Diseño e implementación de un sistema automatizado para el control y monitoreo aplicado al proceso de planchado de cuero en el Laboratorio de Curtiembre de la Facultad de Ciencias Pecuarias de la ESPOCH.

Abstract

An automated system was designed and implemented to control and monitor the leather ironing process in the Tanning Laboratory of the Animal Science Faculty of Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo (ESPOCH). Besides, the machine was improved structurally. The automation comprises three systems: temperature control, pressing control and measuring system driven by the programmable logic controller (PLC) using signs to control the different devices of the process such as electro valves, sensors, pneumatic actuators, and so on. The temperature control system features an on-off control with two positions: on and off. This is carried out using a temperature sensor (thermocouple) programmed for the user to see and handle the required temperature level. The pressing control system was designed using the compressed air-using pneumatic technology to transmit the required air and to run devices such as limit switch to control the iron opening and closure with appropriate pressure for the leather ironing. The human-machine interface (HMI) is touchscreen installed in the structure where it controls and monitors the ironing process in real time. The equipment running was validated carrying out leather ironing tests. Thus, the pressure, the temperature and the drying time were determined as main variables influencing the process and determining the finished product condition. We recommend to carry out the preventive pneumatic system maintenance to avoid failures when running the machine.