Improving Computer Control Of Batch Dyeing Operations

Several approaches are possible fol upgrading textile wet processing control systems. To that end, some fundamentat constraints and limitations of present control systems must be alleviated. Considerations for novel control algorithm: are presented as well as specific simu lation and experimental results for fuzzy logic and for adaptive control systems are presented. Introduction Process control is one of the most critical aspects of quality assurance. In textile operations, such as batch dyeing, there are many variables which are under the dyer’s control, but many more which are not. Typically these controllable and uncontrollable factors interact in a very complex way. The dyehouse of the future must feature even better process controls. Traditional manual control methods in textile processes have been automated using microprocessor systems, with corresponding improvement in process repeatability. However, this mode of control utilizes only a minuscule fraction of the total capabilities of modern microprocessor hardware. In an attempt to improve microprocessor utilization, there are two avenues to pursue. The most celebrated of these is the macro scale global linking of information referred to as Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM), to which much attention has recently been devoted. In typical CIM implementations, sophisticated user interfaces, attractive graphics and computer networking capabilities are employed to make information from machines and machine groups available to managers for real time and post process analysis. The focus is on the use of state of the computing hardware and sensors to acquire data from processes, set up common database formats, link islands of automation, and provide manageBy Brent Smith, Jun Lu, Dye Applications Research Group, N.C.S.U. Raleigh, NC Table I: Suppliers of wet processing control systems and supplies.*