The WENGER Automatic Process Management System
As the pioneer in extrusion processing systems, Wenger continues to lead - bringing to the industry unique control system designs for even greater process efficiency. Through our experience and unrelenting commitment, we have developed the APM computer control system to provide Wenger customers the most up-to-date extrusion control system in the world.

Efficiently linking the operator to the extruder:
Human-Machine-Interface
The Human-Machine-Interface (HMI) is a computer with control software program, a 19 inch color touch-screen monitor, and sealed membrane keyboard. The HMI Software runs under the Microsoft Windows Operating System. The computer is equipped with redundant hard disk drives, a modem for remote access, and a CD-RW drive for data backup.

The HMI functions as the efficient link between the operator and the machine, receiving input from the keyboard and displaying information on the monitor. The HMI also relieves the programmable logic controller of many time and memory consuming tasks. These include; alarm handling, formula storage and manipulation, color graphic generation and trending.

Reliably maintaining the extrusion process:
Programmable Logic Controller
The actual machine control is handled by a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), chosen for its powerful control features as well as exceptional reliability, off-the-shelf availability, and worldwide service support. The PLC is configured with program memory and associated inputs and outputs. The PLC and its software maintains the real time control of the extrusion process, sequencing the startup and shutdown, and controlling the continuous process using information received from the HMI via a high speed digital communication link. Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control is used to control all process variables.

Wenger System Software Features
	Pre-programmed sequences for automatic start-up, shut-down, and machine clean-out.
	Online operator adjustment of processing conditions for product fine-tuning.
	Alarms to alert operator of off-spec processing conditions.
	Fault recovery routines which are enabled in the event of an alarm condition which poses a hazard to personnel or equipment.
	Speed control of all variable speed motors.
	Gravimetric control of dry material feed rate.
	PID control of all fluid flow rates as a ratio of the dry material feed rate.
	PID control of the extruder barrel zone temperatures.
	Manual control of individual motors and control devices for maintenance.
	Graphic trending of process variables.
	Alarm handling with alarms listed in the order of occurrence to simplify diagnostics.
	Formula storage up to 10,000 sets of processing conditions.
	Security levels to protect critical data from unauthorized changes.
	Custom screens depicting all pieces of equipment in the process.
	Multiple HMI’s can be located throughout the plant for large processes.
	Local language display screens are available.

 The finest sensors and control devices are selected for the Wenger APM.
With installations in production worldwide, the Wenger Automated Process Management System is a field proven, state-of-the-art control package engineered to automatically control start-up, operation, and shut down of the extruder. It will regulate extruder throughput, process temperatures, and liquids additions as well as monitor those integrated post-extrusion process functions required to optimize finished product quality, process efficiency, machine loading and personnel safety.