Technical data

Working Out the Automation Concept
3.2 Dividing the Process into Tasks and Areas
Programming with STEP 7
Manual, 05/2010, A5E02789666-01 61
Determining the Areas of a Process
After defining the process to be controlled, divide the project into related groups or areas:
As each group is divided into smaller tasks, the tasks required for controlling that part of the
process become less complicated.
In our example of an industrial blending process you can identify four distinct areas (see table
below). In this example, the area for ingredient A contains the same equipment as the area for
ingredient B.
Functional Area Equipment Used
Ingredient A Feed pump for ingredient A
Inlet valve for ingredient A
Feed valve for ingredient A
Flow sensor for ingredient A
Ingredient B Feed pump for ingredient B
Inlet valve for ingredient B
Feed valve for ingredient B
Flow sensor for ingredient B
Mixing tank Agitator motor
Switch for tank level measurement
Drain Drain valve