Intelligent Manufacturing System for OTR Tyres using Proactive Control

Microprocessor based control of the vulcanizing process is not new and it has become almost traditional. However, the microprocessor-based process control has its limitations. A personal computer, on the other hand with its stronger computational ability, better programming flexibility makes it eminently suitable for application in the closed loop control scheme of cure monitoring process of Off The Road (OTR) tyres. Advanced graphics capabilities of a PC are another attractive feature of its use for the above. The measurement of curing environment has to be done with great care and suitable sensors are required to be installed for this. The parameters to be sensed continuously include layer pressure, temperature of layers, flow rates of cold water, hot circulating water and steam. While the continuous monitoring of layer pressure is done through piezo-electric sensors, the layer temperature is sensed by means of embedded thermistors. Other parameters are monitored by conventional methods. These parameters are continuously measured and down loaded to the personal computer. A multi-channel data acquisition system (DAS) has been used for this. A high speed DAS with high sampling rate can take care of fast changing signals without any problem. A software programme has been developed for reliable data acquisition and process control scheme. The PC based control actuates various solenoid valves according to the instantaneous requirements and thus provides an intelligent and proactive control of the vulcanizing procedures of OTR tyres.