Modular Lab Automation
Using a modular software approach, CTE has automated a laboratory facility so that it follows a clear, production-oriented structure. The modules were designed to make it easier to scale up the system later on. Based on HiTec Zang’s LabVision system, a solution was developed that enables precise documentation and structured data management, thereby laying the groundwork for future scale-up and data management applications right in the laboratory.
Mandate
Sulzer commissioned CTE to automate a laboratory system that follows a clear software and data structure. The modular code of the first system was designed to be easily transferred to subsequent systems, while ensuring that the measurement data remains consistently comparable. The project was implemented using the LabVision system from HiTec Zang.
Procedure
CTE adopted a modular software approach that has already proven successful in other production facilities. Functions such as dosing and temperature control were designed as standalone modules and can be flexibly adapted or expanded.
Signals and data points were also uniquely assigned to their respective modules. This keeps the software organized, and the resulting process data is already available within a clear plant and process context.
Another focus was on the subsequent use of the process data being generated. The data structure was designed so that information is not only available as individual measurement values but is already assigned to a plant and process context. Via OPC UA, this data can be transmitted in a structured manner to higher-level systems, such as a historian.
The LabVision system from HiTec Zang was used as the platform. The familiar modular software architecture was successfully ported to the lab platform.
Achievements
The project resulted in the creation of Lab Automation, which combines two requirements: high flexibility in the lab and a structured, production-oriented software architecture.
The modular design offers Sulzer the following advantages in particular:
Flexible Customization: Experimental setups and functions can be more easily customized, expanded, or recombined.
Clear software structure: Functions, signals, and data points are unambiguously assigned to their respective modules.
Traceable Documentation: The standardized structure simplifies documentation, maintenance, and future enhancements.
Structured process data: The data is already available within a defined plant and process context.
Foundation for Scale-up and Data Management: The structures that have been established facilitate the reuse of data and the transition to a pilot or production facility.