Batch processing involves the production or processing of products in finite batches, rather than in a continuous production process.
These batches can be measured in liters, gallons, kilograms, etc., and are often used in products like pharmaceuticals, foods and beverages, and specialty chemicals. Batch production is a flexible manufacturing tool, allowing multiple products to be produced on a single production line.
Batch automation must accurately process the correct amounts of the right ingredients in order to create a quality product, then be able to start all over again to configure a completely different product using different ingredients and processing steps. Consistency and repeatability across multiple batches is critical, along with maintenance and retrieval of the various "recipes" used to create product variations.
ABB provides robust software solutions to achieve these goals, while supporting customers in the validation of manufacturing processes to meet regulatory guidelines such as those enforced in the food and drug industries.