Abstract :
The automation of the batch chemical plant generally begins and ends with providing the real time control and recipe handling. This level of automation replaces manpower in some basic functions and generates incentives in the capacity area. However, the true incentive in the automation of a chemical operation is the decision analysis made by the selection of products to be run in specific equipment. Currently, even with automated systems, critical decisions which impacting product cost such as scheduling and equipment allocation, are left to operators. Secondly, process supervision makes allocations based on intuition rather than true cost calculations. Scheduling techniques to soft out campaigns, schedule recipe implementation, allocate process equipment and to enforce these schedules have been implemented with success. These specialty chemical and resin plants have reaped benefit in energy, raw material and capacity areas, plus the product quality area. This provides a compounding beneficial effect.
