Supervisory Computer Systems
Henry J. Fastert · 2020
One of the key elements in the successful implementation of a fermentation automation system is the selection of a supervisory computer system. The purpose of this chapter is to provide the reader with an understanding of the role played by a supervisory computer system in fermentation automation, as well as to identify the criteria necessary for the selection of a supervisory computer appropriate to the goals of the application. Given the importance of graphic display of fermentation data, graphics display capabilities are a vital computer system selection criteria. Given the impact of the fermentor control system on the selection of a supervisory computer system, it is appropriate at this juncture to touch briefly on the three most common fermentor control systems currently in use distributed process control, centralized process control, and local loop control. Once these criteria are met, then the previously discussed general selection criteria should be used to determine the correct computer system choice.