Simulation of the subprocesses of filling, capping and pasteurized for the automation of a brewery Simulación de los subprocesos de llenado, tapado y pasteurizado para la automatización de una planta cervecera

Abstract

Background: Process simulation is an useful tool in the design, analysis and evaluation of processes, facilitating its optimization and monitoring, and allowing the prediction of its behavior in certain situations. Objective: Therefore, this paper shows a simulation of a brewing process with special emphasis on the subprocesses of filling, capping and pasteurized. Method: Each of the steps of a brewing process was identified, and the subprocesses of interest were characterized, defining each of the input and output variables. For the simulation of the subprocesses, a programmable logic controller PLC S7-1500 was used, controlling and monitoring the behavior of each of these by SIMATIC WinCC, locally on an HMI (Human Machine Interface) screen and remotely on a computer. The dynamics of the process are displayed in the Automation Studio 6 software, which is connected to the PLC via the IBH OPC server. To observe the behavior of the system to certain emergency situations alarms were implemented. Results: The performed simulation, allowed to follow the subprocesses of interest step by step, both locally and remotely, allowing to observe the system behavior under normal conditions or emergency situations, when the simulator responds immediately. Conclusions: Based on the results obtained, it is concluded that the simulator is an adequate and inexpensive alternative for understanding, monitoring and predicting the behavior that would have the real plant in terms of the subprocesses of interest.