Design of a temperature control system to increase profits in the noodle drying process (#310)

Authors

Uchofen Ayala, Estrella Del Carmen

Sánchez Pérez, Joselito

Arroyo Ulloa, Maximiliano

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to design a temperature control system to increase profits in the noodle drying process. The company under study produces a variety of products such as thin, thick, and ribbon noodles. However, the drying process presents problems due to uneven distribution of hot air, which generates humidity levels outside quality parameters and causes reprocessing. To address this issue, we began with a diagnosis of the process, identifying causes and evaluating reprocessing rates through statistical sampling. The current dryer was modeled in SolidWorks and the economic impact of reprocessing was calculated. Subsequently, a new temperature control system was designed to determine the optimal drying time, a PID controller programmed in Matlab was implemented, the control plan was designed in Cade Simu, and the control system was simulated in SoMachine. The improvement reduced the percentage of broken noodles to 10% and wet noodles to 12%. Finally, a cost-benefit analysis was performed, which showed an annual profit of S/73 830 and a cost-benefit ratio of 1,13, demonstrating that the project was viable and profitable.