Automation problems

A feasibility study aimed at automating the assembly of trim serews on a ear headlight design revealed diffieulties in handling the eomponents and the assembly proeesses -eomplex assembly strueture, eomplex aeeess, turnover operation and automation problems. 

Real world automation problems discussed along with criteria for solution. 

The most important task in any automation problem is to provide an accurate and detailed specification of the problem. The person most able to tackle this task is the analyst. Very often he or she will have Httle, if any, experience in the general area of automation and computing. This chapter has tried to illustrate how an analyst, in consultation with a... 

Measurement of pH and conductivity for a range of aqueous samples is common in most water laboratories. Surprisingly, many laboratories still use manual methods for these measurements. TTie automation of these techniques is not easy. Two approaches to solve this automation problem, descrihed in this section, both used the same large volume autosampler. 

The concentration of all automation functions within a single computer (Section 7.19.1) may be possible for a very simple plant, but this type of configuration is inefficient for more complex processes for which there could be many thousands of connections between plant and computer. Currently, small industrial processes are controlled by a hierarchical architecture consisting of a central computer (usually a minicomputer), which is used to solve central automation problems, together with a series of peripheral computers (generally microprocessors which are called front-end computers) which control different sections of the plant (Fig. 7.104a). This type of architecture is termed a decentralised computer system. 

Systems that perform the functions of item 2 and are part of an overall on-line (frequentfy real-time as well) health-monit(aing i stem that incorporates vibration monitoring and other monitoring. Such a system uses artificial intelligence techniques to attempt automated problem solving. Such a stem is generally extremely expensive. Typically, these systems cost from about 100,000 per machine train (no discounts for similar trains sometimes) to 250,000 per train. 

There are many other sources of waste associated with process operations which can only be taken care of in the later stages of design or after the plant has been built and has become operational. For example, poor operating practice can mean that the process operates under conditions for which it was not designed, leading to waste. Such problems might be solved by an increased level of automation or better management of the process. These considerations are outside the scope of this text. 

First, the typical characteristics of inspection problems which result in heterogeneous data are presented. Next, typical AI techniques which can be used for the automated data interpretation are presented. The applicabihty of the techniques to various inspection problems is discussed. Two example apphcations for automatic NDT data interpretation are briefly described, and finally, the conclusions are given. 

The technology involved makes recirculating systems expensive to constmct and operate. Redundancy in the system, ie, providing backups for all critical components, and automation are important considerations. When a pump fails, for example, the failure must be instantly communicated to the culturist and the culturist must have the abiUty to keep the system operating while the problem is being addressed. Loss of a critical component for even a few minutes can result in the loss of all animals within the system. 

Conversion of acetaldehyde is typically more than 90% and the selectivity to acetic acid is higher than 95%. Stainless steel must be used in constmcting the plant. This is an estabHshed process and most of the engineering is weU-understood. The problems that exist are related to more extensively automating control of the system, notably at start-up and shutdown, although even these matters have been largely solved. This route is the most rehable of acetic acid processes. 

These methodologies have been reviewed (22). In both methods, synthesis involves assembly of protected peptide chains, deprotection, purification, and characterization. However, the soHd-phase method, pioneered by Merrifield, dominates the field of peptide chemistry (23). In SPPS, the C-terminal amino acid of the desired peptide is attached to a polymeric soHd support. The addition of amino acids (qv) requires a number of relatively simple steps that are easily automated. Therefore, SPPS contains a number of advantages compared to the solution approach, including fewer solubiUty problems, use of less specialized chemistry, potential for automation, and requirement of relatively less skilled operators (22). Additionally, intermediates are not isolated and purified, and therefore the steps can be carried out more rapidly. Moreover, the SPPS method has been shown to proceed without racemization, whereas in fragment synthesis there is always a potential for racemization. Solution synthesis provides peptides of relatively higher purity however, the addition of hplc methodologies allows for pure peptide products from SPPS as well. 

SPC on manufactured products SQC on laboratory operations communicate with corporate CIM system improved QA/QC on products reduced testing costs correlate laboratory analyses and process measurements faster solutions to production problems tested in laboratory faster notification of backlog problems improved electronic data interchange capabiUties automated communication with inventory, ordering, and materials planning systems... 

The Autovibron is the automated version of the Rheovibron (284). It can be purchased in automated form, or the automation system can be added later. Automation improves accuracy and productivity and eliminates the problems and operator dependence of results often associated with the manual instmment. Automation enables the Rheovibron to compete with the other commercial dynamic mechanical instmments. 

Suspended Particle Techniques. In these methods of size enlargement, granular soHds are produced direcdy from a Hquid or semiliquid phase by dispersion in a gas to allow solidification through heat and/or mass transfer. The feed Hquid, which may be a solution, gel, paste, emulsion, slurry, or melt, must be pumpable and dispersible. Equipment used includes spray dryers, prilling towers, spouted and fluidized beds, and pneumatic conveying dryers, all of which are amenable to continuous, automated, large-scale operation. Because attrition and fines carryover are common problems with this technique, provision must be made for recovery and recycling. 

It is not tme either that vinyl is the problem in municipal recycling because it contaminates other resins. Contamination occurs whether or not vinyl is present. Other resins are just as much a contamination problem as vinyl. Except for commingled plastics apphcations, different plastic materials caimot be mixed successfiJly in most recycled products apphcations. This is why it is cmcial to separate efficientiy one plastic from another. Because of the chlorine that is present in it, vinyl lends itself very weU to automated sorting technology. 

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