Adaptive bulk material feeding system for extrusion processes (P.454982)

Description: An adaptive bulk material feeding system that automatically controls material flow in extrusion processes. Using sensors and real-time feedback, it ensures stable production, reduces waste, and improves product quality and energy efficiency.

Modern extrusion processes require precise and stable feeding of bulk materials such as plastic granules. Conventional systems often struggle with material variability, leading to unstable flow, pressure fluctuations, product defects, and energy losses. The proposed invention is an adaptive bulk material feeding system that automatically regulates the flow of material into the mixing chamber of an extruder. It uses multiple level sensors and a movable valve controlled in real time to maintain an optimal amount of material in the system. This intelligent control allows the system to continuously adjust to changing process conditions and material properties, ensuring stable operation without the need for manual calibration. It also enables early detection of irregularities such as clogging or lack of material. As a result, the system improves process stability, reduces downtime and material waste, enhances product quality, and increases energy efficiency. Its compact and modular design allows easy integration into modern automated and Industry 4.0 production systems.

Organisation: Lublin University of Technology

Innovator(s): Marcin Buczaj, Karolina Głogowska, Janusz Sikora, Andrzej Sumorek, Rafał Stęgierski, Dušan Manduľák, Povilas Padleckas

Category: Industry 4.0

Country: Poland