Automation of PTFE Handling System for Mould Filling Operation

PTFE resins are highly sensitive to the contaminations like dust, moisture, etc. A small amount of contamination results in rejection of final product. Hence, intensive care needs be taken while handling these resins. A case study was conducted at an industry which supplies vital components used in pumps, valves, etc. This industry processes fluoropolymers, like PTFE, PFA, FEP, ETFE, etc. There was more human intervention while handling PTFE resins. Objective of this study was to reduce human intervention while handling these resins in the selected industry. In this, an attempt was made to design new handling system consisting of hopper and automatic weighing mechanism. The proposed system was designed to handle batches of resins in various quantities depending on the mass. The hopper of 200 litre capacity with supporting structure was designed and recommended. Solenoid actuated valve was used to control flow of resins. The system was controlled with Arduino Uno R3. In this work, interface of Arduino with load cell of 20 kg capacity, 20 × 4 LCD, and keypad was used. It was observed that by reducing human intervention, 80% reduction in mould filling time could be achieved by the proposed system.