How can I turn 1 input item into 10 output items?

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Robert Hambright asked Sep 7, '16 Matthew Gillespie edited May 22, '19

How can I turn 1 input item into 10 output items?

I am trying to model a process that involves 1 item being input into an extruder and then the output is multiple smaller items. For example, one flow item of 1000 units is loading into the extruder and then every 15 minutes, a flow item of 50 units is created through the output port.

I have tried using fluids because it allows me to create items of the correct "weight" or units from the single item that was input. However, I cannot figure out how to set the process time (15 minutes per output item).

Technical support gave me the idea of using single-piece flow items and using a separator to turn 1 input item into X output items. Then, open and close the output port every X minutes in order to only output 1 item at a time.

Is there a more effective way of modeling this process? I am stumped.

Thanks for your help.

-Rob

Software Version:

FlexSim 16.0.1

separator fluids

Answer 1 · 2016-09-07T13:54:10Z

Dawid Dabal answered Sep 7, '16 Robert Hambright commented Sep 7, '16

For the simplest way you could try using Separator and Processor. Separator will be spliting items (you can use labels for units representation) and sending them to Processor one by one (process time = 15).

I've made quick example model: separatorandprocessor.fsm

separatorandprocessor.fsm (16.2 KiB)

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Robert Hambright commented · Sep 07, 2016 at 02:01 PM

Exactly what I was looking for. I guess I didn't understand the splitting. Thanks!

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Answer 2 · 2016-09-07T13:46:28Z

Steven Hamoen answered Sep 7, '16 Robert Hambright commented Sep 7, '16

A simple approach would be to have 1 source creating 20 items into a queue. After the queue you have a processor with capacity of 1 with a cycle time of 15 minutes and after the processor you have a splitter creating the 50 units.

If you want this process to continue you can do have the source create every second ( or even smaller) a product and you have the queue batch 20 items and check the "Flush contents between batches" Then your queue fills up with 20 items, processes them and then let another 20 in.

Or if you work in one of the newer versions of FlexSim, use Process Flow.

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Robert Hambright commented · Sep 07, 2016 at 02:01 PM

Thanks for the response. I will give it a shot.

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