Scalable process control systems

Process control systems should also be scalable, which means that the size of the control and instrumentation system is easily expanded by simply adding more devices. This feature is possible because of the availability of open systems (i.e., plug-and-play between devices), smaller size, lower cost, greater flexibility, and more off-the-shelf hardware and software in digital control systems. A typical system includes personal... 

Premises Expression system defined Process scalability Primary definition of process No validation Refinement of operational control parameters Development of scale-down process models for validation Process out-of-limit definition Finalization of process control parameters Fixed and defined process and products Pivotal process validation and characterization studies Validated production process Well-characterized product Robust process ... 

Open Control System The topology of the control kernel depends on the process. It offers interchangeability, scalability, portability, and interoperability. 

Bioreactor operation and scale-up are not completely independent processes and should be assessed as different aspects of the same problem. Bioreactor operation must then consider process scale-up not only as the next step but also, as in the classic scale-down method, as a starting point. This means that bioreaction design should be done in scalable systems. A scalable system has to be inherently simple and reliable in operation and control, for easy validation and control in a production facility [56]. 

Overall, the authors expect that it is now clear to the reader that microwave technology not only can reduce reaction times from hours to seconds and improve yields and selectivities of known transformations but also can facilitate the discovery of new and unforeseen stereoselective reactions because of convenience in reactions parameters control provided by modem dedicated equipment. Also, the early scalability issues of microwave-assisted processes have been solved, and dedicated industrial-scale systems are available. Although the actual reasons for the beneficial effect of microwave irradiation are not completely well understood and are still debated, the bottom line is that when a thermal activation is needed to perform an organic transformation, microwave irradiation should be the first choice and not the last resort. 

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