Batch Control

Batch Standard Revamps

Batch Control Systems — Design,
Application, and Implementation,
2nd Edition

William M. Hawkins and Thomas Fisher

This revision of the 1990 work by Thomas Fisher covers an introduction to batch processes; batch control system structures; batch control; batch communications and batch control system design. Hawkins offers a comprehensive analysis of the development and evolution of batch control from the original NAMUR model through the most current publications in the ISA- 88 series. Through examples, commentary, analogies and at times, wry humor, the author provides an in-depth philosophical discussion of how batch control and all manufacturing enterprises have been impacted by the work of ISA- 88.

Format: Softbound Book – 2006 ISBN: 978-1-55617-967-9 Length: 300 pages; Weight: 2 lbs. Member: $89.00; List: $99.00 www.isa.org/batchcontrol

Design Patterns for Flexible Manufacturing

Dennis Brandl

This handy resource defines an effective set of design patterns and rules you should know when applying the widely used ISA- 88 industry standards to batch manufacturing (called the S88 design pattern) and continuous and discrete manufacturing (called the NS88 design pattern for non-stop production). This book clearly identifies what elements are defined in the batch series and what elements make up the S88 and NS88 design patterns for flexible manufacturing. The book defines design patterns for control system programming, providing patterns for the organization of programmable logic controller (PLC), digital control system (DCS), and other control system application codes. Whether you are in a batch, continuous, or discrete manufacturing environment, these design patterns can be applied to a wide range of production systems, making systems easier to design and implement.

Format: Softbound Book – 2007 ISBN: 978-1-55617-998-3 Member: $89.00; List: $99.00 Length: 350 pages; Weight: 2 lbs. www.isa.org/designpatterns

ISA- 88 Batch Standards and User Resources

A wealth of information on one CD-ROM, the new ISA- 88 Batch Standards and User Resources compiles the essential ISA batch systems standards, reference books, and technical papers for the industrial automation and control systems professional.

Format: CD-ROM ISBN: 978-0-9791330- 5-3 Member: $199.00; List: $499.00 www.isa.org/batchresource

Batch production industries such as food, beverage, life sciences, and specialty chemical, among others, should see benefits soon from a facelift to the ISA- 88 Batch Control series of standards. New working groups will begin cutting into the first two standards in the ISA- 88 batch standard series, not only for batch production manufacturers, but for non-batch industries as well. The standard serves as a “solid approach to modular automation, so additional industries could also benefit,” said Paul Nowicki, chairman of the ISA-SP88.01 update working group and leader of industry applications in beverage at Rockwell Automation.

The facelift will attempt to clarify issues that have come up over the past 10 years in the ISA- 88 series, Nowicki said. “These may include terminology clarifications, more (or clearer) definitions of equipment modules and control modules, a clarification of the types of control defined (coordination, procedural, and basic), and where they fit into the equipment modules,” he said.

The reason behind the updates is to, “address some questions manufacturers have had in their attempts to implement systems that follow the standard, resulting in better attainment of the original objectives of the standards to improve batch operations,” Nowicki said. One of the key benefits offered in this initiative is modularity, allowing lower engineering and training costs and flexibility for more production capability. Other benefits include the use of standard-based procedure models to meet changing operations requirements, improvements in the consistency and quality of products, and improved control over the manufacturing process.

Because the structure of the batch standard mirrors the structure required for flexible manufacturing, the ISA- 88 principles can be extended to many continuous, as well as discrete, applications. The standard is flexible and, depending on the functionality required, can be adapted to many different types of applications. The Make2Pack working group has allowed subgroups of OMAC and the ISA-SP88 committee to work together to find ways to apply these standards-based principles to machine-based control.

But the changes don’t come without some challenges. “Users and vendors have developed systems making their best interpretation of the standards,” Nowicki said. “Some clarifications on the standard may cause both groups to rethink their solutions to consider the benefits of the large common experience set that the [ISA-SP88] committee represents.”

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