Configure Transfer Phases

There are four types of transfer phases: automatic, semi-automatic, manual, and data. The following section describe the phase types and provides examples to help you understand how to configure transfer phases.

Automatic and Semi-Automatic Transfer Phases

Automatic and semi-automatic transfer phases are processed in the control system. Operator interaction can be a normal part of the process or may occur only when abnormal situations arise. Operator actions might involve putting the phase on hold or entering parameter values while the phase is running. Enabling the operator to change parameter values is defined when formula parameters are configured.

Automatic and semi-automatic transfer phases must have control system phase logic, and therefore, must have phase control and status bits defined. Interlocks, control buttons, and formula parameters are optional. You must configure formula parameters for the transfer phases that are used to record inputs or outputs.

When the AVEVA Batch Management System encounters an automatic transfer phase with an input type parameter, a bulk material addition is typically being made to the batch. The AVEVA Batch Management System finds the storage unit that holds the material in the Materials database, and determines which connection (which phase) to process to successfully complete the transfer. The AVEVA Batch Management System updates the material usage record in the Materials database based on the actual amount used.

For more information on material location assignments, see Using the Material Location Assignment Editor.

When the AVEVA Batch Management System encounters a Semi-automatic transfer phase with an input type parameter, typically a non-bulk material addition is being made to the batch. Because the phase is Semi-automatic, the operator must acknowledge the start of the phase. Also, the AVEVA Batch Management System does not search for the location of the material in the Materials database. However, if the material has been assigned to a unit, the AVEVA Batch Management System updates the material usage record in the Materials database based on the actual amount used.

You can configure the batch control system to handle many different automatic and semi-automatic transfer phases. The following section describes several examples that you can configure. Most of the phase names correspond to the transferring capabilities associated with the example plant referenced earlier. The DrumAdd and LoadBulk phases are used only for example purposes.

• Phase Name: BulkAdd (Automatic)
  Raw materials stored in bulk units are transferred to other units in the plant. Measurement of the actual amount transferred is made using a flow meter, mass flow meter, or weigh scale. A record of the quantity added to the batch is required.

• Phase Name: Separate (Automatic)
  Material is transferred through a separator from one unit to another unit. There is no actual measurement of the by-product output of the separator, but a record of this output is required.

• Phase Name: Package (Automatic)
  The finished product is transferred from a processing unit to a finished goods package of some form. The operator initiates the start of the fill process for each package. Control of the transfer and measurement of the actual amount is performed by the control system. A record of the finished product and the number of packages is required.

• Phase Name: Condense (Automatic)
  Material is transferred from one unit to another through a condenser. There is no record of material usage or production output.

• Phase Name: Transfer (Automatic)
  Material is transferred from one unit to another. There is no record of material usage or production output.

• Phase Name: LoadBulk (Automatic)
  The finished product is transferred from a processing unit to a bulk unit (railroad car, tanker, and storage tank). The operator is responsible for starting the transfer. Control of the transfer and measurement of the quantity transferred is performed by the control system. A record of the finished product output is required.

• Phase Name: DrumAdd (Semi-Automatic)
  Material is transferred from a drum unload station to one unit. The operator must acknowledge that the drum and pump are in place and properly connected before the phase runs. The drum unload station is used to add many different materials.

Possible phase parameter configurations for the automatic and semi-automatic transfer phase examples are shown in the following table.