Topon Visarrea, Blanca
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Topon Visarrea, Blanca
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Quito
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blancatopon@uti.edu.ec
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57212061389

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Optimization of the Solvent Based Paint Manufacturing Process Through Automation and Quality Control to Meet Industry Standards

2025 , David Naranjo-Pullupaxi , Topon Visarrea, Blanca , Iza Llumigusin, Christian , Sarmiento Ortiz, Fabián , Pozo Espin, Israel

The paint manufacturing process requires compliance with the processes of filler preparation, dispersion, grinding, homogenization, packaging, and storage. According to NTE INEN 2094 “Paints - Synthetic alkyd enamels for domestic use” the viscosity of the paint should be between (75–80 KU) during the dispersion process, but in the company of our study 67% of the products did not meet this specification. Therefore, the main objective of this project is to improve the efficiency of the dispersion process through automation and agitation time control. A human-machine interface (HMI) was developed and an S7–1200 PLC and a KTP900 HMI screen were programmed using TIA Portal software. This system allowed precise control of agitation times during paint dispersion. The method focused on ensuring that the viscosity remained within the required limits, avoiding rework and production delays. The implementation of automation in the dispersion process led to a significant reduction of 29.03% of nonconforming product, resulting in a substantial decrease in process time, from 6.502 min to 3.719 min in total for the 18 dispersions evaluated. This improvement is mainly attributed to the decrease in the time required for reprocessing. This contributed to improving the efficiency and quality of the final product, meeting the required standards.

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Smart Agriculture: Designing a Cocoa Pulping Machine with IoT and Industry 4.0

2025 , Topon Visarrea, Blanca , Muñoz del Salto, Emilio , Pozo Espin, Israel , Ruano Cañar, Lenin

Agriculture is a key pillar in Ecuador's economy, one of the most recognized products worldwide is cocoa due to its quality. However, the lack of adoption of advanced technologies limits competitiveness in the face of growing global demand. Therefore, incorporating Industry 4.0 technologies will modernize the process, increase productivity and improve the conditions of small and medium-sized producers. This research addresses the design of a pulping machine that integrates Industry 4.0 technologies to optimize the cocoa pulping process on a farm in Ecuador. Currently, the process is manual and involves 12 workers for three days to obtain 20 quintals of cocoa pulp, with limited efficiency and high labor costs. The main objective is to design a technological solution that significantly reduces operating times, improves the quality of the final product and facilitates real-time monitoring. The methodology included an analysis of the current process using analytical flowcharts and the evaluation of mechanical, electrical and electronic components. The proposed design incorporates an ESP32 microcontroller that centralizes sensor data to monitor parameters such as temperature, humidity and processed volume, allowing remote visualization on the Arduino Cloud platform. This integration facilitates human-computer interaction by providing real-time data and reducing human intervention in significant tasks. Expected results indicate a decrease in pulping time by 49.2% and an increase in production capacity by 50.46%, also optimizing energy consumption and product quality. The implementation of the design will have a positive impact on the competitiveness and sustainability of the cocoa sector, promoting more efficient and accessible agroindustrial practices.

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Accurate Automation in Nutrient Solution Dosage for Pressurized Irrigation Systems

2025 , Sarmiento Ortiz, Fabián , Topon Visarrea, Blanca , Iza Llumigusin, Christian

pressurized irrigation systems, especially concerning electroconductivity (EC) and pH. In this context, data from field samples of a rose crop located in Tabacundo, Ecuador, and agronomic tables were compared to identify deviations in variables. It was observed that electroconductivity fluctuates irregularly between values of 1.3 mS and 2.7 mS, with the target value being 1.8 mS. In contrast, the pH exhibited values higher than the ideal 5.5. In response to this issue, an automated system with a graphical interface was developed to facilitate control of EC and pH values. This was achieved through PID control and automation using PLC+HMI, flow transmitter, flow sensor, and hydraulic elements comprising the pumping system. As a result, greater control was achieved through PID, reducing pH and EC errors to 3% compared to the desired values. Additionally, irrigation time was reduced by 50%. The implementation of the HMI-PLC interface facilitated agronomists’ human-computer interaction, emphasizing the importance of automatic control in agriculture, showcasing significant improvements in precision, efficiency, and ease of operation. The implemented system stands as an effective solution for optimizing nutrient management in irrigation systems, contributing to the healthy growth of crops, promising to simplify agricultural operations by providing farmers with more precise control and improved supervision in pressurized irrigation systems.

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Design of a load elevator as a measure to reduce ergonomic risks

2024 , Sarmiento Ortiz, Fabián , Topon Visarrea, Blanca , Iza Llumigusin, Christian , Joel Morales , Vecquer León

Manual handling of loads in work environments poses significant ergonomic risks, leading to musculoskeletal disorders and injuries. To address this, mechanical solutions are essential to optimize processes and ensure employees’ health and well-being. In this study utilized four methodologies: the Ergonomic Checklist, NIOSH Equation, Snook and Cirello Tables, and the INSHT Technical Guide. These tools evaluated the physical load and risks of manual lifting. Concurrently, a load lifter was developed, utilizing a tractor system powered by an electric motor and a chain hoist, all automated by a PLC. The evaluations highlighted the high risks of manual load handling. After implementation it reduced unacceptable risk to acceptable as well as the distance workers needed to manually move loads was reduced from 8 meters to 2 meters with the automatic lift, a 75% decrease and increasing process efficiency. The designed hoist has a 500 kg capacity, streamlining the product reception and storage process. The introduction of the freight elevator, as an ergonomic solution, is pivotal in reducing workplace risks and enhancing safety and efficiency. This research underscores the need to embrace advanced technologies to tackle ergonomic issues in work settings.

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Automotive Crankcase Design Using Biodegradable Materials

2022 , Cruz J. , Topon Visarrea, Blanca , Caceres L.

The automotive industry is innovating new materials to replace environmentally harmful products with new technologies. An alternative is the use of polymeric compounds derived from biological sources from natural fibers, which generate a low carbon footprint, limiting environmental pollution and waste management problems. The components forming part of a vehicle must meet strict requirements, and the appropriate selection of materials that withstand extreme conditions is therefore necessary. An important element within a vehicle is the crankcase of a motor, which is located at the bottom and aims to provide protection and rigidity to the engine, in addition to housing the oil and the mechanical components thereof. That is why this research proposes the design of an automotive crankcase based on biodegradable materials made of polyester and cabuya fiber. In order to verify the functionalities, a simulation was carried out in SolidWorks, identifying that it complies with similar characteristics to those of a commercial crankcase in terms of efforts and workloads. The engineered crankcase weighs 3.26 kg, is low-corrosion, has 45.42 psi of maximum effort and a strain of 2,024 e-3 in., plus 44% less cost than a commercial crankcase. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

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Standardization of the Cleaning Process of Electric Motor Cores-Case Study

2024 , Segura, Juan , Henry Guachan , Topon Visarrea, Blanca , Gary Chanataxi

The present research work focuses on analyzing the cleaning process of the cores corresponding to the three-phase asynchronous alternating current electric motors, since the quality of the same in the company RC INGELEC, has been deteriorating, as there is an increase in the number of returns of the same by 2.37% compared to the same period of the previous year 2021. Therefore, it is necessary to standardize the core cleaning process in three-phase AC electric motors, through a revision of standards for their rewinding, to reduce the rate of returns in the organization. To this end, interviews are carried out with the general manager, the head of the maintenance area, a survey of information from the technical sheets of the electric motors repaired in the years 2021 and 2022, to build a database, which allows identifying the problems of the process. NTE 2498 2009 focuses on the energy efficiency of stationary electric motors, which is based on the Mexican standard. Based on this reference, six procedures have been developed for each stage of the repair process, prioritizing the cleaning and proper handling of the magnetic core. An investment of $23,800.00 is required for the acquisition of new tools and equipment to completely reduce all returned motors; the vision is to have this reduction by 2028

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Design of a Portable Interface for Vibrotactile Feedback Applications

2022 , Topon Visarrea, Blanca , Iza C. , Arteaga G. , Remache B.

In this project we developed a portable haptic interface for vibro-tactile feedback applications. Currently, commercial systems similar to the proposed interface have high costs with applications in specific areas, and there is no variety of these devices in Ecuador. For this reason, we propose to develop a portable vibrotactile feedback system that will allow the user to perceive movement. The illusions that were used to validate the interface are read through a micro_SD card connected to a controller, and the algorithm used transmits information through a pair of coil type actuators, generating the tactile illusion. Finally, an experiment was conducted to demonstrate its functionality, which resulted in the Funneling illusion being the one that is best perceived in the device, in addition to the fact that the participants reported perceiving a directionality in each illusion. It is expected that this system will be a support tool in urban mobility applications, due to its advantages in terms of portability, reduced weight, low cost compared to other commercial options, reproducible using the drawings and specifications of the system. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

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Design of an Automatic System for the Heat Shrink Blow Molding Process as a Measure to Reduce Ergonomic Risks

2023 , Topon Visarrea, Blanca , Shuguli R. , Ron Valenzuela, Pablo , Castillo J.

In many countries, manual lifting of loads, forced postures and repetitive movements are a source of musculoskeletal injuries in the operators of various machines. On a regular basis, repetitive manual operations, when performed continuously, for a long time and without due precaution, cause physical problems in the operators, affecting the production process. In this work, we present the ergonomic intervention in the manual workstation called heat shrink blowing. For this purpose, we included the analysis of the risk level of the workstation, dimensioning of the vertical linear system, the requirements and a comparison of the times and units produced with the manual method. The workstation was analyzed with the JSI method, and the sizing of the linear system based on the weight of the 3 kg heat gun. The result of this design allows to decrease the risk level of the workstation from JSI=13.5 to 1, due to the replacement of the operator by the system, thus protecting his safety, as well as the operation time varies from 2.8 to 3.1 seconds and the quantity of units produced varies between 9412 to 9600 units. These results are possible because this proposal has been received as an investment to optimize production, as well as a strategy to improve the working conditions and health of its employees. © 2023 IEEE.

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Redesign of the electrical power and lighting network at ice cream parlor located in the city of Quito

2024 , Kevin Zurita , Segura, Juan , Topon Visarrea, Blanca , Bryan Barriga , Edgar Ahmed Gutiérrez

This article proposes the redesign of the electrical power and lighting network in an Ice Cream Parlor located in the city of Quito to ensure continuity in the electrical service and a luminous level according to the UNE 12464.1 Standard, established in the country. For this purpose, a survey of all the electrical load installed in the organization was carried out, where the nominal parameters of each equipment were identified with the help of the nameplate of each one of them. Using the specifications of the Ecuadorian Construction Standard (NEC) and the data obtained from the electrical load survey, five (5) circuits for outlets were proposed, considering a possible expansion of small equipment and the ten (10) maximum outlets established by the aforementioned standard. Additionally, four (4) circuits were proposed to feed the power load. With respect to the lighting network, the DIAlux software is used to determine the number of lamps, luminaires and their location to comply with the luminous level indicated. Therefore, it was necessary to propose six (6) circuits in order not to exceed the fifteen (15) lighting points established by the NEC. For each circuit, the following was calculated: conductor cross section, overcurrent protection, type of insulation and the diameter of the corresponding conduit to protect the conductors. Finally, quotations were made for the materials required for the implementation of the project. From these, an organization is selected, based on the availability of the necessary materials, their cost and accessibility, compared to other suppliers. The total amount of the proposal is US$2,518.24.

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