MAKING PROCESS CONTROL MORE FLEXIBLE

摘要

For decades large-scale automation systems have been at the heart of production line control. Today, driven by changes in consumer demands, an alternative plug and produce modular automation approach is emerging, says Ralf Jeske. Modularisation breaks down systems, plants, processes, and unit operations into standard, modular components, much like those popular children's building bricks that can be mixed and matched freely to make any number of different creations. The concept centres around the prefabrication of specific and complete operational 'packages', which include the automation to control them. The ease of assembly this brings has led to major reductions in on-site work time, complexity and a reduction in the possibility of error.