The design follows S88 principles. Product recipes were developed using the IEC 1131 SFC format supported by RSBatch. A typical batch procedure consists of a batching sequence, reaction, crystallization, filtration, and drying. Since these procedures can take several days, it was important to design them for maximum plant throughput by acquiring equipment as late as possible and releasing it again as early as possible. RSBatch also allows users to change recipes and simulate processes when necessary.
Comprehensive data is collected for each batch in the form of an event journal.
RSBatch archives this information to an ODBC databases, and reports can be generated that collate the process-critical parameters. The primary system interfaces for the plant are the Local Operator Panels. These are mounted in a hazardous area classified as Zone 1 IIB T4 and certified to EEx'p' EN50016. Display screens available via the Rockwell Software RSView32 human machine interface software include plant overview displays, unit mimics, trends, alarms, loops, operator messages and prompts, and sequential function charts of running batches. During installation, ChiRex cut system development time through parallel creation of controller logic and recipe sequences.