Control Engineering

David Chappell

Oct. 18 meeting notes: Process cell, modes, example planned
October 26, 2007

Part of the standards making process is to meet via phone and Web-based connections. Here are a few notes from the Make2Pack ISA SP88 Part 5 October 18 WEB Ex Meeting:

We had a small number of attendees (because many committee members were at the Pack Expo meeting), but a lot of good discussion.

Dave Chappell agreed to update the calendar to cover 2008 and distribute to the group.

The Control Engineering hosted blog [this one], developed by Mark Hoske working with ISA, was launched Oct. 3.

Randy Dwiggins [ Maverick Technologies ] pointed out that the Part 1 group was using Process Cell now and not just Cell so the Spectrum of Control document might need to be updated.

Control that occurs at a Unit or Cell level was discussed. Arbitration, Unit/Cell reset and mode propagation were examples of this type of control. It is not directed by a recipe and can perform in a stand alone manner. With the right description the Equipment Sequenced Control might be able to fulfill these requirements and more study and work will be necessary. This is part of the S88 fairy dust that people want to know how to create and manage and where in the architectures it hides/resides.

Modes were discussed and concepts are continuing to evolve. [See Oct. 20 post, Mode is a many-splendored thing and Dennis Brandl's comment that followed.]

Randy also pointed out the confusion of using the term mode of operation. There is equipment operation and recipe operation and software operation. No solution was offered, but various observations and suggestions were shared.

Dave committed to create a process example based on existing work that can be consistently used in describing concepts. It will become an Annex of Part 5. [Technical information for Part 5 is on the Make2Pack site.]

Posted by David Chappell on October 26, 2007 | Comments (0)