TPT November 2014

Article

THE Machines Yvonand SA

Figure 5: Product data measured and recorded

In addition, the following line production data is captured and transmitted automatically to the QC system: • Dripper nominal spacing deviation • Correct positioning of water outlet opening • Deviation of dripper quantity per defined length and/or spool These values together with standard production process data are monitored through a PMS (production management system). In detail the production data secured is processed as follows. Data captured from the laser marking equipment for each spool, coil or reel produced

Figure 6: Measure and test protocols

is transferred along with the corresponding matching PMS production data and can be transmitted to a barcode printer. After the reel or coil change over on the winding equipment a barcode label is printed and can be attached or adhered to the finished wound spool, coil or reel. This specific unique barcode will contain data as to whether the spool has been wound without any defect or whether defects or faults were logged and recorded during the winding process. The individual spool weight, along with order and lot number, is transmitted automatically to the quality control equipment DFC. A representative sample is taken from the individual spool to determine the physical properties which are also recorded within the QC equipment DFC. Spools are transferred via conveyor belts to the downstream packaging and overwrapping equipment. During this product transfer the spools pass a quality quarantine zone where faulty or non-conformance spools can be identified, segregated and withdrawn from the finishing process. In the quality control system the following data is measured and captured, whereby the overall quality management system should determine in which frequency and interval these control checks and measurements are carried out: • Measurement of nominal flow rate at normal pressure (Figure 3). Here, a relatively short test cycle is involved which is typically sufficient for NPC (no-pressure compensated) and labyrinth tape emitter type products. With this ‘rapid- test’ the overall process stability can be monitored. • Flow at variable pressure, mainly for PC drippers (pressure compensated), nevertheless this can of course also be

used for regular NPC and labyrinth emitter tape type drippers. Here, longer cycle times are involved during which the CV (co-efficient variation) value is determined. The results are depicted in Figure 4. • Burst strength of the tube, to determine the shelf life of the product, the weld adherence of the dripper to the inner wall surface and to determine and identify potential weak spots in the tube, tape or pipe. Mechanical and hydraulic values are displayed in the form of graphs by the system. The above-described process flow depicts how with relatively simple methods the overall line efficiency can be improved, along with the overall product quality and consistency in quality, thus enabling and leading to a production process capability of ‘just in time’ production. In addition it enables the end-user to trace, monitor and track over many years the performance capabilities of the product.

THE Machines Yvonand SA – Switzerland Email : info@the-machines.ch Website : www.the-machines.ch

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N ovember 2014