Development of Rice Milling In-Line Process Control (2005)

Hennicke, O Norris, T

2005

This CRC Project was undertaken to investigate and take advantage of modern systems. Two focus areas were the continuous improvement systems and the process control systems. The focus of Continous improvement systems was to implement an improvement methodology that could apply across the business. Whilst the Process control system was to develop an automated systems to monitor and aid control of the rice milling process. This in turn is aimed at improving milling quality, quality repeatability and mill efficiency. Area reviewed and enhanced in Process control system included Computer control of the vertical milling process, Moisture meter (Grainspec) automatic interface to mill control system (PLC) and On-line Process Weighing system implementation in Leeton Mill and integrated web-based reporting system. This project was a follow on from and early project in 2000/01 and this report main focus was on Continuous Improvement and On-Line Process Weighing. The results of the project are presented in the pilot Six Sigma approach to process improvements that have delivered significant benefits to SunRice that have been rolled out across all areas of the business. Results were also indicated with the implementation of large training program with approximately 150 staff trained to a detailed level and a further 150 staff trained to an introductory level.