren zum Steuern einer Faserverarbeitungsanlage gemäß der hierin beschriebenen technischen Lehre; und
• 5 eine schematische Darstellung einer noch weiteren Faserverarbeitungsanlage gemäß der hierin beschriebenen technischen Lehre.

In the drawings shows:

• 1 a schematic representation of a plant system with several fiber forming devices and processing devices in an embodiment according to the prior art;
• 2 a schematic representation of a fiber processing system according to the technical teaching described herein;
• 3 a schematic representation of another fiber processing system according to the technical teaching described herein;
• 4 a method for controlling a fiber processing plant in accordance with the technical teachings described herein; and
• 5 a schematic representation of yet another fiber processing system according to the technical teaching described herein.

Character description

In the figures and the description of the figures, the same reference numerals are used for the same components, parts and processes, with components, parts and processes which are not essential to the technical teaching disclosed herein or which are obvious to a person skilled in the art not being explicitly reproduced, repeated or specified. Features specified in the singular are also included in the plural unless explicitly stated otherwise is. This particularly applies to information such as “a” or “an”.

State of the art

In 1 is a schematic representation of a system system 50 with several fiber forming devices 21 to 26 and processing devices 10, 12 shown in an embodiment according to the prior art.

The plant system 50 comprises a first arrangement with a first processing device 10 and fiber shaping devices 21, 22, 23 assigned directly to it, as well as a second arrangement with a second processing device 12 and fiber shaping devices 24, 25, 26 directly assigned to it. The first processing device 10 and the fiber shaping devices 21 , 22, 23 are connected to one another via control and supply lines 30. The second processing device 12 and the fiber forming devices 24, 25, 26 are also connected to one another via control and supply lines 30.

The processing devices 10, 12 serve to provide pulp for the fiber forming devices 21-23 and 24-26 assigned to them via the corresponding control and supply lines 30. The control in the two arrangements of the system 50 takes place starting from the processing devices 10, 12. If a fault occurs in the arrangements or if one of the devices fails, no adjustment can be made. Specifically, this means that, for example, if the processing device 10 or 12 fails, the downstream fiber forming devices 21-23 or 24-26 cannot be operated either because no pulp is being supplied. Furthermore, the failure of at least one fiber forming device 21-24 or 24-26 results in the amount of pulp provided in the processing devices 10, 12 not being adjusted, which can result in pulp remaining in one of the processing devices 10, 12 , which can no longer be processed and therefore must be disposed of. At the same time, the amount of products produced is reduced by the throughput of the failed fiber forming device for the failed time.

It can be seen that the devices and systems known from the prior art are disadvantageous with regard to maintaining manufacturing specifications (throughput) and the use of resources and are therefore not suitable for use, in particular in the production of products made from fibrous material , because resource-saving, sustainable production of environmentally friendly products cannot be achieved.

Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

The following is with reference to the 2 until 5 Exemplary embodiments of the technical teaching described herein are presented, which offer solutions for resource-saving operation of fiber processing systems 10, whereby the components of the fiber processing systems 10 can be operated at their optimum and there are little or no restrictions in the specified manufacturing result.

2 shows a schematic representation of a fiber processing system 100 according to the technical teaching described herein, which has at least two fiber processing devices 210, 220 and several fiber shaping devices 310-360.

The fiber processing devices 210, 220 serve to provide a pulp. Pulp is an aqueous solution that has fibers, the fiber content of the aqueous solution being in a range of 0.5 to 10% by weight. In addition, additives such as starch, chemical additives, wax, etc. and/or dyes may be included. The fibers can be, for example, natural fibers, such as cellulose fibers, or fibers from a fiber-containing original material (e.g. waste paper).

The fiber processing devices 210, 220 offer the possibility of processing pulp in large quantities and making it available to several fiber forming devices 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360. For this purpose, the at least two fiber processing devices 210, 220 have at least one silo or tank in which the pulp is provided. There can be at least one stirrer in the silos or tanks. Stirrers are used to circulate the absorbed liquid pulp and to mix it, for example with added additives. Feed openings can be provided which control the supply of water, fibrous material, dyes and other additives via valves, diaphragms or other control devices. Furthermore, the absorbed liquid/pulp can be heated to achieve better mixing and saturation. For this purpose, heating devices can be provided which are regulated by the control device of the respective fiber processing device 210, 220. In further embodiments, a gas or gas mixture can also be introduced into the liquid pulp.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the fiber forming devices 310-360 serve to produce products from a fiber-containing material, with the pulp provided by the fiber processing devices 210, 220 serving as the starting material for the production of the products. For example, biodegradable cups, capsules, bowls, plates and other molded and/or packaging parts (e.g. as holder/support structures for electronic devices) can be produced via the fiber molding devices 310-360. Since a fibrous pulp with natural fibers is used as the starting material for the products, the products produced in this way can themselves serve as starting material for the production of such products after use or can be composted because they can usually be completely decomposed and do not pose any problems , contain substances that are hazardous to the environment.

For this purpose, the fiber molding devices 310-360 have, for example, molding devices for hot pressing, which produce the desired products under heat and pressure. For example, fibers from a liquid pulp, which is provided in a pulp basin in the fiber molding devices 310-360, can be sucked in via a suction tool and then pressed into preforms via a pre-pressing tool. The pre-pressed preforms are then transferred to a hot press and pressed into finished products. After hot pressing, the products can be filled, printed, coated and/or sealed.

The pulp provided in the fiber processing devices 210, 220 is fed, for example continuously or discontinuously, to a storage container or a pulp basin of the fiber forming devices 310-360 via supply lines. For this purpose, the fiber processing system 100 has control and supply lines 120. The supply lines can be pipes, for example. The supply in the pipes is regulated via control and conveying devices such as pumps, valves, slides, etc. The control line 122 between the fiber processing devices 210, 220 and the control lines in the control and supply lines 120 between the fiber processing devices 210, 220 as well as the fiber processing devices 210, 220 and the individual fiber shaping devices 310-360 serve for the bidirectional exchange of information and for the transmission of control commands between all devices 210, 220 and 310-360. For this purpose, they each have at least one corresponding interface. The interfaces are designed with regard to the communication path between the units 210, 220 and 310-360 as well as the format of the specific information and control commands transmitted. For example, the interfaces can be designed for wireless or wired communication with one another. Communication between the interfaces can take place, for example, via a control BUS or direct wiring. In further embodiments, a WLAN or NFC connection can also be present between the units 210, 220 and 310-360. The format in which the specific information and control commands are transmitted can be based on a protocol designed for the selected connection.

In further versions, the in 2 In the exemplary embodiment shown, there is also at least one pipe connection between the fiber processing devices 210, 220 in order to exchange or transfer, for example, finished pulp, cleaning agents, additives and / or fiber material.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the fiber processing device 210 primarily serves to provide a pulp for the fiber forming devices 310, 320, 330 and the second fiber processing device 220 serves to provide a pulp that is different from the pulp from the fiber processing device 210 in terms of composition, additives and can distinguish further properties from the fiber shaping devices 340, 350, 360. The fiber processing device 210 and the fiber shaping devices 310, 320, 330 thus form a first set (subsystem) and the fiber processing device 220 and the fiber shaping devices 340, 350, 360 thus form a second set (Subsystem) of the fiber processing plant 100. The term “set” is used both for such subsystems and for a set of specific information, the distinction being clear from the description.

As in 2 indicated, the individual sets can also have several fiber forming devices (n; n + m), where n, m ∈ ℕ. In the exemplary embodiment, the number of fiber forming devices is limited to 3 for illustrative purposes. In addition, several sets of a fiber processing device and associated fiber molding devices can also belong to a fiber molding system 100 and can be connected to one another via corresponding control and supply lines 120.

During regular operation of the fiber processing plant 100, the fiber processing plant 210 provides a first pulp to the fiber molding devices 310, 320, 330 and the fiber processing plant 220 provides a second pulp to the fiber molding devices 340, 350, 360.

Specific information is exchanged with one another either at definable intervals or permanently via the interfaces of the devices 210, 220 and 310-360. The specific information includes operating data of the respective devices 210, 220 and 310-360, data and information on the processed products and their precursors, data and information on the pulp provided and processed as well as starting materials and additives therefor, control commands, feedback from control devices of the respective devices 210 , 220 and 310-360 as well as recorded environmental parameters in the immediate vicinity of the facilities 210, 220 and 310-360 or within the facilities 210, 220 and 310-360. The specific information can include, for example, temperatures, pressures, volumes, weights, voltages, currents, resistances, thermal conductivities, counts, etc. What is important is that each device 210, 220 and 310-360 sends its own specific information via its interface to other devices 210, 220 and 310-360 via their interfaces. The specific information received is used by the control devices of the respective received devices 210, 220 and 310-360 to adapt and control their own operation and the processing of pulp or products.

In the embodiment of 2 This means that, for example, if one of the two fiber processing devices 210, 220 fails, the other fiber processing device 210 or 220 can also supply the fiber forming devices 310-330 or 340-360 with pulp. In particular, it is also possible, for example, to gradually switch off the fiber forming devices 310-360 and gradually no longer supply pulp to them if, for example, it has been determined via a fill level sensor in at least one of the fiber processing devices 210, 220 that the pulp fill level falls below a definable threshold value has fallen and therefore the supply of pulp is no longer sufficient for all fiber forming devices 310-360 given the current workload of the fiber forming devices 310-360 supplied with pulp. Here, based on the specific information transmitted by the fiber forming devices 310-360, the workload (performance data) is also known to the other devices 210, 220 and 310-360. The control device of a corresponding fiber processing device 210, 220 or an additional control device in the fiber processing system 100 can then issue a corresponding control command to the at least one relevant fiber shaping device 310-360.

3 shows a schematic representation of another fiber processing system 100 according to the technical teaching described herein. The fiber processing plant 100 according to 3 has like the fiber processing plant 100 from 3 a first set of devices 210, 310-330 and a second set of devices 320, 340-360, whereby further sets can be provided and the respective sets also have several fiber forming devices in addition to the three fiber forming devices 310-330 and 340-360 shown schematically can have.

The embodiment of 3 differs from the embodiment of 2 in that additional control devices 410-460 are provided, each of which is assigned to one of the fiber forming devices 310-360. If there are several fiber forming devices 310-360, several control devices can also be provided. The control devices 410-460 can be, for example, valves which regulate the supply of pulp from the fiber processing devices 210, 220 in accordance with control commands that were created, adjusted or checked based on specific information received. Analogous to the execution of 2 In normal operation, each fiber processing system 210, 220 can only be responsible for the fiber forming devices 310-330, 340-360 of its set. Therefore, the supply can be regulated accordingly via the control devices 410-460, although, as in 3 shown, a pulp line 230 is connected to all control devices 410-460 and a pulp line 240 is connected to all control devices 410-460.

In the fiber processing system 100, all of the devices shown (fiber processing devices 210, 220; fiber forming devices 310-360; control devices 410-460) are connected to one another via corresponding control lines 500 for bidirectional communication and for the exchange of specific information.

The control lines 500 are in 3 shown by the dashed lines. In a BUS system or wireless communication, for example, each of the devices 210, 220, 310-360, 410-460 can communicate directly with another device 210, 220, 310-360, 410-460. This results in various advantages in the operation of a fiber processing plant 100 because, on the one hand, changes in the equipment in the fiber processing plant can be responded to immediately and resource-saving operation is guaranteed, whereby the production result, ie the number of manufactured products per unit of time, can be maintained, even if There is a malfunction in one of the facilities.

4 shows a method 800 for controlling a fiber processing system 100 according to the technical teaching described herein, for example in the 2 , 3 and 5 is shown.

In a first method step 810, processing begins in the fiber processing plant 100. First, the provision of pulp in the fiber processing devices 210, 220 begins. Here, fiber material, water and, if necessary, additives are placed in a silo and mixed there. The fiber processing devices 210, 220 can also, for example, have upstream means for shredding waste paper, fibers or the like. Storage containers for the additives can also be provided. All facilities 210, 220, 310-360, 410-460 have connections for the supply and supply and removal of corresponding media and materials.

After pulp with the required properties in terms of composition and chemical and physical properties is provided in the silos of the fiber processing devices 210, 220, the supply to the fiber forming devices 310-360 can begin. Processing of the corresponding pulp can then begin in the respective fiber forming devices 310-360.

In a method step 820, specific information is permanently recorded by the devices 210, 220, 310-360, 410-460. The recording can include, for example, measuring via sensors, storing control signals (control commands, control voltages, etc.), recording feedback, etc. In this case, parameters can be recorded in a method step 830, which can be optional. As indicated schematically, the parameters cannot include a number (n) of manufacturing steps carried out by the fiber forming devices 310-360 or their processing stations, a measured voltage (U) at a processing station, a current intensity (I), an electrical resistance (Ω), a mass current of a medium (ṁ), a volume flow (V) of a medium, the time (t) for a definable process, and others. In principle, all captureable, storable, measurable or otherwise obtainable information about the facilities 210, 220, 310-360, 410-460, their processes and products or products can be recorded and used to generate specific information.

In a method step 840, the respective device-specific information is then sent and received between all devices 210, 220, 310-360, 410-460. The sending can take place permanently or, in further embodiments of the method 800, at regular or irregular, selectable time intervals, the time intervals being determined, for example, in accordance with further criteria and being adaptable. For example, if selectable parameters or information are exceeded or fallen short of, malfunctions, errors, failures or other impairments may be or become likely, so that the sending of specific information begins in preparation for a corresponding reaction or measure. It can also be useful to switch from sending in sections to sending permanently when such states are detected, provided that the relevant states are present.

In a method step 850, the devices 210, 220, 310-360, 410-460 are regulated/controlled in accordance with the specific information received. Here, regulation/control can be carried out by one of the devices 210, 220, 310-360, 410-460 for at least part of a set or all sets or components of the fiber processing system 100, in which case the existence of certain states is then concluded and the corresponding devices 210, 220, 310-360, 410-460 are controlled by a master device 210, 220, 310-360, 410-460.

In a method step 860, which can be optionally provided, the entire processing process or sub-processes in the fiber processing plant 100 can be monitored based on the specific information sent and received. For example, the position of valves and/or the delivery capacity of pumps can be monitored in order to determine whether a supply quantity, mixing ratio, etc. correspond to a specification.

In a method step 870, measures can be taken based on the previously received specific information and the monitoring results, which themselves may be specific information or part of specific information.

A measure 871 includes controlling valves for supplying pulp to the fiber forming devices 310-360 and between the fiber processing devices 210, 220, depending on feedback of the respective state of the fiber forming devices 310-360 or the specific information sent and received.

A measure 872 involves adjusting the delivery of pulp or additives to an adjusted mass or volume flow to provide. This can be done, for example, in response to an additional supply of several fiber forming devices 310-360.

A measure 873 includes an adjustment of the energy provided or supplied. For example, the required electrical energy for at least one of the devices 210, 220, 310-360, 410-460 can be carried out as a result of a change in an operating state of at least one processing station of a fiber processing device 210, 220 or a fiber shaping device 310-360, the change as specific information was transmitted.

A measure 874 can be a change in the operating state (ON/OFF) of at least one processing station of a fiber processing device 210, 220 or a fiber shaping device 310-360 as a result of transmitted specific information, if, for example, a remaining amount of pulp is only available for a fiber shaping device 310 -360 is enough.

A measure 875 can cause a change in the additives supplied to a pulp if, for example, it has been determined, based on the specific information transmitted by a fiber forming device 310-360, that, for example, a preform or a finished product does not have the desired properties or falls outside a tolerance range .

Further measures 876 may also be taken, which have already been taken above with respect to the methods and fiber processing plants 100 described herein and in a fiber processing plant according to 5 can be provided.

The specific information can be defined in further embodiments by comprising multiple pieces of information about the devices 210, 220, 310-360, 410-460 and/or products/preforms and/or environmental parameters. In even further embodiments, at least two different pieces of information can be recorded for each type (information about the devices 210, 220, 310-360, 410-460; information about products/preforms; information about environmental parameters) and in further embodiments, at least information two of the three types of information mentioned above must be available in order to constitute specific information.

Based on the specific information available, predictions can also be made which predict conditions that are likely to occur. This means that adjustments can be made in advance to the control of the devices involved 210, 220, 310-360, 410-460.

Overall, when designing the devices 210, 220, 310-360, 410-460 and exchanging specific information, it is possible to adapt the control of components of a fiber processing system 100, which is directly based on states, measured values or specific information of other components or facilities 210, 220, 310-360, 410-460.

In further embodiments, a control device can be provided as a central control unit in a fiber processing system 100, which controls the operation of the individual devices 210, 220, 310-360, 410-460. In such a fiber processing plant, one or more fiber forming devices 310-360 can be connected to at least two fiber processing devices 210, 220, as in the 2 , 3 and 5 shown, be connected. The supply is regulated via appropriate control devices and pumps. If one of the at least two fiber processing devices 210, 220 fails, all fiber shaping devices 310-360 can be switched to at least one fiber processing device 210 or 220, for example. In further embodiments, such a switching can take place with a time offset, the time offset being able to be determined from specific information from the devices 210, 220, 310-360, 410-460 involved. For example, the performance of the fiber forming devices 310-360 involved and a remaining supply of pulp can be taken into account.

In further embodiments, fiber processing devices 210, 220 or fiber forming devices 310-360 serve as MASTERs and control the other devices 210, 220, 310-360 (CLIENTS) and regulate the pulp allocation or the pulp request. 6.

In further embodiments, an external system or a computing unit can calculate the optimal distribution of pulp quantities between fiber preparation devices 210, 220 and the fiber forming devices 310-360, which were determined based on the specific information exchanged.

In further embodiments, instead of an external system or computing unit, a user can specify the distribution of pulp between the fiber processing devices 210, 220 and the fiber shaping devices 310-360, with the control commands required for this being sent electronically to the control devices of the devices 210, 220, 310-360, 410 -460 will be transmitted. Also in In such a fiber processing system, after receiving the control commands, specific information is exchanged, which then leads to an automatic adjustment of the individual units 210, 220, 310-360, 410-460 by the control devices of the devices 210, 220, 310-360, 410-460, as in the other methods 800 and fiber processing plants 100 described above and below.

The transmission from a central control unit, like the transmission between the devices 210, 220, 310-360, 410-460, can also take place wirelessly, for example via a radio network. Alternatively, the control commands can be sent from a central control unit in text form to the devices 210, 220, 310-360, 410-460 and operators can change valves, pumps, etc. there.

In a further development of one of the above methods 800, between the start of the supply from a new fiber processing device 210, 220 and the end of the supply with the old fiber processing device 210, 220, a flushing of the supply line from the new fiber processing device 210, 220 to the corresponding fiber shaping devices 310- 360 happen. The corresponding means for rinsing (rinsing liquid, for example water) can be requested in advance, for example, because the failure of the fiber processing device 210, 220 allows for permanent monitoring of the specific information provided to one another. In particular, in further embodiments, learning can also take place by recognizing patterns from a central control unit or at least one of the control devices of the devices 210, 220, 310-360, 410-460 involved in the fiber processing system 100, the patterns having, for example, an increase and /or a drop in certain values and parameters or an accumulation of certain events, which then lead to further consequences at a time interval that can also be learned. Accordingly, if such conditions occur, appropriate measures 871-876 can be initiated at an early stage. The result of measures 871-876 carried out in the past can also be taken into account, so that in the future only measures 871-876 will be selected that will deliver a corresponding or successful result.

5 shows yet another fiber processing system 100, which is compared to the fiber processing systems 100 of 2 and 3 additionally has storage containers 710-760 for pulp for the respective subsequent fiber forming devices 310-360. Each fiber shaping device 310-360 has a supply of pulp for processing, so that a failure of a fiber processing device 210, 220 cannot immediately lead to a supply failure. The storage containers 710-760, like the other devices 210, 220, 310-360, 410-460, can be controlled and have interfaces via which specific information from the storage container 710-760 is sent to the other devices 210, 220, 310-360, 410-460 are transmitted and their specific information is received. If devices 210, 220, 310-360, 410-460 are mentioned above, the associated variants and methods 800 are also included for methods 800 and fiber processing systems 100 with storage containers 710-760 and can be provided accordingly.

In the exemplary embodiment shown 5 The storage containers 710-760 are located directly in front of the fiber forming devices 310-360 and are filled according to the distribution via the control devices 410-460. In further embodiments, corresponding storage containers 710-760 or intermediate containers can also be provided between fiber processing devices 210, 220 and control devices 410-460.

The described methods 800 and fiber processing systems 100 offer the possibility of reacting immediately to failures, disruptions, etc. in order to ensure resource-saving operation and to achieve a specified result.

Reference symbol list

10

first processing facility

12

second processing facility

21-26

Fiber molding device

30

Control and supply lines

50

Plant system

100

Fiber processing plant

120

Control and supply lines

122

Control line

210

first fiber processing device

220

second fiber processing device

230

pulp line

240

pulp line

310-360

Fiber molding device

410-460

Control device

500

Control line

710-760

storage container

800

Proceedings

810-870

Procedural steps

871-876

Measures

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102019127557 A1 [0005]

Claims (17)

Fiber processing device for use in a fiber processing plant for producing products from a fiber-containing material, at least comprising at least one processing station for treating and / or processing a fiber-containing material, a control device and at least one interface, which is for bidirectional communication of the control device with a control device of at least one other Fiber processing device is designed and set up via its at least one interface, wherein specific information can be transmitted and received via the at least one interface to at least one further fiber processing device via its interface, the specific information being information about the respective processing fiber processing device and in connection with the production of products additional information from this fiber processing device, and wherein the fiber processing device can be controlled at least in accordance with the specific information that can be exchanged with one another. Fiber processing system, comprising at least two fiber processing devices Claim 1 , wherein the at least two fiber processing devices that are connected to one another can be controlled via their interfaces in accordance with specific information that can be exchanged with one another. Fiber processing plant Claim 2 , further comprising at least one control unit, which has at least one measuring device for detecting parameters which include at least a fill level, a flow rate, a time period, a weight and / or a number of processing steps carried out, wherein control devices are provided by the control unit in accordance with the detected parameters for the distribution of fibrous material can be controlled and/or monitored. Fiber processing plant Claim 2 or 3 , further comprising at least one storage container (710-760) which is arranged in front of a fiber processing device and has a supply of pretreated fibrous material. Method for controlling a fiber processing plant according to one of Claims 2 until 4 with at least two fiber processing devices, the fiber processing devices each having at least one processing station for treating a fiber-containing material, a control device and at least one interface, which are designed and set up for bidirectional communication between the at least two fiber processing devices, so that at least one processing station of the at least two fiber processing devices for the treatment of a fiber-containing material is controlled in accordance with specific information that is exchanged via the interfaces of the at least two fiber processing devices, the specific information comprising information about the respective processing fiber processing device and further information of this fiber processing device related to the production of products. Procedure according to Claim 5 , whereby the specific information is exchanged at defined intervals or continuously. Procedure according to Claim 6 , wherein based on the specific information at least one prediction is made for - requirements of media involved in the processing process of the at least one processing station, and / or - the operating state of the at least one processing station. Procedure according to Claim 7 , wherein the at least one processing station is controlled in accordance with the at least one prediction made. Procedure according to one of the Claims 5 until 8th , where the specific information is information regarding pressure, temperature, electrical. Conductivity, the volume, the thermal conductivity, the operating state and / or the processing speed of at least one component of the at least one processing station, a product to be manufactured or a preliminary product and / or a medium involved in the production. Procedure according to one of the Claims 5 until 9 , whereby the specific information is used to regulate the supply of fibrous material and/or the nature of the fibrous material and to send a request. Procedure according to Claim 10 , whereby the provision of a fiber-containing material and/or its properties are changed by at least one fiber processing device in accordance with the request sent. Procedure according to one of the Claims 5 until 11 , being in a multi-fiber network processing facilities that produce at least preforms of fiber-containing products through at least one processing station, the supply of fiber-containing material and its nature to each of the fiber processing facilities is regulated in accordance with specific information from each individual fiber processing facility, which is used at least to produce preforms. Procedure according to one of the Claims 5 until 12 , whereby the order of switching off and/or activating fiber processing devices for the production of products or preforms is regulated depending on the fill level of a supply of fiber-containing material. Procedure according to one of the Claims 5 until 13 , whereby the order of switching off and/or activating fiber processing devices takes place in accordance with the performance of the fiber processing devices involved in the production of fiber-containing materials. Procedure according to Claim 14 , wherein the performance relates to the throughput, pressure, temperature, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity and / or the processing speed of at least one component of at least one processing station, a product to be manufactured or a preliminary product and / or a medium involved in the production. Procedure according to one of the Claims 5 until 15 , wherein at least one additive is supplied to a product to be manufactured and/or a precursor and/or the fiber-containing material in any process step for the production of fiber-containing products, and wherein the amount and type of the at least one additive is regulated in accordance with the specific information. Procedure according to Claim 16 , wherein the amount and type of the at least one additive is monitored in accordance with the position or state of at least one control device (410-460).

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