How to adjust the inlet pressure of a packaging machine

Abstract

A method (400) for controlling a regulating valve (206) of a packaging machine (100), wherein the packaging machine (100) is a roll-fed packaging machine configured to receive a roll of carton-based packaging material (102). The packaging machine (100) is connected via the regulating valve (206) to a processing line (202), which supplies a liquid food product (216) to the packaging machine (100) via the regulating valve (206). The method (400) includes measuring (S402) a product flow rate of the liquid food product in the packaging machine (100) using a flow meter (106) and measuring (S404) an inlet pressure measurement (306) of the liquid food product in the packaging machine (100) using a pressure sensor (204), using the inlet pressure measurement of the packaging machine (100) to adjust a control valve (206), the control valve being configured to receive an output signal of a flow feedforward module (308) in combination with an output signal of a flow proportional, integral, and derivative (PID) module (310), the flow feedforward module (308) having the inlet pressure measurement (306) and a flow setpoint as input signals, and the flow PID module (310) having the product flow rate and the flow setpoint as input signals.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to packaging technology. Specifically, it relates to the control of the regulating valve of a packaging machine.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, it has been generally known to use roll-fed packaging machines for various types of foods such as milk. The roll-fed packaging machine is connected to a processing line so that food can be supplied from the processing line to the packaging machine. The roll-fed packaging machine, also called a filling machine, has several advantages. One is that continuous production of packages enables high-speed operation compared to blank-fed packaging systems. Another advantage is that by continuously filling a tubular packaging material and forming packages at the lower end of the tube, the risk of unwanted microorganisms entering the package can be reduced.

[0003] Recent roll-fed packaging machines are efficient in terms of the number of packages produced per hour, and to ensure that the packages produced meet the set quality requirements, the packaging machine has various systems, but there is still room for improvement. For example, since packages are produced at high speed, if a deviation occurs in a part of the packaging machine, and the deviation is not detected and addressed, a large number of packages that do not meet the set quality requirements may be produced. As a result, losses such as packaging materials, food, and production time may increase. Thus, from both economic and environmental cost perspectives, food manufacturers are demanding a packaging machine with improved response to deviations in order to provide a more efficient packaging machine.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a packaging machine that can perform more stable production compared to recent packaging machines and can reduce waste of packaging materials, waste of products, and production downtime. An example of a known control system is disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1. Also, Patent Documents 1 to 3 are relevant to the present application.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 59-109918 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 192969 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 344032 [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] Bill Bolton: "Instrumentation and Control Systems - chapter 13 -Controllers", 1 January 2014 (2014-01-01), XP055737048, ISBN: 978-0-7506-6432-5 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The object of the present invention is to overcome at least partially one or more of the limitations of the prior art described above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to a first aspect, a method for controlling a control valve of a packaging machine, wherein the packaging machine is a roll-feed packaging machine configured to receive rolls of carton-based packaging material, the packaging machine is connected to a processing line via a control valve, the processing line is configured to supply liquid food to the packaging machine via the control valve, and the method is Using a flow meter to measure the product flow rate of liquid food in a packaging machine. Using a pressure sensor, measure the inlet pressure of liquid food inside the packaging machine, and The inlet pressure to the packaging machine is adjusted via a control valve, which is configured to receive a combination of output signals from a flow proportional-integral-derivative (PID) module and a flow feedforward module. The flow feedforward module has the inlet pressure measurement and flow rate setpoint as input signals, and the flow PID module has the product flow rate and flow rate setpoint as input signals. To prepare for it.

[0009] The term "inlet pressure" refers to the inlet pressure of the liquid food, which is the pressure of the liquid food before the control valve. Therefore, the inlet pressure may also be the pressure used to regulate the output signals from the flow feedforward module and the flow PID module.

[0010] The term "product flow rate" refers to the flow rate of liquid food determined by a flow meter. Therefore, product flow rate is the flow rate of liquid food supplied from the processing line to the packaging machine. Product flow rate may also be an input signal to a flow feedforward module. Product flow rate may also be an input signal to a flow PID module.

[0011] The term "inlet pressure measurement" refers to a measurement, also called a sample, of the inlet pressure of a liquid food, measured by a pressure sensor. Therefore, the inlet pressure measurement is the inlet pressure of the liquid food at which it is supplied from the processing line to the packaging machine before the control valve. The inlet pressure measurement may also be an input signal to a flow feedforward module.

[0012] The term "flow feedforward module" means any feedforward control system known in the art. The flow feedforward module in this disclosure may have an inlet pressure measurement and a flow rate setpoint as input signals. The flow feedforward module may have other input signals, and is not limited to these examples.

[0013] The term “Flow Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) Module” means any PID controller, which is a control loop mechanism known in the art. The flow PID module in this disclosure may have product flow rate and flow rate setpoint as input signals. The flow PID module may have other input signals, but is not limited to these examples.

[0014] The term "flow rate setpoint" refers to an input signal that includes the machine speed percentage, which is the number of packages that can be filled per unit of time. The machine speed percentage depends on the size of the package and / or the product being filled into the package. On the other hand, the flow rate setpoint may also include other input values ​​such as the start flow percentage and / or the nominal flow percentage. The start flow percentage can be used at the beginning of a start event to increase the machine speed. The nominal flow percentage is the value used when the packaging machine is operating at its nominal speed.

[0015] The advantage of arranging a flow feedforward module in combination with a flow PID module is that the correct real-time operating point of the control valve can be quickly identified. Because the control valve responds quickly, stability of filling parameters, i.e., stability of product level and product flow rate, can be achieved. As a result, a robust and stable packaging machine can be realized. In other words, improving the responsiveness of the control valve reduces variations in the product level of the packaging tubes formed in the roll-feed packaging machine, resulting in fewer quality problems with the produced packages.

[0016] A further advantage obtained by the disclosed method is that waste of packaging materials and waste of products are reduced. Thus, by the disclosed method, it is possible to utilize the inlet pressure of liquid food supplied to a packaging machine in order to adjust a control valve via output signals from a flow feed-forward module and a flow PID module.

[0017] By adjusting the control valve, it is possible to control the product flow rate, product pressure, and product level of liquid food supplied from a processing line to a packaging machine. By the present disclosure, the inlet pressure of liquid food is controlled as compared with a conventional packaging machine in which the inlet pressure is unknown. For example, conventional packaging machines and control systems may not be able to sense the inlet pressure of the product and may assume a fixed inlet pressure value as a flow feed-forward input.

[0018] A further advantage is that by measuring the inlet pressure with the disclosed method, the reaction speed to a pressure obstacle occurring in the inlet product line can be improved.

[0019] A further advantage is that the pressure sensor is configured to be incorporated within an existing connection of a packaging machine or a processing line. Thus, it is possible to incorporate the pressure sensor into a conventional line including a packaging machine and a processing line.

[0020] Furthermore, there is an advantage that the weight accuracy of the package can be improved. In other words, controlling the level of the packaging tube with high precision not only reduces quality problems of the packages to be manufactured, but also results in improving the package weight accuracy. The result of arranging a consistent amount of product on the horizontal seal system of the packaging machine enables the production of consistent packages, possibly in combination with flap forming, with the help of the horizontal seal system.

[0021] Overall, by using the present disclosure, a more controllable and stable packaging machine can be realized.

[0022] This method may include measuring the product level of the liquid food held in the vertical tube of the packaging material formed by the packaging machine using a level detector and adjusting the control valve using the product level.

[0023] To improve the control of the level in the packaging tube, a level detector may be used for direct measurement. This may be an optical-based sensor used to determine the distance between the sensor and the level, and the level may be determined by having a set reference.

[0024] The step of adjusting the control valve may further be controlled using a level PID module configured to measure a flow rate set value, and the level PID module has the product level and the level set value as input signals.

[0025] The term "level PID module" means any PID controller, and the PID controller is a control loop mechanism known in the art. The level PID module in the present disclosure may have the product level and the level set value as input signals. The level PID module may also have other input signals, and is not limited to these examples.

[0026] The term "level set value" means an input signal set manually or an input signal automatically determined by an external device.

[0027] <000​​​​​​​​​​

[0030] The pressure sensor may include a metal film.

[0031] The step of adjusting the control valve may also be based on real-time pressure measurements from the processing line.

[0032] The advantage of measuring pressure in real time in this way is that the control valve can respond quickly to changes in the processing line. For example, if a pressure drop occurs in the processing line, this can be detected, transmitted to the control valve via a data communication network, and the control valve can be adjusted to compensate for this pressure loss. Furthermore, by having multiple different real-time pressure measurements from the processing line as input, reliable control of the control valve can be achieved.

[0033] In other words, a key aspect of the packaging machine's filling control system is primarily related to transitions (start / stop events) and disturbances in the product line, which currently cannot be measured in real time. A drawback of conventional packaging machines is their slow response to disturbances due to the lack of pressure sensors. Therefore, the advantage of measuring pressure values ​​on the processing line is that real-time pressure information can be exchanged between the packaging machine and the processing line. By exchanging information between the packaging machine and the processing line, a stable packaging machine can be provided. Consequently, packaging material waste and product waste can be further reduced.

[0034] According to a second aspect, a filling control system is provided which is configured to adjust the inlet pressure of a packaging machine. The packaging machine is a roll-feed packaging machine configured to receive rolls of carton-based packaging material, the packaging machine is configured to be connected to a processing line via an adjustment valve, and the processing line is configured to supply liquid food to the packaging machine via the adjustment valve. The filling control system is, A flow feedforward module configured to control a control valve, having an inlet pressure measurement value and a flow rate set value as input signals, A flow proportional-integral-derivative (PID) module is configured to control a control valve together with a flow feedforward module, and has product flow rate and flow rate setpoint as input signals. Equipped with, The flow feedforward module is arranged in parallel with the flow PID module.

[0035] The advantage of the disclosed control system is that the control system's responsiveness to disturbances in the inlet product pressure will be achieved more quickly.

[0036] The filling control system is configured to supply flow feedforward modules and flow PID modules, and may further include a level PID module that has product level and level setpoint as input signals.

[0037] The filling control system may also be configured to receive real-time pressure measurements from the processing line.

[0038] According to a third aspect, a filling line is provided configured to control the product pressure and flow rate within the paper tube of a packaging machine. The packaging machine is a roll-feed packaging machine configured to receive rolls of carton-based packaging material, the packaging machine is configured to be connected to a processing line via a control valve, the processing line is configured to supply liquid food to the packaging machine via a control valve, and the filling line further, A flow meter configured to measure the product flow rate of the aforementioned liquid food, A pressure sensor configured to measure the liquid food inlet pressure of the packaging machine, A flow feedforward module configured to control a control valve, having an inlet pressure measurement value and a flow rate set value as input signals, A flow proportional-integral-derivative (PID) module is configured to control a control valve together with a flow feedforward module, and has product flow rate and flow rate setpoint as input signals. Equipped with, The flow feedforward module is arranged in parallel with the flow PID module.

[0039] The filling line may further include a level detector configured to measure the product flow rate of liquid food from the packaging machine, the level detector being positioned after the flow meter in the direction of the filling line.

[0040] The filling line is configured to supply a flow feedforward module and a flow PID module, and may further include a level PID module having product level and level setpoint as input signals.

[0041] Further objects, features, embodiments, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and drawings.

[0042] The effects and features of the second and third embodiments are substantially similar to those described above in relation to the first embodiment. Embodiments mentioned in relation to the first embodiment are substantially interchangeable with those of the second and third embodiments. Furthermore, it should be noted that the concept of the present invention relates to all possible combinations of features unless otherwise explicitly stated. Further scope of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, various changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description, so it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples are given for illustrative purposes only, while illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0043] Therefore, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to any particular component of the described apparatus or step of the described method, as such apparatuses and methods may vary. It should also be understood that the terms used herein are solely for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit them. It should be noted that, as used herein and in the appended claims, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean the presence of one or more elements unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “unit” or “unit” may include multiple devices, etc. Furthermore, “constitutes,” “includes,” “contains,” and similar phrases do not exclude other elements or steps.

[0044] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described illustratively with reference to the attached schematic drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0045] [Figure 1] This is an overall diagram illustrating a roll-feed packaging machine. [Figure 2] This diagram shows a roll-feed packaging machine connected to a processing line. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the filling control system for a roll-feed packaging machine. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows how to adjust the inlet pressure of a packaging machine. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0046] Referring to Figure 1, a packaging machine 100, also called a filling machine, is illustrated as a typical example. Packaging machine 100 is a roll-feed packaging machine used to package liquid foods into carton-based packages. This type of packaging machine was introduced by Tetra Pak in the 1940s and is now a well-known approach to packaging milk and other liquid foods in a safe and cost-effective manner. This common method can also be used for non-liquid foods such as potato chips.

[0047] Currently, packaging materials are printed and prepared at packaging material production centers, also known as converting plants, and are often shipped to sites where packaging machines 100 are installed, such as dairy farms. Typically, packaging materials are transported loaded onto reels. Upon arrival at the site, the reels are installed in the packaging machine, as shown in Figure 1.

[0048] During production, the web 102 of the packaging material is supplied from a reel through the packaging machine in the web supply direction A. Before serving the liquid food, a paper tube is formed from the web 102 by forming a longitudinal seal. The food is supplied into the tube via a pipe 104, and a control valve 206 is used to regulate the flow through the pipe 104. The lower end 108 of the tube is supplied to a folding device 110 capable of performing a lateral seal, and the tube is folded along a folding line, also called a weakening line, and cut to form the package 112. The folding device 110 is illustrated as a single device, but may consist of multiple different devices.

[0049] Referring to Figure 2, a filling line 200 is illustrated as an example. The filling line 200 is configured to regulate the pressure and flow rate within the paper tube of the packaging machine 100. The filling line 200 includes a filling control system 302 and a food handling system 304, which are configured to communicate with each other. The filling control system 302 is described in detail in Figure 3.

[0050] The food handling system 304 comprises a processing line 202 and a packaging machine 100, the processing line 202 being connected to the packaging machine 100 via a control valve 206. The processing line 202 and the filling machine 100 are connected so that liquid food is supplied via the control valve 206. The processing line 202 may be any processing line 202 known in the art.

[0051] The food processing system 304 further includes a pressure sensor 204 for measuring the inlet pressure measurement of liquid food supplied from the processing line 202 to the packaging machine 100. The inlet pressure measurement may be transmitted to the filling control system 302.

[0052] The packaging machine 100 includes a flow meter 106 for determining the product flow rate of the liquid food supplied from the processing line 202 to the packaging machine 100. The determined product flow rate may be transmitted to the filling control system 302. The packaging machine 100 further includes a level detector 208 for determining the product level of the liquid food supplied from the processing line 202 to the packaging machine 100. The determined product level may be transmitted to the filling control system 302.

[0053] Inlet pressure measurements, product flow rate, and product level are sometimes referred to as filling parameters.

[0054] Those skilled in the art may see that the filling line 200 may be equipped with one or more pressure sensors 204 and / or one or more flow meters 106 and / or one or more level detectors 208. The packaging machine 100 may also lack the flow meters 106 and / or the level detectors 208.

[0055] The packaging machine 100 further includes a sterilization device 210, such as a hydrogen peroxide bath or an LVEB (low voltage electron beam) station, to ensure that the web 102 is free from unwanted microorganisms. The packaging machine 100 further includes a longitudinal sealing station 212 for sealing the package along its longitudinal direction and a transverse sealing station 214, which includes two sealing jaws for sealing the package laterally.

[0056] Figure 3 shows an example flowchart 300 of part of the filling control system 302 and food handling system 304 of the filling line 200. Note that not all features of the food handling system 304 are shown in Figure 3. The purpose of the filling control system 302 is to provide a more stable packaging machine 100 during pressure fluctuations in the processing line 202.

[0057] As shown in Figure 3, the food handling system 304 includes a control valve 206, a flow meter 106, and a level detector 208, as described in relation to Figure 2. The food handling system 304 is configured to transmit information to the filling control system 302. The filling control system 302 is configured to adjust the inlet pressure of the packaging machine 100 based on the information received from the food handling system 304. The filling control system 302 is configured to adjust the control valve 206 so that the inlet pressure of the packaging machine 100 can be adjusted. In this way, the food handling system 304 and the filling control system 302 are configured to communicate with each other. By controlling the inlet pressure of the packaging machine 100 and / or the processing line 202, a faster response to pressure disturbances occurring in the processing line 202 is achieved.

[0058] The filling control system 302 may include a flow feedforward module 308 and a flow proportional-integral-derivative (PID) module 310. The filling control system 302 may further include a plurality of summing junctions 314a-e for summing one or more signals within the filling control system 302. The filling control system 302 may further include a plurality of switches 316a-c for controlling signals moving within the filling control system 302.

[0059] The flow feedforward module 308 is configured to control the control valve 206. The flow PID module 310 is configured to control the control valve 206. The flow feedforward module 308 is placed in parallel with the flow PID module 310 so that both the flow feedforward module 308 and the flow PID module 310 are configured to control the control valve 206. By the flow feedforward module 308 and the flow PID module 310 controlling the control valve 206, the inlet pressure of the liquid food can be controlled. The purpose of this arrangement, in which the flow feedforward module 308 is placed in parallel with the flow PID module 310, is to provide a faster response of the filling control system 302 to inlet pressure disturbances, as well as real-time pressure information exchange between the packaging machine 100 and the processing line 202.

[0060] The filling control system 302 may further include a level PID module 312 for controlling the regulating valve 206. The level PID module 312 and the flow rate PID module 310 may form a dual PID feedback control loop in the filling control system, and the output signal from the level PID module 312 may be an input signal to the flow rate feedforward module 308 and the flow rate PID module 310. Thus, the flow rate feedforward module 308 may be placed in parallel with the double PID feedback control loop. By introducing the level PID module 312, it is possible to provide another parameter that is tuned and controlled within the filling control system 302 to provide a faster response of the filling control system 302 to inlet pressure disturbances, as well as real-time pressure information exchange between the packaging machine 100 and the processing line 202.

[0061] As shown in Figure 3, liquid food may be supplied in a food handling system 304, which may be configured to transmit product flow rate from a flow meter 106 and / or product level from a level detector 312 to a filling control system 302. The food handling system 304 may also be configured to transmit inlet pressure measurement values ​​306 from a pressure sensor 204 (not shown in Figure 3).

[0062] The inlet pressure measurement value 306 may be transmitted from the pressure sensor 204 to the flow feedforward module 308, and the inlet pressure measurement value 306 may be an input signal to the flow feedforward module 308. A further input signal to the flow feedforward module 308 may be a flow rate setpoint, which may be based on a machine speed percentage. The machine speed percentage may pass through the second sum joint 314b and the third sum joint 314c before entering the flow feedforward module 308. According to one embodiment, the flow rate setpoint may further be based on a starting flow rate percentage and / or a nominal flow rate percentage. If the flow rate setpoint may further be based on a starting flow rate percentage, the first switch 316a may be configured so that the starting flow rate percentage is transmitted to the second sum joint 314b. Alternatively, or in combination, if the flow rate setpoint is further based on a nominal flow rate percentage, the second switch 316b may be configured to transmit the nominal flow rate percentage to the second sum junction 314b. The second sum junction 314b may be configured to couple the machine speed percentage with the starting flow rate percentage and / or the nominal flow rate percentage. To those skilled in the art, it is conceivable that the first switch 316a and the second switch 316b may be configured so that both the starting flow rate percentage and the nominal flow rate percentage are coupled with the machine speed percentage at the second sum junction 314b.

[0063] The product flow rate may be transmitted from the flow meter 106 to the fourth sum junction 314d, and the product flow rate may be combined with a flow rate setpoint. The flow rate setpoint may be configured as described above. Therefore, the flow rate setpoint may be the same flow rate setpoint that is set as an input signal to the flow feedforward module 308. The product flow rate combined with the flow rate setpoint may be transmitted to the flow rate PID module 310, and the product flow rate and flow rate setpoint may be input signals to the flow rate PID module 310.

[0064] As described above, the flow feedforward module 308 may be arranged in parallel with the flow PID module 310. The output signals of the flow feedforward module 308 and the flow PID module 310 may be coupled at a fifth sum junction 314e. The output signal of the fifth sum junction 314e may be a control signal configured to control the control valve 206.

[0065] Therefore, the control valve 206 may be controlled based on the inlet pressure measurement value 306, the product flow rate, and the flow rate setpoint.

[0066] The advantage of this disclosure is that, unlike conventional packaging machines where the control system has an inlet pressure that is typically set to a fixed value, the pressure of the liquid food inside the paper tube can be known and controlled, independent of other filling parameters in the system.

[0067] The advantage of controlling the regulating valve 206 based on measured values ​​from both the flow meter and the pressure sensor is that it achieves a faster response of the regulating valve 206. Thus, the arrangement of the flow feedforward module 308 and the flow PID module 310 allows for control of the regulating valve 206 with higher feedback compared to conventional packaging machines and control systems. Therefore, the flow feedforward module 308 may be configured to adjust the filling parameters in a faster manner compared to conventional packaging machines and control systems.

[0068] For example, the product level is transmitted from the level detector 208 to the first sum junction 314a, where the product level may be combined with a level setpoint. The product level combined with the level setpoint may be transmitted to the level PID module 312, and therefore the product level and level setpoint may be input signals to the level PID module 312. When the third switch 316c is set, the output signal of the level PID module 312 may be transmitted to the third sum junction 314c. In the third sum junction 314c, the output signal of the level PID module 312 may be combined with the machine speed percentage, the starting flow rate percentage, and / or the nominal flow rate percentage. The output signal of the third sum junction 314c may be the flow rate setpoint. Therefore, the flow rate setpoint may further be based on the output signal from the level PID module 312. Furthermore, the output signal of the third sum junction 314c may be transmitted to the fourth sum junction 314d, where it may be combined with the product flow rate.

[0069] As described above, the flow feedforward module 308 may be arranged in parallel with the dual PID feedback control loop. The output signals of the flow feedforward module 308 and the output signals of the dual PID feedback control loop may be coupled at the fifth sum junction 314e. The output signal of the fifth sum junction 314e may be a control signal configured to control the control valve 206.

[0070] The advantage of having a level PID module 312 in the filling control system is that the adjustment of the control valve 206 can be made more precise due to the increased number of filling parameters.

[0071] A further advantage of introducing the level PID module 312 is that, in combination with switches 316a-c, it can optimize the signals within the system, allowing the control valve 206 to be adjusted in a more accurate and efficient manner.

[0072] Furthermore, another advantage is that filling parameters are used to adjust the system in order to achieve stability through different stages in various configurations.

[0073] Figure 4 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 400 for adjusting a control valve by measuring the inlet pressure of the packaging machine 100, and the packaging machine 100 may be a roll-feed packaging machine configured to receive rolls of carton-based packaging material 102. The packaging machine 100 is configured to be connected to a processing line 202 via a control valve 206, and the processing line 202 is configured to supply liquid food 216 to the packaging machine 100 via the control valve 206.

[0074] In the first step S402, the product flow rate of the liquid food in the packaging machine 100 is measured using a flow meter 106. In the second step S404, the inlet pressure measurement value 306 of the liquid food in the packaging machine 100 is measured using a pressure sensor 204. Preferably, the pressure sensor 204 is equipped with a metal film. In the third step S406, the control valve 206 is adjusted by using a flow feedforward module 308 in parallel with a flow proportional-integral-derivative (PID) module 310. The flow feedforward module 308 has the inlet pressure measurement value 306 and the flow rate setpoint as input signals. The flow PID module 310 has the product flow rate and the flow rate setpoint as input signals.

[0075] Optionally, method 400 may further include a fourth step S408 in which the product level of the liquid food 216 held in the vertical tube 308 of the packaging material 102 formed by the packaging machine 100 is measured using a level detector 208. In such a case, the third step S406 may further include using the product level to adjust the adjustment valve 206.

[0076] Optionally, the third step S406, which adjusts the control valve, may be further controlled using a level PID module 312 configured to measure a flow rate setpoint, the level PID module having a product level and a level setpoint as input signals.

[0077] Optionally, the flow rate PID module 310 may further include product flow rate and / or machine speed percentage as input signals.

[0078] Optionally, the third step S406, which adjusts the control valve 206, may also be based on real-time pressure measurements from the processing line 202.

[0079] The control method for the regulating valve will be explained below. A method 400 for controlling a control valve 206 of a packaging machine 100, wherein the packaging machine 100 is a roll-feed packaging machine configured to receive rolls of carton-based packaging material 102. The packaging machine 100 is configured to be connected to a processing line 202 via the control valve 206, and the processing line 202 is configured to supply liquid food 216 to the packaging machine 100 via the control valve 206. Method 400 includes S402, which measures the product flow rate of liquid food in the packaging machine 100 using a flow meter 106, and S404, which measures the inlet pressure measurement value 306 of liquid food in the packaging machine 100 using a pressure sensor 204. The inlet pressure measurement value to the packaging machine 100 is used to adjust the control valve 206. The control valve is configured to receive the output signal of the flow feedforward module 308 in combination with the output signal of the flow proportional integral differential (PID) module 310. The flow feedforward module (308) has the inlet pressure measurement value 306 and the flow rate set value as input signals, and the flow rate PID module 310 has the product flow rate and the flow rate set value as input signals.

[0080] The features and advantages described in the context of the first aspect of the overview are also applicable to the method described above.

[0081] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described and demonstrated above, the present invention is not limited thereto and can be embodied in other ways within the scope of the subject matter defined in the following claims.

[0082] As already described, one or more embodiments may relate to a filling line 200 including a filling control system 302 and a food handling system 304. The food handling system 304 may include a processing line 202 and a filling machine 100. The food handling system 304 may include a control valve 206. The control valve 206 may connect the processing line 202 and the filling machine 100. The filling line 200 may be configured to carry out the methods according to one or more embodiments as described above.

[0083] The filling line 200 may be configured to control the product pressure and / or flow rate in the paper tube of a roll-feed packaging machine, for example, a packaging machine configured to receive rolls of carton-based packaging material 102. The packaging machine 100 is configured to be connected to a processing line 202 via a control valve 206, and the processing line 202 is configured to supply liquid food 216 to the packaging machine 100 via the control valve 206.

[0084] The food processing system 304 may include a pressure sensor 204 for measuring the inlet pressure measurement of the liquid food supplied from the processing line 202 to the packaging machine 100. The inlet pressure measurement may be transmitted to the filling control system 302. The pressure sensor 204 may be located upstream of the regulating valve 206 in the flow direction of the liquid food 216.

[0085] Preferably, the food processing system 304 may include a flow meter 106 for measuring the product flow rate of the liquid food supplied from the processing line 202 to the packaging machine 100. The measured product flow rate may be transmitted to the filling control system 302. The flow meter 106 may be located upstream of the control valve 206 in the flow direction of the liquid food 216.

[0086] Preferably, the food processing system 304 may include a level detector 208 for measuring the product level of the liquid food supplied from the processing line 202 to the packaging machine 100. The measured product level may be transmitted to the filling control system 302. The level detector 208 may be located downstream of the control valve 206 in the flow direction of the liquid food product 216.

[0087] The filling control system 302 may include a flow feedforward module 308, a flow proportional-integral-derivative (PID) module 310, and / or a level PID module 312.

[0088] The flow feedforward module 308 may receive an inlet pressure measurement value 306 and a flow rate setpoint from the pressure sensor 204 as inputs. The flow feedforward module 308 may output a control signal for adjusting the control valve 206, which is calculated as a function of the flow rate setpoint and the inlet pressure measurement value 306.

[0089] The flow rate proportional-integral-derivative (PID) module 310 may receive a flow rate setpoint and a product flow rate as inputs. The output of the flow rate PID module 310 may show the difference between the actual flow rate measured by means of, for example, the flow meter 106 and the desired flow rate, i.e., the flow rate setpoint.

[0090] The level PID module 312 may be configured to take a level setpoint and a product level as inputs. The output of the level PID module 312 may show, for example, the difference between the actual product level measured by the level detector 208 and the desired level, i.e., the level setpoint.

[0091] The outputs of the flow proportional-integral-derivative (PID) module 310 and the flow feedforward module 308 may be combined. The control valve 206 may be tuned as a function of the combined outputs.

[0092] The flow rate setpoint may indicate the target flow rate of the product passing through the control valve 206. The flow rate setpoint may be calculated as a function of one or more of the following: starting flow rate percentage, nominal flow rate percentage, machine speed percentage, level setpoint, and / or product level.

[0093] The step of adjusting the control valve 206 may include adjusting the flow rate of the liquid product passing through the control valve. The step of adjusting the control valve 206 may also include physically opening and closing the control valve 206 in order to adjust the flow rate of the liquid product passing through the control valve. That is, the filling control system 302 and the control valve 206 make it possible to control the flow rate of the liquid product passing through the filling machine 100. Preferably, in this way it is possible to control the pressure and / or flow rate of the liquid product.

Claims

1. A method (400) for controlling a control valve (206) of a packaging machine (100), wherein the packaging machine (100) is a roll-feed packaging machine configured to receive rolls of carton-based packaging material (102), the packaging machine (100) is connected to a processing line (202) via the control valve (206), and the processing line (202) supplies liquid food (216) to the packaging machine (100) via the control valve (206). The above method (400) is, Using a flow meter (106), the product flow rate of the liquid food in the packaging machine (100) is measured (S402). Using a pressure sensor (204) positioned upstream of the control valve (206) in the flow direction of the liquid food (216), the inlet pressure measurement value (306) of the liquid food inside the packaging machine (100) is measured (S404). The control valve (206) is adjusted, and the control valve is configured to receive a combination of the output signal of the flow feedforward module (308) and the output signal of the flow proportional-integral-derivative (PID) module (310), the flow feedforward module (308) has the inlet pressure measurement value (306) and the flow rate set value as input signals, and the flow proportional-integral-derivative (PID) module (310) has the product flow rate and the flow rate set value as input signals. Using a level detector (208), the product level of the liquid food (216) held in the vertical tube of the packaging material (102) formed by the packaging machine (100) is measured. The flow rate setpoint is calculated as a function of the measured product level. Method (400).

2. The method according to claim 1 (400), wherein the step of adjusting the control valve (206) (S406) includes adjusting the flow rate of the liquid food (216) passing through the control valve (206).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2 (400), wherein the flow rate proportional-integral-derivative (PID) module (310) has the difference between the product flow rate and the flow rate set value as input.

4. The process includes calculating the flow rate setting value as a function of the output of a level PID module (312) which has the product level and level setting value as input signals, wherein the level setting value is an input signal that is set manually or an input signal that is automatically determined by an external device. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 (400).

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 (400), wherein the flow rate setting value is calculated as a function of one or more of the following: product level, level setting value, machine speed percentage, nominal flow rate percentage and / or starting flow rate percentage.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 (400), wherein the pressure sensor (204) is made of a metal film.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 (400), wherein the step of adjusting the control valve (206) (S406) is based on real-time pressure measurements from the processing line (202).

8. A filling line (200) that controls the flow rate in a paper tube of a packaging machine (100), wherein the packaging machine (100) is a roll-feed type packaging machine configured to receive rolls of carton-based packaging material (102), the packaging machine (100) is connected to a processing line (202) via a control valve (206), the processing line (202) supplies liquid food (216) to the packaging machine (100) via the control valve (206), and the filling line (200) is, A flow meter (106) for measuring the product flow rate of the liquid food, A pressure sensor (204) is positioned upstream of the control valve (206) in the flow direction of the liquid food and measures the inlet pressure measurement value (306) of the liquid food inside the packaging machine (100), A flow feedforward module (308) is configured to control the control valve (206) and has the inlet pressure measurement value (306) and the flow rate setting value as input signals, A flow rate proportional-integral-derivative (PID) module (310) is configured to control the control valve (206) together with the flow rate feedforward module (308) and has the product flow rate and the flow rate set value as input signals, The packaging machine (100) includes a level detector (208) for measuring the product level of the liquid food, The level detector (208) is positioned after the flow meter (106) in the direction of the filling line. The flow feedforward module (308) is arranged in parallel with the flow proportional-integral-derivative (PID) module (310) in the filling line (200).

9. The system further comprises a level PID module (312) configured to supply the flow feedforward module (308) and the flow proportional-integral-derivative (PID) module (310), and having a product level and a level setting value as inputs, wherein the level setting value is an input signal that is manually set or an input signal that is automatically determined by an external device. The filling line (200) according to claim 8.

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