Control engineering for new biotech equipment development

Industry

Life Sciences

Scope

Design / Implementation / Commissioning

Timeframe

12 months

  • 1

    unified control application for 5 different types/sizes of system

  • 600

    tags/signals exchanged via OPC UA interface

  • 50

    pages detailed guide for integration with DCS

01

CLIENT

Our client is a leading multinational science and technology company. The organization operates across healthcare, life science, performance materials, pharmaceutical, and chemical.

02

BUSINESS NEED

Our client was in the process of releasing a new biotech equipment (upstream bioreactor) to the market and already on MVP level customers wanted to install equipment in their facilities. The need was to provide prototypes with high quality and the ability to work in regulated environments in a very limited time. Our solution helped the client to run prototypes quicker, so they could be shown at events and installed in the end-client facility.

03

CHALLENGE

To help our client achieve its goals, we faced the following challenges:

  1. Different types/sizes controlled by one unified PLC application

    Different types/sizes controlled by one unified PLC application

  2. Flexible integration with different DCS systems

    Flexible integration with different DCS systems

  3. Distributed work & team - three sites: US and Europe

    Distributed work & team (US and Europe)

  4. Remote commissioning & debugging (Covid restrictions & multiple locations)

    Remote commissioning & debugging (Covid restrictions & multiple locations)

  5. Simultaneous testing and commissioning of prototypes

    Simultaneous testing and commissioning of prototypes

Tow scientists working on cell culture

04

SOLUTION

Introducing an efficient approach to control application development, our solutions have resulted in the following outcomes:

  • Developed a minimum control application integrating PLC and HMI components
  • Allowed the client to initiate tests promptly, circumventing the need for full software stack development
  • Provided ongoing support and made necessary adjustments to the control application during all stages of product development
  • Created a unified communication interface based on OPC UA
  • Ensured seamless integration of the system with various types of DCSes for the final users
Paweł Pestka, OT Engineer at A4BEE

Developing a single software for several similar machines, tested in different locations, requires a high degree of accuracy and flexibility. As a team, we faced challenges that were hard to foresee at the design stage. This makes the success of such a project highly rewarding.

Paweł Pestka

OT Engineer

Technology used

WAGO PLC Codesys 3 OPC UA Kepware

05

OUTCOME

Our client was able to speed up product development by:

  • Delegating the development of the system control application to us
  • Achieving system readiness for validation tests promptly
  • Successfully commissioning the prototype at the final user plant during the development phase
  • 1

    unified control application for 5 different types/sizes of system

  • 600

    tags/signals exchanged via OPC UA interface

  • 50

    pages detailed guide for integration with DCS

How can we help you?

Before we start, we would like to better understand your needs. Please fill out and send a form.
Our consultant will contact you.

I’m interested in…