Reproducibility and clear documentation of a test procedure are the requirements to assure quality and to reduce development times. This can only be reached in the scope of reasonable expenditure through automation of the procedure already in the research laboratory. Up to now, only the text-based language HiText™ or the graphical sequential function chart HiBatch™ were available for programming. As a new option of unmatched simplicity, EasyBatch™ is now available. EasyBatch™ enables uncomplicated table-based and and self-documenting programming. The operation can be conducted on an intuitive basis. EasyBatch™ can also be used in combination with the manual operation mode and ensures reproducibility in an easy manner. EasyBatch™ is even simpler to handle as HiText™ and HiBatch™ and is in particular suited for the programming of processes of simple to medium complexity. EasyBatch™ is also ideally suited for the control of fermenters, microreaction technology plants, and robots. An own table column is provided for all parameters and values, such as times and amounts, intended for regulation. The first column contains the order to be performed. In the simplest case, a programme only consists of set and wait orders. Full flexibility is reached through further commands such as „Wait until“, „Ramp“, If <Condition>, The table listed below, depicts the commands in detail. As a special solution, HiText™ programmes can be integrated into the procedure, which are controlled with the programme Start/Stop/Pause. The command parameters, such as time intervals, conditions, e.g. "pH > 6,5" or a HiText™ programme name are entered into the parameter column. The last column, if necessary, serves for the entry of comments by the operator for relevant information which can not be automatically captured.
The operator operates the plant manually with the help of the operating screen. All setpoint value modifications are automatically recorded in the table. All value modifications are added as a line of the table by the ActionRecorder. Consequently, there is a clear and reproducible description of the actual procedure in table form available at the end of each process. In other words: A workable programme is automatically established by the operating activities of the operator without the necessity of any further action. The chain of activities recorded in table form can now be automatically repeated without any further effort. It is possible, during the run time or before the repeated start of the table, to enter intervals, setpoints, comments, conditions etc. Usually, before repeated execution, the table is edited to consolidate the same. Setpoints which were modified shortly after another can be summarised in one line and certain operator-supported tasks such as the reaching of a certain value (in this case: Wait pH > 7) can be integrated into the programme. If values are modified by the operator during realisation, the table is automatically accordingly adjusted. This ensures that the procedure is documented and reproducable 100% at any given time. The LabVision® Project Modules represent the ideal basis for EasyBatch™. The deployed modules automatically allocate the EasyBatch™ programme table so that the laboratory work can be immediately commenced after a project has been established. The EasyBatch™ Module is therefore the ideal tool to automate frequently changing applications with minimum expenditure.
Advantages
In the MultiWriter, occurring events, values and sequence phases are consistently presented. A batch protocol containing all events, operation interventions, value modifications etc., can be established and archived automatically in HiLIMS™. This warrants for the ideal backup of test results and reproducibility at any time.
| Description | |
|---|---|
| Wait | Programme waits until the time set in the parameter column hh:mm:ss has expired before executing next line |
| Wait for | Programme waits for the fulfillment of the condition in the the parameter column before executing next line |
| Wait until | Programme waits until /for the stated date or time before executing next line |
| Set | Allocates the respective values stated in the current line to the data points stated in the column head |
| Ramp | Establishes ramps for all setpoint values in the time stated in the parameter column to the end values stated in the current line |
| Start | Starts the HiText™ programme stated in the parameter column |
| Stop | Stops the HiText™ programme stated in the parameter column |
| Pause | Interrupts the HiText™ programme stated in the parameter column |
| If | Branches out to the stated programme line, if the condition in the parameter column is fulfilled |
| Continue if | Branches out without condition to the programme line stated in the column „line“ |
| Acknowledge | Opens a window containing the message stated in the parameter column and interrupts the programme until the operator acknowledges (click on to OK) |
