TERMEX Intrinsically Safe Operator Panels Increase Plant Productivity

Symrise installed a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) on the plant management level. This process-based system is linked directly to the automation level, and enables real-time production control. The MES controls order segmentation. It divides a production order into suborders, specifies processing sequences, and required equipment and materials. This can be quite a demanding task considering there are typically 20 to 50 ingredients in each product and order volumes range between 10 kilograms and 15 tons.

Extensive quality controls and documentation of batch production are also required due to the complex manufacturing process. All processing steps have to be cleared by the relevant operator. The MES manages the recipes dynamically while taking into account the various qualities of natural raw materials listed in the quantity specifications.

When the MES was introduced, visualization of the weighing and mixing process in hazardous areas became even more complex. A suitable operator interface terminal needed to be installed in Zone 1. The operator interface terminal had to be insensitive to chemicals and temperature fluctuations under harsh ambient conditions. Interfaces to the remaining IT infrastructure and the ability to illustrate all the process steps in the MES were also required.

Symrise selected TERMEX operator terminals from Pepperl+Fuchs. The decisive factor for Symrise was the option of connecting TERMEX intrinsically safe operator panels to industrial weighing scales. TERMEX allows the connection of intrinsically safe industrial scales, e.g., those manufactured by Sartorius or Mettler-Toledo.

The TERMEX intrinsically safe operator panel selected by Symrise has a 5.7" display and is suitable for use in hazardous areas that correspond to ATEX Zone 1 and 22. TERMEX operator panels are also approved for the North American market (Class I, Div 1). The operator terminals are IP65 rated, and operate at ambient temperatures between -20 ^°C and +50 ^°C. TERMEX features an integrated keyboard so that user inputs can be processed. The operator panels also have an interface for barcode readers. Even the most complex processes can be displayed using the TERMEX Pro software.