Automation goes 4.0: The “SMART” AAC factory

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

AbstractContinuously improving the autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) production process is one of the key concerns for producers. As a result, new Wehrhahn automation tools have been developed during the past years to facilitate the “SMART” process. The presentation provides information pertaining to the key issues:“SMART” FactoryAdvanced AAC plants are equipped with more than 20 individual electric control sections. Each single machine comes with its own electric control system. The individual controls allow better testing of each machine already in the workshop prior to shipment. We call it “the machine for the socket.”The programs automatically adjust the functional sequences depending on the actual process situation in the plant instead of following a fixed functional sequence. The Wehrhahn Product Control and Information system provides the relevant process data for each individual machine and allows the automatic adjustment of all necessary machine parameters because it knows exactly which AAC product is currently produced and which is coming next.Big DataThe intelligent control systems continuously collect process data in the plant. This facilitates a stable high‐quality production process as the plant can immediately react once parameters change. The key issue is the intelligent process data utilization resulting in automatic reaction of the machines.Industry 4.0The “4th Industrial Revolution” results in a fundamental change in all economic and life aspects. For advanced plants it means to combine the know‐how of all intelligent, decentralized measuring and control systems to one “complete system” making use of all the available data to enable a flexible, optimized, and highly efficient production process.The presentation will accentuate these important key issues on the basis of practical case examples in recently built AAC factories.