Method

Process step methods specify how batches are processed or stored. The time relationships between inflow and outflow segments in and between process and tank batches are determined through methods. The process step methods are defined, and reflected in process and tank batches. You can add the method tags to planning board batches using the view settings.

These are the standard methods:

• Batch Buffer: Process batch characteristics in batch buffer are the same as in batch process. Tank batch characteristics are the same as in-flow buffer, that is parallel inflow and outflow occurs after buffer time has been reached.
• Batch Process: In the batch process method there is no simultaneous process inflow and outflow. Inflow and outflow rates are independent of each other and must be specified separately as a fixed rate or duration. Standing time is the period between the end of the inflow and the start of the outflow. If the process step is coupled, the tank batch following the process batch functions identically to the final tank in a flow process.
• Batch Inline Exact: Batch Inline Exact (formerly Batch Inline) is a variant of batch process. The specific characteristics of inline methods are described under flow inline. The inflow segment of a process batch follows the outflow segments, even though the rates are not related. Use inline average if you require to solve, and use inline exact if you require the detailed constraints such as max rate and filling level.
• Batch Inline Average: Batch inline average is similar to Batch Inline Exact except for the way this deals with the flow pattern and rate matching. Use inline average if you require to solve, and use inline exact if you require the detailed constraints such as a max rate, filling level, and so on.
• Flow Process: The main characteristic of Flow process is that the product works while flowing in and out of the process. Filling time is the time period between the start times of process inflow and outflow. The process working rate is defined using a fixed outflow rate or duration. Tank inflow segments are based on the rate and duration of the preceding process batch outflow segments. Tank inflow is followed by minimum standing time, variable slack, and outflow. Outflow times and rates are based on tank batch inflow, however, there is no simultaneous inflow and outflow.
• Flow Buffer: The only difference between flow process and flow buffer is that flow buffer allows simultaneous tank inflow and outflow. Buffer time is the minimum period between the start of tank inflow and the start of outflow. Slack occurs if the process is not on time.
• Flow Inline Average: You can use Flow inline average for synchronizing two stages. The difference between flow inline average and exact is the way this deals with the flow pattern and rate matching. Use inline average if you require to solve, and use inline exact if you require the detailed constraints such as max rate and filling level.
• Flow Inline Exact: In flow Inline Exact (formerly Flow Inline), tank flow is (partly) simultaneous with, and is calculated from, tank inflow. The duration and start time of both the process batch and the tank batch of this method are therefore determined by the process batch of the following step. Filling time is the difference between the start time of the inflow and outflow of the process batch. Filling level is the level at which the tank is permitted to commence outflow. Initial rate is the rate with which that happens. This is also the maximum inflow rate, if during a certain period tank outflow exceeds the initial rate, the tank level temporarily decreases. Use inline average if you require to solve, and use inline exact if you require the detailed constraints such as a max rate, filling level.
• Flow Pushed: Flow pushed follows directly on, and is driven by, flow source. This means that process batch inflow is determined by flow source tank batch outflow. The final tank batch has the same characteristics as the flow process method.
• Flow Pushed Buffer: This method is similar to the Flow Pushed method, however the final batch is a buffer tank instead of a fill-empty tank.
• Flow Source: The only difference between Flow Source and Flow process is in the behavior of the final tank batch. This always has outflow to a process batch with a flow pushed method, for which it dictates the start and end of inflow. Flow source can be scheduled as required; however flow pushed cannot be scheduled as it always follows directly on flow source. The tank batch is considered Virtual as the tank itself does not exist. A direct relationship exists between two methods, Therefore, the link between the two processes is a pipe or a conveyor belt, not a tank.