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After reviewing parts one and two of this three-part series, you now have a conceptual and visual understanding of the S88 standard and its applications.  If you haven’t yet read the first two parts of this series, check out S88 Specs, Part 1 of 3: An Introduction to the S88 Standard and Part 2 of 3: System Modeling Under S88 Standard. Transitioning S88 States Throughout Production In this last entry, we’ll provide the final piece of the puzzle, bringing it all together. We’ll examine the progression through the numerous defined states associated with the manufacturing process as it aligns with S88 and the corresponding model.     Understanding S88 States in Control System Modeling The S88 standard defines various states that units or phases can transition through during their operation. These states, categorized as an Initial State, and Quiescent, Final or Transient states, provide a standardized framework for interaction between recipe phases and control system equipment and control module phases. Let’s explore some of the key states defined by the S88 standard: Quiescent states Held Paused Final States Aborted Stopped Complete Initial State   Idle Transient states Starting Restarting Running Aborting Holding Pausing The states listed here are the typical implementation. The procedural state model can be expanded or collapsed as permitted by the standard. The figure below shows the basic state diagram. Fig.4 State Transition Diagram SC Denotes State Change – state logic completes normally and the state advances as indicated by arrows. Text over the arrow Start, Resume etc. are external commands from batch application or internal to the control system or operator issued. The Hold, Stop, Abort are unique in that they act on multiple steps contained within the shaded rectangles. Handshake signals are implemented between the control system and batch system through command and status bits. They … Continued

After reviewing part one of this three-part series, you now have a conceptual understanding of the S88 standard and its applications. If you haven’t yet read the first part of this series, check out S88 Specs, Part 1 of 3: An Introduction to the S88 Standard.    Illustrating the S88 Standard in Application  Understanding the S88 standard is only a piece of the puzzle.  It can be difficult to fully grasp its implementation in process.  Having a visual representation of a system utilizing Batch Control in manufacturing can add the next piece.    In this article, we discuss System Modeling under the S88 standard covering the Process, Physical and Procedural Control models, and how the combination of these models enables effective control, monitoring and automation of the process.  Control System Modeling Under the S88 Standard  Modelling is best illustrated using a simple example such as a manufacturing plant with three process trains. Each train is intended to support the same set of three units with each unit of the same type supporting the same set of actions. Variations in terms of size and output are permitted.  In this example, assume each train consist of a reactor, filter and recovery vessel.  Process Model  The process model in the S88 standard serves as a means of organization of the processing activities that are performed by the system i.e. process. The process is achieved using the physical equipment defined in the physical model and the recipes defined in the procedural control model.  Fig. 1 Process Model  Here we could envision supplying ingredients, and reagents or solvents to the reactor, followed by chemical reaction and transfer of the product to the filter. The filter separates the product from the waste and transfers the waste for disposal recycling to the recovery vessel.   Physical Model  The physical model in … Continued

E Tech Group will attend the 32nd Annual International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) Boston Area Chapter Product Show and Career Fair at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA September 20, 2023, 11:00 am – 6:30 pm. West Chester, OH – E Tech Group, a leader in providing high-quality automation, control, and engineering services for industrial clients, announced today that they will be displaying their oligonucleotide automation demonstration at the 2023 International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) Product Show at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA September 20, 2023. E Tech group will be taking over the hall: you’ll be able to find E Tech Group on both sides of the convention due to the recent acquisition of E-Volve Systems. You can find E Tech Group at booth W69 and formerly E-Volve Systems at booth E110. The E Tech Group team will be providing information around our IT/OT risk assessments, a helpful tool in addressing and mitigating issues at facilities. On the other end of the hall, still bearing E-Volve Systems logos and banners, E-Volve Systems will showcase their capabilities for oligonucleotide automation, an industry facing many opportunities for automation, in a featured demo. Attendees can learn how E Tech Group can help a batch process that is currently manual and facing inconsistency issues become a more efficient and safer process. “E-Volve Systems, an E Tech Group company, is excited to once again be showcasing our expertise at the ISPE Product Show. We look forward to highlighting our experience with automating what was once a manual process in oligonucleotide manufacturing, connecting with our peers, clients, and new faces. Joining E Tech Group earlier this year we have expanded our capabilities and reach becoming a major player in the industry across North America. This is an exciting time in our company and in the … Continued

Where did the S88 Standard for Batch Control Systems Stem From?  In the world of industrial automation, the S88 standard, also known as ANSI/ISA-88 or Batch Control, plays a vital role in providing a universal framework for the control and automation of manufacturing processes. Developed by the International Society of Automation (ISA), the S88 standard offers a structured approach to designing, implementing, and maintaining batch processes. For those who are new to the S88 standard and want to delve into its applications across various industries, this three-part blog series will serve as a guide to understanding the fundamentals of the S88 standard, its benefits, and an overview of its working principles.  What is the S88 Standard for Batch Control Systems?  The S88 standard provides a comprehensive and modular methodology for designing, implementing, and managing batch processes in industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food and beverage, and many others. It establishes a consistent and structured approach to defining the equipment, control strategies, procedural operations, and information systems required for effective batch process automation.   Within the ISA-95 framework batch systems adhering to S88 standard are identified as Level 2 systems. They are subordinate to Level 3 MES systems and achieve process control through interaction automation and control systems (ISA-95 Level 1 and 2).    In practical terms, S88 system, a batch control application executes recipes. A recipe is a sequence of operations containing multiple recipe phases. Recipe phases interface with the physical plant equipment through equipment phases typically executed by PLCs.  Applications of the S88 Standard in Industrial Automation While the S88 standard was originally developed for batch processes, its applications are not limited to specific industries. The versatility of the standard enables its adoption in a wide range of fields. In general, automation system builders may benefit from using the S88 concepts even … Continued