JP2015062858A - Granule processing unit, and control system of granule processing unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a granule processing unit in which the state can be understood at a remote site, and which allows for setting and modification of a production recipe and manufacturing conditions, and operation of the unit at a site remote from the unit.SOLUTION: A granule processing unit 1 is controlled with a programmable logic controller (PLC) 2 so as to perform treatments such as granulation and coating. The PLC 2 is connected to a personal computer (PC) 4 which is connectable to a network circuit 5. The network circuit 5 is connected to a remote control terminal 6, and the granule processing unit 1 is controlled with the PC 4 or the remote control terminal 6. The PC 4 includes a control software 30 having a function for preparing a production recipe. The PLC 2 operates the granule processing unit 1 such that a desired product can be produced based on the recipe. The remote control terminal 6 allows the control software 30 in the PC 4 to be confirmed or modified, and the granule processing unit 1 to be operated in parallel with confirmation of the actuation state of the unit.

Description

  The present invention relates to a powder processing apparatus controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC), and more particularly to a powder processing apparatus that can be remotely operated by a personal computer (PC) or the like and a control system therefor. .

  Conventionally, control of powder processing apparatuses such as tablet coating apparatuses and granulators has been performed by a control panel including a hard switch, various displays, a timer, and the like, or a control system using a touch panel and a PLC. In such a control system, for each device, a control program is created based on a recipe (prescription) according to the product and processing conditions, and the granular material processing device is sequence-controlled by this program. The control program is customized according to the size and specifications of the apparatus, and when the operator inputs various processing conditions and the like from the touch panel, the apparatus is automatically operated to produce a desired product.

JP-A-5-293353 US Pat. No. 6,629,003

  However, in the conventional control system as described above, the control program is specialized for each device, so if the person in charge changes, the contents of the program cannot be fully understood, and adjustment and correction are difficult There was a problem. Of course, in the conventional control system, the setting conditions can be changed to some extent, but if you want to set more detailed conditions or if there is a change in the recipe, you will need to reconfigure the program. Each time, you need to contact the program creator and request a change.

  In view of this, there has also appeared a system in which software having a function capable of freely creating a recipe is incorporated in a PLC so that it can appropriately cope with changes in processing conditions and recipes. However, even in such a system, since each device is in a stand-alone state, it is necessary to change the recipe for each device, and it is necessary for the person in charge to individually input processing conditions and the like at the site where the device is located. there were. Even in this case, it is necessary to monitor and change the processing conditions individually for each device. If there is a problem with the product due to changes in the material condition, etc., change the condition settings for each device individually Need to do. Accordingly, there is a problem that the operator cannot always leave the apparatus in consideration of the response to the occurrence of defective products.

  In addition, in cases where equipment needs to be adjusted or inspected and maintained, such as when a device malfunctions or a defective product occurs, it is required to actually check the device, and an inspection and maintenance specialist will visit the site. It is necessary to ask directly. Since considerable skill is required to adjust and maintain the powder processing apparatus, there are few human resources and human resource development is not easy. In the inspection and maintenance of equipment, such specialist staff must travel to the local area, and such business trips require transportation and stay expenses, and the equipment cannot be operated during the travel time of the staff. There is also a problem that the production stop state is prolonged. In particular, in the case of overseas facilities, preparation time may be required in addition to travel time such as obtaining a visa, and it may be difficult to dispatch staff to the site due to problems such as political situation, security, infectious diseases, etc. is there.

  It is an object of the present invention to make it possible to grasp the status of the powder processing apparatus even at a place away from the apparatus, and to appropriately set / change production recipes and manufacturing conditions, operate the apparatus, etc. at a place away from the apparatus. It is providing the granular material processing apparatus control system which can be performed.

  The granular material processing apparatus of the present invention is controlled by a programmable logic controller and performs at least one of granulation, coating, mixing, and drying processes on the granular material. The programmable logic controller is connected to a personal computer connectable to a network line, and the particle processing apparatus is connected to the personal computer or the personal computer via the network line It can be controlled by a remote operation terminal.

  In the granular material processing apparatus of the present invention, the programmable logic controller for controlling the granular material processing apparatus and a personal computer are linked, and the personal computer can be accessed from a remote operation terminal via a network. Thereby, control and maintenance of the powder processing apparatus can be performed from a remote operation terminal, and operation control, monitoring, and confirmation of the apparatus by remote operation can be performed without performing large-scale facility construction.

  In the granular material processing apparatus of this invention, you may install control software provided with the function which produces the recipe which shows prescription of the product produced by the said granular material processing apparatus in the personal computer. And you may make it operate the said granular material processing apparatus so that a programmable logic controller may produce a desired product based on the said recipe under control by this control software.

  Further, a plurality of accounts may be set in the control software, and an account having higher access authority may be able to restrict access authority of the lower account regarding the creation and modification of the recipe. As a result, it is possible to prevent a human error such that a person in the lower account mistakenly changes the recipe or changes the setting value from the maintenance screen.

  Furthermore, remote control software may be installed in the personal computer. Then, the control software may be accessed from a remote operation terminal via a network line so that the control software can be confirmed and corrected at the remote operation terminal. Moreover, you may enable it to confirm the operation of the said granular material processing apparatus and its operating condition with a remote operation terminal. As a result, external maintenance (program and recipe correction / confirmation, etc.) by remote control and operation control, monitoring, and confirmation of the device by remote operation are possible.

  The granular material processing apparatus control system of the present invention is a granular material processing apparatus that performs at least one of granulation processing, coating processing, mixing processing, and drying processing on the granular material, A control unit having a programmable logic controller for controlling the powder processing apparatus, a personal computer connected to the programmable logic controller, and a remote operation terminal connected to the personal computer via a network line, And the operation of the powder processing apparatus is controlled by the personal computer or the remote operation terminal.

  In the control system of the present invention, the programmable logic controller that controls the powder processing apparatus is linked to the personal computer, and the personal computer can be accessed from the remote operation terminal via the network. Thereby, control and maintenance of the powder processing apparatus can be performed from a remote operation terminal, and operation control, monitoring, and confirmation of the apparatus by remote operation can be performed without performing large-scale facility construction.

  According to the granular material processing apparatus of the present invention, the programmable logic controller for controlling the granular material processing apparatus is connected to a personal computer connectable to a network line, and the granular material processing apparatus is connected to a personal computer or a personal computer. Can be controlled by a remote operation terminal connected to the network via a network line, so that the remote control terminal can be used to control and maintain the powder processing equipment, and without remote equipment construction. Operation control, monitoring, and confirmation of the device can be performed by operation.

  According to the granular material processing apparatus control system of the present invention, the granular material processing apparatus, a programmable logic controller that controls the granular material processing apparatus, a personal computer connected to the programmable logic controller, and a network to the personal computer A remote control terminal connected via a line, and the personal computer or the remote control terminal controls the operation of the powder processing apparatus, so the control of the powder processing apparatus from the remote control terminal It is possible to perform operation control, monitoring, and confirmation of the apparatus by remote operation without performing large-scale equipment construction.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the granular material processing apparatus control system which is one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the programmable logic controller used with the control system of FIG.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of a granular material processing apparatus control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This system links a programmable logic controller (hereinafter referred to as PLC) and a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as PC), and enables control and maintenance of the powder processing apparatus 1 from outside via a network. The granular material processing apparatus 1 is an apparatus that performs at least any one of the processes such as granulation, coating, mixing, stirring, and drying of the granular material. For example, the granular material processing apparatus 1 coats the granular material such as a tablet. A pan coating apparatus or the like that performs processing is used.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a control unit 3 having a PLC (sequencer: product name) 2 is connected to the powder processing apparatus 1. The PLC 2 includes various measuring devices (a supply thermometer 11, a pan static pressure meter 12, an exhaust thermometer 13, a supply air flow meter 14, a pan rotation sensor 15, etc.) and various devices (liquids). A pump 16, a pan motor 17, an exhaust fan 18, an air supply fan 19, a spray air supply device 20 and the like) are connected. A PC 4 is connected to the PLC 2, and the PC 4 is connected to a remote operation terminal 6 via a network line 5. In FIG. 1, one powder particle processing apparatus 1 is connected to the PC 4, but a plurality of powder particle processing apparatuses 1 can be connected to the PC 4.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the PLC 2. The PLC 2 includes a CPU 21, a RAM 22, and a ROM 23 storage unit. The CPU 21 operates various devices in accordance with the processing program stored in the storage unit while referring to the measurement values from the various measuring devices, and controls the operation of the powder processing apparatus 1. The RAM 22 and the ROM 23 store various information and processing programs related to the granular material processing apparatus 1. This information includes (1) attribute information of the powder processing device, (2) processing conditions, (3) operating status data (4) operating status, (5) product quality data, and (6) device history information. Etc. are included. Among these, for example, information (1), (2), and (6) and processing programs are stored in the ROM 23, and other (3), (4), and (5) are read and stored in the RAM 22 as needed.

  (1) As the attribute information of the granular material processing apparatus, the unique ID of the granular material processing apparatus 1, product information, and the like are stored. As the unique ID, a different number is set for each granular material processing apparatus, and one granular material processing apparatus is specified by specifying the number. The product information stores the type and product number (for example, P company tablet; product number 0001A) of the product manufactured by the powder processing apparatus 1, the material name, and the like.

  (2) As processing conditions, manufacturing setting conditions such as supply air temperature, supply air volume, and pan rotation speed are written corresponding to each product. In this case, various processing conditions can be set in correspondence with the powder processing apparatus ID in consideration of the characteristics and compatibility of each powder processing apparatus. (3) The operation status data is created based on input data from various measuring instruments. These data are constantly monitored in real time. When the temperature and pressure in the apparatus deviate from preset standard values, an alarm is displayed on the PC 4. This alarm can also be transmitted as an e-mail to the remote operation terminal 6 via the network line 5. From the PC 4 or the remote operation terminal 6 (hereinafter abbreviated as PC 4 or the like), an apparatus stop command can be issued in response to this alarm.

  (4) The apparatus operating status is data indicating the operating status of the powder processing apparatus 1, and the product type (product number) currently being manufactured using the powder processing apparatus 1, the number of products, etc. are written in the RAM 22. . This data can also be viewed from the PC 4 or the like. When there are various events such as when production is completed or when an operation alarm is issued, a message to that effect is displayed on the PC 4 and an email to that effect is sent to the remote control terminal 6.

  (5) As the product quality data, quality information, NG history information, etc. of the product for each batch are stored. For example, even in the same product, there may be a slight difference in product quality. Here, such product quality data is accumulated for each product so that optimum processing conditions can be set quickly. The data can also be viewed from the PC 4 or the like, and when the product is specified by the PC 4 or the like, this data is referred to, and the optimum processing condition can be searched or set.

  (6) The device history information includes the production date, maintenance history, recipe change history, usage history, number of uses, etc. of the powder processing apparatus 1, and is stored in correspondence with the ID of the device. The processing conditions of the powder processing apparatus 1 may change slightly depending on the number of times of use and aging. In addition, the product recipe may be changed at the request of the customer. Therefore, in the granular material processing apparatus 1, various histories of the apparatus are individually stored in the RAM 22, so that it is possible to accurately cope with recipe changes and the arrival of maintenance time. These data can also be viewed from the PC 4 or the like, and the arrival of the maintenance time is notified to the PC 4 or the like.

  As described above, the PC 4 is connected to the PLC 2, and the PLC 2 is controlled by the control software 30 installed in the PC 4. The control software 30 includes SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition: for example, iFix manufactured by GE) for performing system monitoring and process control by the PC 4, programming language VB (Visual Basic: for example, VB6), PC4, and PLC2. It is the structure provided with RS Linx (brand name) used for communication between. The control software 30 of this embodiment is basically commercially available software, and operates on a PC on which a Windows (registered trademark) OS is installed. For this reason, the versatility of the system is high, and the system can be constructed at a low price.

  A mouse 31, a keyboard 32, and a printer 33 are connected to the PC 4, and the control operation of the particle processing apparatus 1 can be performed with the mouse 31 and the keyboard 32. Also, by operating the PC 4, information and processing programs in the RAM 22 and ROM 23 of the PLC 2 can be appropriately modified and changed from the PC 4 side. The control software 30 has a recipe creation function that can set fine processing conditions and the like from 1, and can create a recipe according to the processing conditions using the PC 4 without requesting the program production company. The newly created recipe can be written from the PC 4 to the ROM 23 of the PLC 2, and a recipe and processing conditions suitable for the customer's product can be appropriately created and executed. Therefore, even when the recipe is changed, a new recipe can be easily created or changed, and the labor for changing the recipe can be greatly reduced.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the PC 4 is connected to a network line 5 such as the Internet. Software for remote control is installed in the PC 4, and the PC 4 can be connected to the remote operation terminal 6 via the network line 5. As the remote operation terminal 6, in addition to a PC (desktop, notebook), a tablet PC or a personal digital assistant (PDA) such as a smartphone can be used. The remote control terminal 6 is also installed with the same software for remote control as the PC 4. If the PC 4 and the remote control terminal 6 are connected to the Internet, the remote control terminal 6 can control the powder processing apparatus 1. The recipe can be changed.

  In this way, this control system allows remote operation control, monitoring, and confirmation of equipment without extensive equipment construction, etc., and external maintenance by remote control (modification and confirmation of programs and recipes, etc.) ) Is also possible. Therefore, even if a problem occurs in the program, it is possible to grasp and confirm the situation of the problem by accessing the PC 4 that controls the apparatus without going to the place where the powder processing apparatus 1 is installed. can do. In addition, it is possible to easily deal with problems and the like even from a remote location. At that time, by making the control software 30 installed in the PC 4 common to each particle processing apparatus to be managed, it becomes easy to find and correct problems. In addition, if there are any unclear points regarding the recipe change, the person in charge of the manufacturer can access the PC 4 to grasp the situation and accurately create a recipe that meets the customer's request. Become.

  In this system, it is possible to collectively adjust a plurality of powder processing apparatuses and to set optimum manufacturing conditions for each apparatus. This condition setting is executed by remote operation from the PC 4 or the like, and it is not necessary for a professional staff to go to each device. Therefore, even in remote equipment such as overseas, it is possible to easily adjust equipment and set optimal processing conditions without dispatching specialist staff, eliminating problems such as business trip expenses, time lag, and difficult dispatch. It becomes possible to do.

  In such a control system, the operation state of the powder processing apparatus 1 is recorded for each batch. The operating status of the equipment connected to the PLC 2 and the measured values in the measuring instrument (thermometer, flow meter, etc.) are automatically recorded in both cases of manual control / automatic control. The operation record of the apparatus can be output / viewed in a report form later by a report creation function incorporated in the control software 30 of the PC 4, and this information can also be acquired by the remote operation terminal 6. Since the operation records of the devices in the system are stored as data that cannot be falsified artificially, the reliability of the data is high and the production management is enhanced.

  On the other hand, in the control system of this embodiment, a plurality of accounts can be set in the control software 30. In this case, the account having the highest access authority can freely set the access authority of other accounts. For example, the access authority can be restricted so that the lower-level account cannot change the driving recipe or change various setting values. By providing such restrictions, on-site workers can concentrate exclusively on the work of each process such as granulation, coating, and discharging, and the recipe change is performed at a different place by a superior person Forms are also possible. As a result, it is possible to prevent a human error in which an on-site worker of a lower account accidentally changes a recipe or changes a setting value from the maintenance screen.

  Furthermore, since the system can be operated from a remote location, unattended operation is also possible. At that time, the temperature, pressure, and the like in the granular material processing apparatus 1 are monitored based on signals from various measuring instruments and displayed on the PC 4 or the like. On the PC4 etc. side, the in-device data being processed is checked to see if the value is as expected. At that time, if the in-device data is unexpected, the processing conditions can be changed as appropriate from the PC 4 or the like. The changed processing condition is sent to the PLC 2 and stored in the RAM 22 as a condition history. That is, in this system, it is also possible to set optimal processing conditions while grasping the actual state in the apparatus from a remote place.

  Also, if there is any trouble during production, that fact is displayed on the PC 4 or the like. In that case, the granular material processing apparatus 1 can be urgently stopped from the PC 4 or the like. When a defective product occurs, the cause can also be investigated with reference to processing conditions and quality data. The quality data includes past NG history information, and it may be possible to identify the cause of the failure by comparing the generated failure state with the NG history. If the cause of the defect is specified, the countermeasure can be easily taken with reference to the handling history included in the quality data.

  On the other hand, in recent years, containment devices and facilities for reducing the level of drug exposure to workers to the limit have attracted attention. The cost of these facilities increases as the demand for perfection increases, and the cost naturally rebounds from the manufacturing cost. On the other hand, in this system, from the start of granulation / coating to discharging and cleaning can be performed by remote control, and there is no need for an operator to be on-site during that time. In particular, if a monitoring means such as a web camera is further provided, the apparatus can be operated while checking the site on a desk. Accordingly, it is possible to greatly reduce the risk of drug exposure to operating workers and to improve the working environment.

  Further, since the status of the apparatus can be confirmed and operated by a remote operation terminal 6 such as a tablet PC, for example, the powder processing apparatus 1 can be operated through a window from a neighboring room or a corridor where the apparatus can be seen. It becomes possible. In this case, since the worker can directly view the apparatus, the field of view is wider than that of the camera, and even when the apparatus is abnormal, it is easy to find it. In addition, because it is close to the site, it is easy to respond quickly to abnormal situations. Therefore, it is possible to perform the operation while reducing the exposure risk while looking at the actual device, and it is possible to perform more reliable process control than simple unattended operation.

It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the particle processing apparatus is connected to the PC and further connected to the remote operation terminal 6 via the Internet line is shown. However, the PC 4 is connected to a network line such as an intranet in a company. The control system may be constructed in units such as in-house or in a factory. In the above-described system, the configuration in which various types of information are stored in the RAM 22 and the ROM 23 in the PLC 2 has been described. However, the above-described information (1) to (6) can be stored and managed on the PC 4 side. Yes, an information processing device may be provided in the control unit 3 in addition to the PLC 2, and these pieces of information may be stored and processed there.

  The present invention can be applied to a powder processing apparatus for manufacturing foods, fertilizers, and the like in addition to a powder processing apparatus for performing granulation coating such as tablets.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Powder processing apparatus 2 Programmable logic controller (PLC)
3 Control unit 4 Personal computer (PC)
5 Network line 6 Remote control terminal 11: Supply air thermometer 12 Pan static pressure meter 13 Exhaust thermometer 14 Supply air flow meter 15 Pan rotation sensor 16 Liquid pump 17 Pan motor 18 Exhaust fan 19 Supply fan 20 Spray air supply device 21 CPU
22 RAM
23 ROM
30 Control software 31 Mouse 32 Keyboard 33 Printer

Claims (6)

It is controlled by a programmable logic controller, and is a granular material processing apparatus that performs at least any one of granulation processing, coating processing, mixing processing, and drying processing on the granular material,
The programmable logic controller is connected to a personal computer connectable to a network line,
The granular material processing apparatus can be controlled by the personal computer or a remote operation terminal connected to the personal computer via the network line. In the granular material processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The personal computer has control software having a function of creating a recipe indicating a prescription of a product produced by the powder processing apparatus,
The said programmable logic controller operates the said granular material processing apparatus so that the said product may be produced based on the said recipe under control by the said control software, The granular material processing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. In the granular material processing apparatus according to claim 2,
A plurality of accounts can be set in the control software,
The granular material processing apparatus characterized in that an account having a higher access authority can limit access authority of a lower account with respect to creation and change of the recipe. In the granular material processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3,
The personal computer is installed with software for remote control,
The remote control terminal is capable of accessing the control software via the network line, and confirming and correcting the control software. In the granular material processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The personal computer is installed with software for remote control,
The powder processing apparatus, wherein the remote operation terminal is capable of operating the powder processing apparatus and confirming its operation status via the network line. A granular material processing apparatus that performs at least one of granulation processing, coating processing, mixing processing, and drying processing on the granular material, and
A control unit including a programmable logic controller for controlling the powder processing apparatus;
A personal computer connected to the programmable logic controller;
A remote operation terminal connected to the personal computer via a network line,
The granular material processing apparatus control system, wherein operation control of the granular material processing apparatus is performed by the personal computer or the remote operation terminal.

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