Hydronix Hydro-Control VI, Operator'S Manual

Page: 21 / 88

Hydro-Control VI Operators Guide HD0456 Rev 1.7.1 21
Chapter 4 Understanding the Mix Cycle
It is important to understand the mix cycle in order to be able to optimise the system for best
performance, accuracy and repeatability. This chapter defines the phases of a mix cycle and describes
the options that are available.
1 The Simple Mix Cycle
One of the simplest cycles is shown in the moisture trace in Figure 7.
Once material is loaded, the batch control PLC activates the ‘Start’ signal to start the Hydro-Control
VI cycle. The first phase of the cycle is the Dry Mix Time, set in the recipe parameters. After this
period, water is added, after which the Wet Mix Time commences. At the end of the Wet Mix Time
the cycle is finished and the ‘Mix Complete’ signal is activated. This signals to the batch control
PLC to discharge the mixer.
Load mixer Dry Mix Time
Main Water
Addition
Wet Mix Time Discharge Mixer Mix Phase
From PLC
To PLC
START
MIX
COMPLETE
Signal
increases
from mixer
empty
reading.
As materials start to
mix the signal begins to
stabilise. A stable
signal indicates that all
the materials are mixed
thoroughly and the mix
is homogeneous.
As water is
added the
signal
increases.
As the water
gets mixed the
signal begins to
stabilise. A
stable signal
indicates that all
of the water is
mixed to
homogeneity.
As the mixer is
discharged the
signal reduces
back to the mixer
empty reading.
Moisture
Time
Signals
Figure 7: A simple mix cycle