Modern Mill Design – A New Approach
Georg Schafler, Bühler
In today’s dynamic VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) world, rapid adaptation to challenges is the key to success. Every industry and every company is facing them. And although it is one of the most important, the grain processing industry is no exception as it once again faces new and significant challenges:
– Substantial fluctuations of incoming raw materials
– Massive increases of energy and raw material prices
– Skilled labor shortage and labor turnover rate
Such challenges are driving a shift in the needs of grain processors. However, plant and process design play a significant role in addressing these new challenges. The presentation will elaborate on how mills can be adapted to those evolving needs.The core of the presentation will focus on the milling section. A modern plant concept allows for continuous production and flexible and cost optimized maintenance at the same time without narrowing finished product quality, automation degree or personnel safety. Such an approach ensures permanent product supply towards the customers. The presentation will demonstrate how know-how in milling technology, plant automation and plant engineering must be bundled to achieve the best conclusion in the event of opponent goals. Besides the process design of the milling section, the speaker will highlight the impact in the grain preparation and possible countermeasures to ensure stable finished product quality. In addition, such a concept also brings some advantages for the finished product section which should be considered at the same time.
Based on a model, flowsheets and attractive images will the audience learn how substantial long-term investments can be made ready for a VUCA world.
