Chapter 4 Understanding The Mix Cycle; The Simple Mix Cycle; Figure 7: A Simple Mix Cycle - Hydronix Hydro-Control VI Operator's Manual

Chapter 4
It is important to understand the mix cycle in order to be able to optimise the system for best
performance, accuracy and repeatability. This chapter defines the phases of a mix cycle and describes
the options that are available.

1 The Simple Mix Cycle

One of the simplest cycles is shown in the moisture trace in Figure 7.
Once material is loaded, the batch control PLC activates the 'Start' signal to start the Hydro-Control
VI cycle. The first phase of the cycle is the Dry Mix Time, set in the recipe parameters. After this
period, water is added, after which the Wet Mix Time commences. At the end of the Wet Mix Time
the cycle is finished and the 'Mix Complete' signal is activated. This signals to the batch control
PLC to discharge the mixer.
Moisture
Signal
increases
from mixer
empty
reading.
Mix Phase Load mixer
Signals
From PLC
START
To PLC
MIX
COMPLETE
As water is
added the
As materials start to
signal
mix the signal begins to
increases.
stabilise. A stable
signal indicates that all
the materials are mixed
thoroughly and the mix
is homogeneous.
Main Water
Dry Mix Time

Figure 7: A simple mix cycle

Understanding the Mix Cycle
As the water
gets mixed the
signal begins to
stabilise. A
stable signal
indicates that all
of the water is
mixed to
homogeneity.
Wet Mix Time
Addition
Hydro-Control VI Operators Guide HD0456 Rev 1.7.1
As the mixer is
discharged the
signal reduces
back to the mixer
empty reading.
Discharge Mixer
Time
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