Process Automation for the Production of Nano Cellulose

Abstract

Back in 2011, I wrote a research-based bachelor thesis titled " Cellulose based biochemicals and their applications ". The purpose of this thesis is to focus on the process automation for one of the biochemicals I mentioned in my previous bachelor thesis i.e. nanocellulose. The thesis scope included developing a process model, i.e., Siemens’s SIMIT SP and a PLC program with Siemens TIA Portal for the nanocellulose production process. Siemen’s SIMIT will work as a simulation tool i.e. a basis for the virtual factory. The whole process is a point of virtual manufacturing operation in virtual environment. Nanocellulose, a renewable and biodegradable material with exceptional mechanical and functional properties, holds immense potential for various industries, including packaging, construction, and biomedical applications. However, current production methods remain inefficient, resource-intensive, and difficult to scale, limiting its broader adoption. This thesis focuses on process automation to produce nanocellulose, aiming to address these challenges through innovative technological solutions. By identifying key bottlenecks in traditional production workflows, this study explores the integration of automation to improve efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and enhance scalability. A comprehensive review of nanocellulose production processes and their limitations forms the basis for developing and testing automated solutions. The research highlights the critical need for sustainable and cost-effective production methods to meet the increasing global demand for nanocellulose. The proposed automation framework is designed to optimize production without compromising the quality of the final product. This study contributes to the growing field of sustainable manufacturing while offering actionable strategies for industries seeking to adopt greener and more efficient practices. The findings provide valuable insights for scaling up nanocellulose production, paving the way for its widespread commercialization and environmental impact. Bio chemicals are more than relevant in the current scenario when we are very concern on saving our environment. This thesis could be a good reference for the industries wanting to automate the production of nanocellulose. The developed SIMIT model could be used as an automation engineering teaching material in the future. For virtual commissioning work, siemens SIMIT SP has been used. Automation work has been realised through Siemens PLC TIA portal. Sequential programming has been used for the automation; loop sequence has been created. For further visualisation, HMI was used.