OPC Dynamic Recipe Loading
Dynamic Recipe Loading - Made Easy Using OPC.
Compared to continuous process based industries, batch process based industries face some additional
challenges in maximizing the benefits of using PLC Automation. Whether you are extruding widgets,
laying down semi-conductor components, or mixing medicinal ingredients, your plant equipment set up is
linked to the product being produced. Your ability to manage your production recipes and produce consistent
batches is crucial to optimizing the overall throughput and minimizing downtime.
Batch based industries commonly rely on manual methods of recipe loading which, makes them vulnerable to
human error. As a result, batch based industries face various risks like: extended cycle times,
wasted batches, quality control risks, and missed process improvement opportunities.
OPC, the de facto standard for vendor neutral data sharing, makes it possible to get the most from the
relational data available in the form of OPC DA. Having an OPC Server for relational databases that can
support simple table expression and stored procedures allows the dynamic creation of tags.
From any OPC capable HMI, you can select which recipe to load. This will trigger the table-request or
stored procedure to provide the recipe parameters. With OPC’s real-time data transfer, the PLC will
have all batch parameters and the batch will be ready to run.
The architecture diagram below shows how one might be able to dynamically load recipe data into a PLC from
a relational database using common off the shelf products.
Dynamic Recipe is a common challenge for the batch industry today. There are simple, low-cost,
small footprint, standards-based solutions that enable process engineers, integrators and IT Professionals
to build a reliable system. By standardizing on OPC-DA, the solution stays open and flexible, regardless
of the PLC, Database or HMI vendor.
Enabling Products: