All-in-one food and beverage batching solutions

A batch automation system is comprised of several key components that work together to manage and regulate the food or beverage production process.

A typical batch control ‘loop’ includes closed-loop control provided by a PLC or other controller. Sensors and instrumentation measure critical process parameters such as temperature, pressure, levels, flow rates and pH. These sensors provide real-time data to the batch control system for monitoring and control of actuators and other control devices to adjust process variables accordingly, such as opening/closing valves, adjusting motor speeds or controlling heating elements.

Lastly a human-machine interface (HMIs) provides a dashboard for control of the overall process.

Bürkert’s turnkey solution

Typically, a batch system may be built from components from various automation technology suppliers, which then must be connected with each other and configured to work together.

Now Bürkert is offering a turnkey fluid batching solution comprising sensors, valve actuators and batch controller, with the option of an integrated HMI.

By combining Bürkert’s Type ME43 or Type ME63 batch controller with an extensive portfolio of flow sensors and valve actuators, Bürkert can provide individual batch systems that are exactly customised to suit the needs of the application — either as a control cabinet installation with the Type ME43 or as a field installation with the Type ME63.

The completed solution includes all the components needed for a batching solution supporting up to three valves, which can be supplemented with the Type ME61 touch capable process control display that comes with a pre-configured batching dashboard.

The benefits of going digital

The Type ME43 and ME63 controllers provide an all-digital solution. The components in Bürkert’s custom batch systems are part of its Efficient Device Integration Platform (EDIP), which facilitates the digital integration of field devices in an existing system, right down to the sensor and actuator level. Communication between EDIP devices is made possible due to a digital interface: the Bürkert system bus. Bürkert’s bus is based on, and is fully compatible with, the CANopen industrial standard. It also features additional functions for simplified operation. A gateway function in the Type ME43 and ME63 controllers also allows the integration of the batch control into higher level automation systems using other industrial standards, like PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and PROFIBUS.

Bürkert’s digital batch automation solutions significantly reduce the amount of cabling complexity, utilising a single Ethernet cable between the components of the system. Simplified connectivity along with reduced configuration effort significantly reduces the cost of deployment over a traditional system based on analogue control wiring.

Acquiring a standardised batch control loop solution from a single source, pre-configured to the specific application, saves time, increases flexibility and reduces spare parts inventory.

Bürkert’s portfolio of products and services can be customised to suit diverse applications within the food and beverage industry. Whether the application is brewing, precision fermentation, or alternative dairy products, Bürkert can provide expertise and experience to provide tailor-made solutions suitable for all batch control applications. Discover more at www.burkert.com.au.