Abstract:
This project deals with the automation of an industrial machine that involves filling and packaging of yogurt in plastic containers. The project reduces the food wastage and increases the hygiene by limiting human interaction with the processes involved. The automation is done by Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and interfaced through a Human Machine Interface (HMI) along with the application of sensors and actuators. At first the machine places two cups at a time into circular belt and starts the rotation of conveyor belt. Then, it passes cups under ultra-violet (UV) light to sterilize the cups. In the next stage desired amount of volume is filled in the containers which can be changed according to the cup size and an aluminum foil is placed on top of it which is then sealed with the help of the heater. The containers are then lifted up, pushed onto the linear conveyor belt next to the main belt and is passed under stamping process. The proposed design is capable of filling around 12000 containers of yogurt during 12 hours of working. In the same duration only 3000 to 3500 cups are produced if performed manually. The project is accurate in its operation for filling precise volume of yogurt such that error does not exceed 4.5% of the desired volume. The automation results in eliminating labor cost of around 70,000 rupees on this scale. The project delivered a safe and hygienic environment that can perform the task of filling and packing of the food that is more than three times of the manually performed similar task. The project produces precise results with the features of clean-in-place (CIP), a process of cleaning internal parts of pipes and containers without disassembly. One other feature is the emergency stop button that is designed to interrupt power supply to the machine. This emergency button is useful if there is a malfunction in the processes of machine regarding filling or some other mechanical faults. The project concludes efficient productivity in terms of cost and time.
