Title: Design and implementation of fuzzy control for batch-type asphalt plant

Authors: Youssef Harkouss; Oussama Accouch; Hamza Issa

Addresses: Rafic Hariri University Campus, Faculty of Engineering, Branch III, Lebanese University, P.O. Box 14, 6573, Al Hadath, Beirut, Lebanon ' Rafic Hariri University Campus, Faculty of Engineering, Branch III, Lebanese University, P.O. Box 14, 6573, Al Hadath, Beirut, Lebanon ' Rafic Hariri University Campus, Faculty of Engineering, Branch III, Lebanese University, P.O. Box 14, 6573, Al Hadath, Beirut, Lebanon

Abstract: The paper presents an efficient control strategy for controlling the input and output flow rates of buffers used in a batch-type asphalt plant. The control is achieved by controlling the speed of the feeder's belt. This speed variation is done by adjusting the frequency of the feeder's motor. Controlling this speed in a batch-type asphalt plant is a difficult task. Failing to solve the control problem adequately with a classical control technique led to development of a knowledge-based fuzzy controller. The algorithm used for the implemented fuzzy controller has a Mamdani-type inference system. This paper describes the implementation and the first field tests of the fuzzy control algorithm along with the results which are very positive and encouraging.

Keywords: fuzzy logic; fuzzy control; rule base; control systems; batch systems; asphalt plant; feeder belt speed; buffers; flow rate control; knowledge-based control; inference systems.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIMS.2013.058732

International Journal of Internet Manufacturing and Services, 2013 Vol.3 No.2, pp.148 - 164

Published online: 30 Jun 2014 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article