Adaptive Control of Melt Pressure in Polymer Extrusion Processes Using Extremum-Seeking Control

Yasith Sanura Perera, Jie Li, Chamil Abeykoon*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

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Abstract

In polymer extrusion processes, melt pressure is used as a key indicator of melt stability. Fluctuations in melt pressure can lead to variations in the dimensions of the extruded product in continuous extrusion processes, adversely affecting the product quality. Hence, it is important to maintain the melt pressure at a desired level while minimizing pressure fluctuations, to ensure melt stability and quality. This study proposes an adaptive controller based on the extremum-seeking control technique to regulate the melt pressure by adjusting the screw rotational speed. The controller was implemented and tested through simulation. To evaluate the adaptation capabilities of the controller, its performance was assessed across two polymeric materials (i.e., LDPE and LLDPE) and two screw designs (i.e., barrier-flighted and rapid compression), which were processed under three temperature conditions and five screw speed settings. Simulation results confirmed that the controller could regulate the melt pressure at the desired level regardless of the processing conditions. The findings of this study will aid control engineers in designing adaptive melt pressure controllers for industrial polymer extrusion processes.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2024 10th International Conference on Control, Decision and Information Technologies (CoDIT)
PublisherIEEE
Pages371-376
Number of pages6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 18 Oct 2024
Event10th International Conference on Control, Decision and Information Technologies - Valletta, Malta, Valletta, Malta
Duration: 1 Jul 20244 Jul 2024

Conference

Conference10th International Conference on Control, Decision and Information Technologies
Abbreviated titleCoDIT
Country/TerritoryMalta
CityValletta
Period1/07/244/07/24

Keywords

  • Polymer Extrusion
  • Melt Pressure
  • Extremum Seeking Control
  • Support Vector Regression

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