Automation and control issues in the design of a pharmaceutical pilot plant

Abstract The role of process design and automation for a pilot plant facility in the pharmaceutical industry is discussed. Vessels range from 80 to 5000 l , with various materials of fabrication. A simulator was developed to predict limitations to operating performance. Challenges to operation and control of vessels in this facility are discussed, and illustrative simulation results are presented. Controller tuning parameter relationships as a function of reactor scale are developed.