A method for adaptively controlling the flow rate of material at the inlet of shredded stem flavoring

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for adaptively controlling the flow rate of a flavoring inlet of cut stems, which is applied to the cut stem processing step of tobacco industry shredded tobacco. A metering tube and an electronic scale are provided between the cut stem drying and the cut stem flavoring steps. The metering tube is provided with photoelectric tubes for detecting high, medium, and low material levels. Based on the high, medium, and low material levels detected by the photoelectric tubes, when none of the high, medium, and low material levels detect material, the flow rate of the flavoring inlet is reduced; when the low material level photoelectric tube detects material, the flow rate of the flavoring inlet is not adjusted; and when the medium or low material level photoelectric tubes detect material, the flow rate of the flavoring inlet is increased. This method differentially controls the flow rate of the flavoring inlet based on the high, medium, and low material level detected by the photoelectric tubes, avoids frequent flow rate adjustments, ensures a relatively stable flow rate of the cut stem flavoring inlet, and stabilizes the inherent quality of the cigarette product.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the field of tobacco industry shredded tobacco processing, and particularly relates to an automatic control method for a material flow rate at a flavoring inlet in a shredded tobacco stem processing procedure. Background Art

[0002] In the tobacco industry's tobacco-making process, there's no temporary storage or buffering device between the stem drying and flavoring steps. Only a small amount of buffer is stored in the flavoring inlet metering pipe. To ensure process stability and prevent blockage in the air delivery pipe after drying, the flow rate at the flavoring inlet is calculated based on the flow rate at the stem drying inlet. This flow rate is then controlled to ensure real-time matching between the two flow rates, ensuring continuous processing of both steps.

[0003] The existing method for controlling the flow rate of the shredded stem flavoring inlet is to pre-set the flow rate on the electronic scale before flavoring, and then manually adjust the set matching value based on the system's preset value. If the high material level detects the presence of material for 3 seconds, the inlet material flow rate is automatically increased by 200 kg / h. If the mid-level photoelectric tube detects the presence of material for 3 seconds, the system determines that the front-end flow is oversupplied. At this point, the flow rate of the shredded stem flavoring inlet is automatically increased by 100 kg / h based on the matching value, increasing the flow rate. If the mid-level photoelectric tube detects that the material is empty for 3 seconds, the system determines that the front-end flow rate is normal, and the flow rate of the shredded stem flavoring inlet is restored to the matching value. If the flow rate is insufficient, manual adjustment is required.

[0004] Although the existing control method can achieve self-control, it only controls high and medium material levels and has no control over low material levels. Moreover, after detecting the presence of material for 3 seconds, the flow rate is increased or decreased based on the matching value without buffering. The received false signals are not filtered, resulting in frequent flow adjustments, fluctuations in the fragrance flow rate, and poor fragrance uniformity. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the problem of large differences and fluctuations in the original flow control of cut stem flavoring in the tobacco production process, and to provide a safe, reliable and stability-enhancing cut stem flavoring inlet material flow adaptive control method.

[0006] The present invention provides a method for adaptively controlling the flow rate of material at a flavoring inlet of cut stems, which is applied to the cut stem processing step of tobacco industry. A metering tube and an electronic scale are provided between the cut stem drying and the cut stem flavoring steps. The metering tube is provided with a photoelectric tube for detecting high, medium, and low material levels. At the start of the cut stem processing step, the electronic scale delivers the cut stems according to the initial flow rate of the flavoring inlet material. The material flow rate is then adjusted according to the high, medium, and low material levels detected by the photoelectric tube as follows:

[0007] When the photoelectric tubes at high, medium and low material levels do not detect the material, reduce the material flow at the aromatherapy inlet;

[0008] When the photoelectric tube of low material level detects the material, the material flow rate of the flavoring inlet is not adjusted;

[0009] When the photoelectric tubes at medium and low material levels detect the material, the material flow at the fragrance inlet is increased.

[0010] The method for adaptively controlling the flow rate of the material at the flavoring inlet of the cut stems disclosed herein controls the flow rate of the material at the flavoring inlet differently based on the photoelectric tube detection conditions of the high, medium, and low material levels of the metering tube, thereby avoiding frequent flow rate adjustments. This ensures a relatively stable flow rate of the material at the flavoring inlet of the cut stems, ensures continuous material flow and prevents material blockage, improves the stability of the flavoring process of the cut stems, reduces the standard deviation during the flavoring process, and stabilizes the intrinsic quality of the cigarette products.

[0011] Preferably, when the photoelectric tube of the high material level detects the material, the valve of the shredded stem drying outlet is opened to prevent the occurrence of material blockage.

[0012] Preferably, when the shredded stem processing step is started, the electronic scale is activated only after the shredded stems are conveyed at an initial flow rate of the flavoring inlet material for a preset time.

[0013] More preferably, the electronic scale is started for a preset time and then adjusts the material flow rate according to the high, medium and low material levels detected by the photoelectric tube.

[0014] Preferably, when the photoelectric tubes of the high, medium and low material levels do not detect the material, the material flow rate at the flavoring inlet is reduced after a preset time delay;

[0015] Preferably, when the photoelectric tubes of the middle and low material levels detect the material, the material flow rate at the flavoring inlet is increased after a delay of a preset time.

[0016] Preferably, when the photoelectric tubes at the high, medium and low material levels do not detect any material, the material flow rate at the flavoring inlet is reduced according to the first flow rate value;

[0017] Preferably, when the photoelectric tubes at the middle and low material levels detect the material, the material flow at the flavoring inlet is increased according to the second flow value.

[0018] More preferably, when the photoelectric tube at the middle material level flashes off multiple times cumulatively within a preset time, the material flow rate of the flavoring inlet is increased according to a third flow rate value, and the third flow rate value is less than the second flow rate value.

[0019] The present invention automatically adjusts the inlet material flow rate based on the photoelectric sensors indicating high, medium, and low material levels in the metering tube, controlling the flow rate in stages and material levels. This eliminates false signals, enhances control over low material levels, and improves the stability of the inlet material flow rate for flavoring cut stems. It avoids the drawbacks of large fluctuations in flavoring flow rate and low instantaneous flavoring ratio qualification rates caused by human control differences and large fluctuations, thereby stabilizing the inherent quality of cigarette products. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the process flow of the tobacco industry's shredded stems.

[0021] Figure 2 State diagram of the high, medium and low material level photoelectric tube detection of the metering tube of the adaptive control method of the material flow of the cut stem flavoring inlet of the present invention

[0022] Figure 3 This is a flow chart of another embodiment of a method for adaptively controlling the material flow rate at a shredded stem flavoring inlet according to the present invention.

[0023] Description of main component symbols:

[0024] High material level photoelectric tube P1, medium material level photoelectric tube P2, low material level photoelectric tube P3 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] In order to clearly describe the present invention, it will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a method for adaptively controlling the flow rate of material at a flavoring inlet of cut stems, which is applied to the cut stem processing step of tobacco industry shredded tobacco. A metering tube and an electronic scale are provided between the cut stem drying and the cut stem flavoring steps. At the start of the cut stem processing step, the electronic scale conveys the cut stems according to the initial flow rate X of the material at the flavoring inlet. The direction of the arrow indicates the direction of cut stem conveyance.

[0027] like Figure 2 As shown, the metering tube is provided with a high-level photoelectric tube P1, a middle-level photoelectric tube P2, and a low-level photoelectric tube P3 for detecting the material level; when the high, middle, and low-level photoelectric tubes detect material (with obstruction), the value is 1, and when no material is detected (without obstruction), the value is 0. Figure 2 A, B, C, and D are schematic diagrams of high, medium, and low material level photoelectric tubes respectively, and the gray area is the material.

[0028] The method to adjust the material flow is:

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown in A, when P1=0, P2=0, P3=0, the photoelectric tubes of high, medium and low material levels do not detect the material, indicating insufficient material supply, and the material flow rate of the flavoring inlet is reduced;

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown in B, when P3=1, the photoelectric tube of the low material level detects the material, the material level is appropriate, and the material flow rate of the flavoring inlet is not adjusted;

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown in C, when P2=1 and P3=1, the photoelectric tubes at the middle and low material levels detect the material, indicating that the incoming material is sufficient, and the material flow at the flavoring inlet is increased to avoid blockage.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown in D, when P1=1, P2=1, and P3=1, the photoelectric tube at the high material level detects material and is about to be blocked, and the valve at the stem drying outlet is opened to prevent blockage.

[0033] like Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of another embodiment of a method for adaptively controlling the flow rate of a material at an inlet of shredded stem flavoring according to the present invention.

[0034] Figure 3 The method for adaptively controlling the flow rate of the material inlet of the shredded stem flavoring is shown in FIG. Figure 1 The tobacco industry shows a cut stem processing process, in which a metering tube and an electronic scale are provided between the cut stem drying process and the cut stem flavoring process. The arrow indicates the direction of the cut stem conveyance.

[0035] This method divides the adjustment process into the initial stage, the first adjustment stage, and the automatic adjustment stage. X represents the initial material flow rate at the flavoring inlet, and Y represents the flow rate measured by the electronic scale at the cut stem drying inlet. A photoelectric sensor value of 0 for the high, medium, and low material levels indicates no material detected (unobstructed), while a value of 1 indicates material detected (obstructed).

[0036] The initial stage is when production starts. Set the initial flow rate of the aromatherapy inlet material to X = Y-810, and start the electronic scale to transfer the material according to X. The electronic scale can be started 10 seconds after production starts, or 10 seconds after the photoelectric signal of the middle material level photoelectric tube P2 of the metering tube is generated.

[0037] When the electronic scale starts running, press X to transfer materials. After a delay of 30 seconds, it enters the first adjustment stage.

[0038] During the first adjustment phase, the electronic scale has already started feeding. Adjustments are made based on the status of the photoelectric tubes P1, P2, and P3 indicating the high, medium, and low material levels of the metering tube.

[0039] (a) When P1=0, P2=0, and P3=0, the photoelectric tubes at the high, medium, and low material levels do not detect any material, indicating insufficient material supply. This state lasts for 30 seconds, and the material flow rate X at the flavoring inlet decreases by 30 kg / h, entering the automatic adjustment stage.

[0040] (b) When P2=1 and P3=1, P3=0, the photoelectric tubes at the middle and low material levels detect the material, indicating that the incoming material is sufficient. This state lasts for 30 seconds, and the material flow rate X at the aromatherapy inlet increases by 30 kg / h to avoid blockage, and the system enters the automatic adjustment stage.

[0041] (c) When P3=1, P1=0, P2=0, the photoelectric tube of the low material level detects the material, the material level is appropriate, and the flow rate of the material at the flavoring inlet is not adjusted. X=the initial flow rate of the material at the flavoring inlet.

[0042] After the first adjustment, the material flow rate X at the flavoring inlet is adjusted and enters the automatic adjustment stage.

[0043] During the automatic adjustment phase, the photoelectric tubes for the high, medium, and low material levels maintain continuous detection values ​​(continuously blocked). The material flow rate at the aromatherapy inlet is adjusted based on four parameters: P2 increment duration t1, P2 flow increase value v1, P3 decrement duration t2, and P3 flow decrease value v2. The specific values ​​for these four parameters can be set based on the material grade or product information, or the initial adjustment values ​​can be used. After entering the automatic adjustment phase, when the P2 flow increase value v1 and the P3 flow decrease value v2 are less than the initial adjustment values, material flow control becomes more stable.

[0044] The adjustment method in the automatic adjustment stage is:

[0045] (d) When P1=0, P2=0, and P3=0, the photoelectric tubes of high, medium, and low material levels do not detect any material, indicating insufficient material supply. The state lasts for t2 (i.e., P3 decreases for t2), and the P3 flow rate automatically decreases by v2;

[0046] (e) When P2=1, P3=1, P3=0, the photoelectric tube of the high material level is not blocked, and the photoelectric tubes of the medium and low material levels are blocked for t1 (i.e., P2 increases for t1). If the incoming material is sufficient, the P2 flow rate will automatically increase by v1.

[0047] Application example: t1=70s; v1=25kg / h; t2=60s; v2=20kg / h.

[0048] (f) When P3=1, P1=0, P2=0, the photoelectric tubes of high and medium material levels are not blocked, the photoelectric tube of low material level is blocked, the material level is appropriate and no adjustment is required.

[0049] In addition to the above situations, if the photoelectric tube P2 at the mid-level is intermittently blocked but not continuously, a flash-off condition may occur. If this condition occurs three times within five minutes, the material flow rate X at the aromatherapy inlet can be increased by 20 kg / h. If the photoelectric tube P2 at the mid-level is continuously blocked for a period of time, it indicates sufficient material and impending congestion. A small increase in the material flow rate X at the aromatherapy inlet can prevent congestion and stabilize material flow.

[0050] In addition to the above situations, the status combinations of the three material level photoelectric tubes can also be processed as shown in the following table:

[0051]

[0052] According to the table, the status combinations are actually divided into two levels: normal and special. Since the probability of special occurrence is very small, the special status has both material prompts and control logic. This method reduces the number of process shutdowns and improves product quality stability.

[0053] The present invention automatically adjusts the inlet material flow rate based on the photoelectric sensors indicating high, medium, and low material levels in the metering tube, controlling the flow rate in stages and material levels. This eliminates false signals, enhances control over low material levels, and improves the stability of the inlet material flow rate for flavoring cut stems. It avoids the drawbacks of large fluctuations in flavoring flow rate and low instantaneous flavoring ratio qualification rates caused by human control differences and large fluctuations, thereby stabilizing the inherent quality of cigarette products.

Claims

1. A method for adaptively controlling the material flow rate at the cut stem flavoring inlet, which is applied to the cut stem processing step of tobacco industry, wherein a metering tube and an electronic scale are provided between the cut stem drying and the cut stem flavoring steps, and is characterized in that: The metering tube is equipped with photoelectric tubes for detecting high, medium and low material levels; The material adjustment process is divided into: initial stage, first adjustment stage and automatic adjustment stage; Initial stage: The initial stage is when production starts, the initial flow rate of the flavoring inlet material is set, the electronic scale is started to transmit the material according to the initial flow rate of the flavoring inlet material, and after a preset delay time, it enters the first adjustment stage; First adjustment phase: According to the high, medium and low material levels detected by the photoelectric tube, adjust the material flow rate as follows: When the photoelectric tubes at high, medium and low material levels do not detect the material, the material flow at the flavoring inlet is reduced and the system enters the automatic adjustment stage; when the photoelectric tube at the low material level detects the material, the material flow at the flavoring inlet is not adjusted. When the photoelectric tubes at the middle and low material levels detect the material, the material flow at the flavoring inlet is increased and the system enters the automatic adjustment stage; Automatic adjustment phase: When the photoelectric tubes of high, medium and low material levels continuously detect materials, they are adjusted according to four parameters: the duration of the medium material level photoelectric tube detecting materials, the increase in the material flow rate at the flavoring inlet, the duration of the low material level photoelectric tube not detecting materials, and the decrease in the material flow rate at the flavoring inlet; When the duration of the low material level photoelectric tube not detecting the material is greater than the preset value, it means that the material supply is insufficient, and the material supply is reduced according to the material flow reduction value of the flavoring inlet; When the middle material level photoelectric tube detects that the material lasts longer than the preset value, it means that the incoming material is sufficient, and the material supply is increased according to the increase in the material flow rate at the flavoring inlet; When the high and medium material level photoelectric tubes do not detect material, and the low material level photoelectric tube detects material, the material level is appropriate and no adjustment is required.

2. The method for adaptively controlling the flow rate of the material at the shredded stem flavoring inlet according to claim 1, wherein: When the photoelectric tube of the high material level detects the material, the valve of the shredded stem drying outlet will be opened after a preset time.

3. The method for adaptively controlling the flow rate of the material at the cut stem flavoring inlet according to claim 1, wherein: At the beginning of the shredded stem processing process, the electronic scale is activated only after the shredded stem is fed at the initial flow rate of the flavoring inlet material for a preset time.

4. The method for adaptively controlling the flow rate of the material at the cut stem flavoring inlet according to claim 3, wherein: After the electronic scale starts for a preset time, it adjusts the material flow rate according to the high, medium and low material levels detected by the photoelectric tube.

5. The method for adaptively controlling the flow rate of the material at the shredded stem flavoring inlet according to claim 1, wherein: When the photoelectric tubes of high, medium and low material levels do not detect any material, the material flow at the aromatherapy inlet is reduced after a preset time delay.

6. The method for adaptively controlling the flow rate of the material at the shredded stem flavoring inlet according to claim 1, wherein: When the photoelectric tubes at the middle and low material levels detect the material, the flow rate of the aromatherapy inlet is increased after a preset time delay.

7. The method for adaptively controlling the flow rate of the material at the cut stem flavoring inlet according to claim 1, wherein: When the photoelectric tubes of the high, medium and low material levels do not detect any material, the material flow at the fragrance inlet is reduced according to the first flow value.

8. The method for adaptively controlling the flow rate of the material at the cut stem flavoring inlet according to claim 1, wherein: When the photoelectric tubes at the middle and low material levels detect the material, the material flow rate of the flavoring inlet is increased according to the second flow rate value.

9. The method for adaptively controlling the flow rate of the material at the cut stem flavoring inlet according to claim 8, wherein: When the photoelectric tube of the middle material level flashes off multiple times within the preset time, the material flow rate of the flavoring inlet is increased according to the third flow rate value, and the third flow rate value is less than the second flow rate value.

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