Combining outputs from a processor and re-running it

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Benjamin B2 asked Apr 20, '19 Braydn T converted comment to answer Jul 11, '19

Combining outputs from a processor and re-running it

Hi, I want to model a 'twice distilled' beverage. In my model I have two stills (multiprocessors), which are used for the 1st and second distillation. The first distillation is of a 'mash' substance, and the second distillation is of a liquid. The stills can handle 1 unit of mash, and 1.5 units equivalent units of liquid. Liquid and mash cannot be combined. I am unsure how to model this. At the moment I have the mash output connected to the stills, and the stills connected to a queue. This queue is in turn connected to the input of the stills. I need to insert the logic that the stills first need to take the mash input, and then when this is all distilled, take the liquid input. Can anyone help here?

I would also like to name the inputs and outputs of various processes like input: Agave; output: Mash; Input: Mash; output: Liquid etc.

Software Version:

FlexSim 19.0.2

multiprocessor multiple flow items names of flow items

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Jeff Nordgren commented · Apr 22, 2019 at 06:18 PM

@Benjamin B2,

To be able to answer your question more specifically, we would need to see your model or a sample model of the problem area. This way we can give you a more specific answer you your specific model.

Thanks.

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Benjamin B2 commented · Apr 22, 2019 at 06:36 PM

mezcal-production-example.fsm

Thanks so much Jeff. Please see attached. Let me provide a little more context.

1. 10 tons of "Magueys" enter the oven. What comes out is 10 tons of "Cooked Magueys" (though I'd like to know hoe name them as such).

2. These cooked magueys then wait for the grinder

3. Out of the grinder each ton goes into 1 "tina" which is a barrel to ferment. Because there are only 5 "tinas" this causes a queue in front of the grinder

4. after 4-6 days in the tinas the "cooked magueys" become "mash" (again, I'd like to name it like that)

5. Each ton of Mash goes into one of the two stills for the First Distillation. 1 ton of "mash" becomes 225 Litres of First Distillate

6. The "First Distillate" then needs to go back through either one of the stills (but cannot be in them at the same time as the mash). The capacity of a still for First distillate is 350 Litres (so we can combine more than one 250 L output). The second distillation takes significantly less time than the first (only about 4 hours vs 9 hours).

If you could help me set up the model logic at the stills, (as well as some of the naming of the outputs of different processes) that would be incredibly helpful. Apologies for the basic questions - I've only just started using this product.

Best,

BB

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mezcal-production-example.fsm (33.7 KiB)

tannerp Benjamin B2 commented · Apr 23, 2019 at 09:50 PM

Hi @Benjamin B2,

Thanks for the explanation on your model. Before I work to update the model, I have two suggestions/questions:

1) The "name" of the flow items isn't really that important in the long run, as long as you know what your throughput statistics mean. So whether that's counting tonnage or measuring time in system or whatever it may be. I guess what I'm getting at is the names won't have too much effect on the model.

2) Is there a reason why you're using multiprocessors instead of just regular processors? I understand you're relatively new to FlexSim, so it can be confusing. From the sounds of it, each station only completes one process, so it might be more beneficial/efficient to use regular processors. Just an idea.

I'm hoping to give this a shot tomorrow sometime. Sorry we haven't gotten to it sooner.

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Benjamin B2 commented · May 01, 2019 at 11:20 PM

Hi @Tanner Poulton, Tanner - I realized my answers to the above didn’t post for some reason.

1. No problems on the naming - I can definitely follow quantities etc through the model.

2. On the multiprocessor piece - you’re right they are not necessary. The reason I initially did this was due to the fact that the stills process two different inputs that cannot be mixed - ie on the first run, they distill the mash, and on the second they run the output from the first distillation. The complication comes from the fact that each still can run 1 “Tina’s” worth of mash in the first distillation, which has an output of 250L: this output can be combined with other output from this process and the second distillation can be run on 350L. Each 250 worth of first distillate results in 90 liters of final product after the second distillation. I hope this helps!! Thank you so much!

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Benjamin B2 commented · May 10, 2019 at 09:35 PM

Hi @Tanner Poulton and @Jeff Nordgren - I'd love some help on the above. Let me know whatever else I can provide to make it clearer.

All the best,

Ben

Please look: @Sam Stubbs, @Matthew Gillespie, @Joshua S, @Logan Gold

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Answer 1 · 2019-06-20T17:10:15Z

Braydn T answered Jun 20, '19

Hey @Benjamin B2

I'm sorry it took so long to get to this. Are you still having issues? I mocked up a quick version of your model that hopefully will help. If not, please tag me @Braydn T and I will get help you as fast as I can. Again, sorry for the delay. quickmezcal.fsm

quickmezcal.fsm (41.7 KiB)

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