Phase classes define common properties for one or more phases. Phase classes are defined in the Library section of the DeltaV Explorer. Phase classes can be grouped into phase class categories for organizational purposes. For this tutorial, you will create two phase class categories, BlenderPhases and TankPhases.
You will also create batch input parameters and batch report parameters for each of the phase classes.
Batch input parameters specify values that are downloaded to the phase logic in the controller when the phase starts. The phase logic uses these values to control the unit in which the phase runs. Values for batch input parameters can be specified in a recipe, included in recipe formulas, or can be requested from the operator at runtime.
Batch report parameters are typically used to capture and report actual process values or batch values used by the phase. From the phase logic in the controller, batch report values are uploaded to the DeltaV Batch Executive when the phase completes and can be used for batch history purposes. They can also be used in building recipes. For example, the value of a report parameter could be used to determine what to do next in the recipe.