Filling Fluid Mixer based on Content of Mixer

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jim.draper asked Aug 1, '18 Joshua S commented Sep 4, '18

Filling Fluid Mixer based on Content of Mixer

I am using custom code in the step triggers of two Fluid Mixer objects to refill when the step sequence is completed and the mixer is empty. How can I code to trigger a refill when the mixer content falls below a certain level (e.g. 1000 kg) rather than after the two step cycle (step 1 fill; step 2 mix) and then completely emptying. After the refill is complete, the mixer should revert to step 2 (mixing). Each of the two mixers can hold 3000 kg and are being fed from a common tank connected to both mixers. The two mixers are communicating with each other through the central ports.

Here is my current method:

Before step trigger:

/**Custom Code*/

treenode current = ownerobject(c);
int stepnum = parval(1);

if (stepnum == 1)
{
openinput(current);
closeinput(centerobject(current,1));
}

After step trigger:

/**Custom Code*/

treenode current = ownerobject(c);
int stepnum = parval(1);


if (stepnum == 1)
{
closeinput(current);
openinput(centerobject(current,1));
}

Thanks.

Software Version:

FlexSim 18.1.2

fluid mixer

Answer 1 · 2018-08-31T15:50:21Z

Joshua S answered Aug 31, '18 Joshua S commented Sep 4, '18

One way you can trigger a refill is to use an event triggered source in process flow where it fires when the content drops below 1000, then have other activities attached to it opening or closing ports.

event-triggered.png (10.6 KiB)

· 11

jim.draper commented · Aug 31, 2018 at 05:04 PM

Joshua,

Thank your for your suggestion. It sounds like a plausible solution. I have not used process flow before and suppose I will have to dig into the user manual to figure out how to recreate the example given above.

0 ·

Joshua S jim.draper commented · Aug 31, 2018 at 05:28 PM

If you upload your model I could make the adjustments. I do recommend going through through the tutorials for Process flow, it's extremely powerful and will give you greater controll over any model you make.

0 ·

jim.draper Joshua S commented · Aug 31, 2018 at 05:44 PM

Joshua,

Here is my model. There are a lot of custom objects in the model. Do you need those files as well?

Jim Draper

fresh-burger-line-8-31-18.fsm

0 ·

fresh-burger-line-8-31-18.fsm (982.9 KiB)

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jim.draper commented · Sep 04, 2018 at 06:27 PM

Good catch! Yes, the slug should be added when the level drops below the amount it will add to the final mixer. There may be some instances that it will exceed the 3000 lb. capacity of the primary mixer but in reality, it can hold more than 3000 lb. if need be. The 3000 lb. is the recommended fill level and not a hard ceiling amount. The worst case scenario would be if the level drops to 1,484 lb. and then a slug is added bringing it up to 3,484 lb. I think that is doable.

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Joshua S jim.draper commented · Sep 04, 2018 at 07:44 PM

Take a look at this model and see if this all checks out of what should be happening. the 6 minutes seems to check out with this.meat-example.fsm

0 ·

meat-example.fsm (35.9 KiB)

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