Understanding advanced control capabilities
While adding a batch, more complex recipes might require the operator to supply additional batch information, such as:
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Scaling a recipe - The operator provides a value that indicates what percentage of a batch to produce.
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Entering formula values - The operator enters a value to complete a recipe formula, which is used to override the default value of a phase parameter.
The Batch Operator Interface provides the operator with an environment to perform more advanced batch control tasks, such as:
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Arbitrating equipment - While controlling batches from the Batch Operator Interface, the operator can arbitrate equipment. This allows operators to make decisions and prioritize batches based on the current availability of equipment and ingredients. This information is displayed on the Arbitration screen, through which operators can manually arbitrate resources.
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Running a segment of a recipe - When controlling a recipe from the Batch Operator Interface, the operator has the option of running an entire recipe procedure, a unit procedure, or even an individual phase.
For example, a typical operation that can be run from the Batch Operator Interface is a 'clean in place' operation. This operation is frequently run between batches to clean a piece of equipment, particularly if the next batch to run is a different product or if ingredients used in the first batch are potentially corrosive or dangerous.
As another example, a facility defines a phase as ADD_WATER. During the course of producing a batch of cookies, the operator determines additional water is needed. The operator can then run the ADD_WATER phase manually from the Phase Control screen to add water to the batch. After the batch completes, the operator determines whether the mixer used to produce the cookies needs to be soaked before a clean in place operation is initiated. Again, the ADD_WATER phase is run to add water to the mixer.