Miller Magazine Issue: 136 April 2021

93 MILLER / aprıl 2021 ARTICLE rameters. With Bühler’s TVM, millers can rely on accurate measurements to adjust any imbalances in the grinding gap. From sensor to sophisticated algorithm The system consists of wireless sensors placed inside the rollers that connect to the Bühler IoT sensing device. It acts as the interface to the Bühler Insights gateway, which transfers data to the Insights Platform for analysis. Tem- perature and vibration are measured at multiple points along the entire length of the rollers showing the tempera- ture distribution and vibration patterns. This provides mill- ers with detailed information on temperature imbalances side to side and middle to side and detects overheating. Imbalances indicate that parameter tolerances have been breached or winding occurs on the rollers. The process can be monitored remotely via a user-friendly interface on any device. The benefits for operators at a glance • Millers can detect critical operational conditions very early and take timely action • The system helps provide the best product quality and consistency • Accurate settings result in lower energy consumption and less wastage of raw materials • Precise process know-how allows for recipe optimization • Data transparency makes it easy to compare the effi- ciency of production lines and entire plants • The entire service can be operated remotely via computer and smartphone interfaces • Preventing overheating of machines helps improve the safety of milling plants • Simplifying machine maintenance means less reli- ance on scarce skilled personnel A tested service - TVM installation at Willi Grüninger AG, Switzerland The Willi Grüninger AG is a third-generation fami- ly-owned business mill employing 75 people. Six of the mill’s 17 passages are equipped with Temperature and Vibration Management provided by Bühler. Before the instalment of the service, every roll in each passage had to be checked by trained personnel in detail, especially after recipe changeovers. “With TVM in place, it’s much easier to check the pro- cess and ensure that all parameters are set correctly. We now have a much deeper insight in the process. We were able to increase grinding efficiency, improve prod- uct quality and reduce energy consumption. Our staff is present at the mill for eight hours a day, but our machines keep running for another 16 hours. Whenever parameter tolerances are exceeded, personnel are alerted via the remote system and adjustments can be made from the comfort of their home,” says Phillip Marquart, Head of Foodstuff at Willi Grüninger AG There are significant benefits for operating personnel too. For staff, the digitalization and automation of the plant represents a major simplification of processes and reduces maintenance times required in comparison to conventional systems. “With Bühler insights I can be certain that the plant runs reliably without any malfunction, leaving me precious time to take care of my customers,” says Marquart. Accompanying customers on the digital transformation journey With over a hundred and sixty years of experience Bühler has a deep understanding of the commercial as well as the technical challenges in the industry. Bühler engineers pioneered digital technology in the milling industry early on and this new service represents an- other step towards the SmartMill. “As industry specialist, Bühler recognizes the importance of guiding customers so they benefit from cutting edge digital technologies,” says Alexis Noel, Product Manager at Bühler. With Smart- Companion, an additional service offered by Bühler, cus- tomers benefit from expert advice and get the most of the data obtained by TVM. In regular sessions, Bühler’s experienced teams interpret data and provide custom- ers with tailormade advice. Future developments The TVM service is continuously developed further to maximize impact. Future features, for example, will in- clude more advanced recommendations up to automatic adjustments based on recipes. Alexis Noel says: “The TVM service and its features are set to become a stan- dard in the milling industry as the millers will be able to focus on their core activities and hand over the process stability to the algorithms.”