Optimizing pellet mill controller

摘要

A controller for controlling a pellet mill, used to extrude milled ingredients through a die into more manageable and economical pellets, keys particular control parameters to a library of pellet types and then adjusts the control parameters to optimize throughput within the limits imposed by potential plugging of the die. If a potential plugging is detected, the controller responds in two stages, intended to reduce the restart time for pluggings of less severity, and thus to allow more aggressive operation. Pellet fines are recycled and liquid ingredients compensated to provide improved efficiency.