Multiple sensor resin delivery optimizing vacuum pump operation

• US 10,414,083 B2
• Filed: 12/13/2017
• Issued: 09/17/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 02/20/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Novatec Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Novatec Incorporated
• Inventors: Zinski, James, Maguire, Stephen B.
• Primary Examiner(s): Dillon, Jr., Joseph A
• Application Number:
  US15/840,732
• Publication Number:
  US 20180099449A1
• Time in Patent Office: 643 Days
• Field of Search: 406 46, 406122, 406151, 406152, 406153, 406156, 406157, 406168, 406195, 406197, 406198
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 48/288 in solid form, e.g. powder or granules
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2105/251 Particles, powder or granules expandable particles B29K2105/046
• CPC Class Codes: B65G 53/66 Use of indicator or control devices, e.g. for controlling gas pressure, for controlling proportions of material and gas, for indicating or preventing jamming of material controlling the flow of coal firing systems C21B5/003

Abstract

Method and apparatus for pneumatically conveying granular resin material and controlling such conveyance includes a sensor associated with granular plastic resin material receiver with the sensing vacuum level thereat and a microprocessor adjusting vacuum pump speed based on vacuum level sensed at the receiver.

Claims

1. A method for a pneumatically conveying plastic resin material from a resin supply using a vacuum pump having a suction intake, comprising:

a) providing a plurality of receivers for temporarily storing resin material until needed by an associated process machine;

b) providing a conduit for conveying granular resin material from the resin supply to the receivers in response to vacuum drawn through the conduit by the vacuum pump;

c) periodically and serially sensing vacuum level at at least some of the receivers;

d) storing the sensed vacuum levels;

e) actuating the vacuum pump;

f) adjusting vacuum pump speed based on the stored vacuum levels.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising adjusting pump speed based on multiple collections of serially sensed vacuum levels.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising periodically sensing vacuum level at the vacuum pump.

4. The method of claim 3 further comprising sensing vacuum level serially.

5. The method of claim 4 further comprising adjusting pump speed based on multiple collections of serially sensed vacuum levels.

6. A method for conveying granular plastic resin material from a supply thereof to at least one receiver, for temporary storage of the granular plastic resin material in the receiver until the material is needed by a process machine associated with the receiver, comprising:

a) positioning a first conduit with an open end in the supply;

b) drawing vacuum through the first conduit, thereby conveying granular plastic resin material out of the supply and along the conduit;

c) providing a receiver connected with the conduit for receipt of granular resin material from the conduit;

d) providing a second conduit connecting the receiver to a vacuum source providing the drawn vacuum via the receiver to the first conduit

e) providing at least one vacuum sensor on the first conduit;

f) regulating operation of the vacuum source according to sensed vacuum level at the vacuum sensor.

7. The method of claim 6 further comprising:

a) providing a vacuum sensor on the second conduit; and

b) regulating operation of the vacuum source according to vacuum levels sensed at the vacuum sensors.

8. The method of claim 7 further comprising:

a) providing a vacuum sensor at the receiver; and

b) regulating vacuum draw by the vacuum source according to vacuum levels sensed at the vacuum sensors.

9. The method of claim 7 further comprising:

a) providing a computing device;

b) regulating vacuum drawing according to an algorithm executed by the computing device based on input signals received from the vacuum sensors.