Patent ID: 9008814
Filing Date: 2015-04-14
Classification: G05B,G06F,Y02P,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method of executing a plurality of batch processes within a process plant according to a product recipe, wherein the product recipe specifies a plurality of actions and a plurality of parameters, the method comprising: receiving a first version of the product recipe; applying the first version of the product recipe to a first batch runner and a second batch runner, wherein each of the first batch runner and the second batch runner controls the execution of the product recipe using respective process control equipment; initiating a respective batch run consistent with the first version of the product recipe at each of the first batch runner and the second batch runner; receiving a second version of the product recipe, wherein the second version of the product recipe differs from the first version of the product recipe in at least one of the plurality of actions or the plurality of parameters; suspending the execution of the batch run at the first batch runner, wherein suspending the execution of the batch run at the first batch runner includes: retrieving current state information of the first batch runner, wherein the current state specifies the one of the plurality of actions being executed by the batch runner or a transaction between two more of the plurality of actions; and comparing the current state information to a set of synchronization points to determine whether the second version of the recipe can be applied to the first batch runner at the current state of the batch runner; applying the second version of the recipe to the first batch runner prior to the first runner completing the execution of the first version of the recipe; and resuming the execution of the batch run at the first batch runner according to the second version of the recipe.