Automating batch processes

Abstract

Batch processes are a suitable means of describing milk and dairy processes and therefore suitable applications for the emerging batch control systems standards. These involve powerful recipe handling, scheduling and information management concepts. Recipes are regarded in these standards as transportable objects incorporating formulae, equipment requirements, process procedures and instructions for data acquisition of data for batch histories. The main impact of these recipes will be to permit increased production flexibility as control systems become more functionally oriented and subject to the instructions within recipes. Production scheduling will enable the order of recipes and production to be established according to customer demands. Any supported schedules will have to be dynamic, to allow for severe disruptions. The final concept of information management enables the creation and use of batch reports for quality, internal and external, financial and maintenance functions and analysis within a company. Although these concepts and their interrelationships are reasonably new, control systems are being created that will support software implementing these concepts.