Abstract: A method and device for controlling a fermenting process, wherein the method comprises collecting samples of biological cells from a fermenting tank, obtaining the state information of the current biological cells based on the collected samples, comparing the state information of the current biological cells with preset target status information to obtain the difference between the state information of the current biological cells and preset target state information, and controlling the feed rate of nutritional solution into the fermenting tank. Real time control of biological fermenting process is thus accomplished based on the state information of the biological cells during fermentation, and the consistency during fermentation is improved. Complicated mathematical modeling and man-made data analysis are not required for the method and device.

Abstract: A closed-loop control device for a process, in which a dead band element is connected upstream of a linear dynamic controller to reduce actuating interventions in the steady control state. If a control deviation (e) of the control loop exceeds a first threshold value (s1), then the dead band element is automatically deactivated, where a control deviation (e1) passed via the dead band element is uninfluenced by a set dead band in the inactive state. If the control deviation (e) then undershoots a second threshold value that is less than the first threshold value, then the dead band element is automatically re-activated. This reduces the energy consumption and wear of an actuator and improves the control behavior with regard to steady-state accuracy and the control behavior of the control loop.

Abstract: The invention relates to the online regulation of a batch process in a bioreactor. According to the invention, spectra of the actual charge in the bioreactor are recorded at successive points during the running batch process. A measuring vector is produced, for each spectrum, in the low-dimensional main constituent region by the main constituent analysis of the high-dimensional spectra. The deviation is calculated between the measuring vector and a corresponding vector of a nominal trajectory consisting of measuring vectors of a reference charge, which are determined in an earlier batch process, and at least one adjustment operation for the batch process is determined and carried out according to said deviation. The direction of the adjustment operation is maintained when the deviation determined from one point to the next decreases, and modified when the deviation determined from one point to the next remains the same or increases.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the efficiency of a heat exchanger is provided. Heat flows from a first medium into a second medium and an actual heat flow is detected and compared with at least one reference heat flow corresponding to a respectively predetermined degree of soiling of the heat exchanger. Furthermore, a device for controlling a plant having at least one heat exchanger is described. The plant has a storage device storing at least one reference heat flow of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling a fermenting process, wherein the method comprises collecting samples of biological cells from a fermenting tank, obtaining the state information of the current biological cells based on the collected samples, comparing the state information of the current biological cells with preset target status information to obtain the difference between the state information of the current biological cells and preset target state information, and controlling the feed rate of nutritional solution into the fermenting tank. Real time control of biological fermenting process is thus accomplished based on the state information of the biological cells during fermentation, and the consistency during fermentation is improved. Complicated mathematical modeling and man-made data analysis are not required for the method and device.

Abstract: A method for wear-minimized operation of a component of an installation and a corresponding installation are disclosed. A sensor for state identification is associated with the component and transmits a sensor signal to an evaluation unit. The evaluation unit checks the sensor signal to ascertain whether a wear-promoting operating state is present, and in the event of the presence of such an operating state the component is driven such that a change in the operating state in favor of an operating state with less wear takes place. If, for example, a component is operated at its resonant frequency, it is ensured that the component is operated at a slightly different rotation speed, at which far less severe oscillations occur.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the efficiency of a heat exchanger is provided. Heat flows from a first medium into a second medium and an actual heat flow is detected and compared with at least one reference heat flow corresponding to a respectively predetermined degree of soiling of the heat exchanger. Furthermore, a device for controlling a plant having at least one heat exchanger is described. The plant has a storage device storing at least one reference heat flow of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method for optimizing the availability of a technical object, comprises the steps of providing a serviceable technical object; defining a service plan; defining a setpoint availability; maintaining the serviceable technical object according to the service plan; determining the actual availability of the serviceable technical object; and automatically adjusting the service plan according to a difference between the setpoint availability and the actual availability.

Abstract: The invention relates to the online regulation of a batch process in a bioreactor. According to the invention, spectra of the actual charge in the bioreactor are recorded at successive points during the running batch process. A measuring vector is produced, for each spectrum, in the low-dimensional main constituent region by the main constituent analysis of the high-dimensional spectra. The deviation is calculated between the measuring vector and a corresponding vector of a nominal trajectory consisting of measuring vectors of a reference charge, which are determined in an earlier batch process, and at least one adjustment operation for the batch process is determined and carried out according to said deviation. The direction of the adjustment operation is maintained when the deviation determined from one point to the next decreases, and modified when the deviation determined from one point to the next remains the same or increases.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for developing programs for process control systems and in particular for mathematically intensive or, as the case may be, mathematically complex programs of said kind. According to the prior art programs of said kind were written in a separate development environment and subsequently the developed algorithm was re-implemented using a programming language available for the process control system and the associated compiler. The programming and testing were consequently both time-intensive and prone to error. It is proposed to split the overall algorithm into two parts when programming programs of said kind, a) the actual control algorithm by means of which the mathematical functionality of a controller is provided, and b) the algorithm by means of which the process control system-specific functionality of the above controller is provided.

Abstract: In order to diagnose obstructions in channels of a micro heat exchanger, at least one temperature sensor is externally placed on the micro heat exchanger and an evaluating device is connected to this sensor. Said evaluating device diagnoses an obstruction based on changes in the measured temperature in the event of unchanged entry parameters of the fluids involved in the heat exchange.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for developing programs for process control systems and in particular for mathematically intensive or, as the case may be, mathematically complex programs of said kind. According to the prior art programs of said kind were written in a separate development environment and subsequently the developed algorithm was re-implemented using a programming language available for the process control system and the associated compiler. The programming and testing were consequently both time-intensive and prone to error. It is proposed to split the overall algorithm into two parts when programming programs of said kind, a) the actual control algorithm by means of which the mathematical functionality of a controller is provided, and b) the algorithm by means of which the process control system-specific functionality of the above controller is provided.

Abstract: A method for preventing or minimizing operational failures in a technical installation (1) is disclosed, in which, in accordance with influence quantities (17) accessible by a control system, at least one criterion (18-20) is defined so as to forecast an impending failure of one or more parts of the installation. This criterion is constantly monitored at short time intervals so as to establish a forecast of the expected failure probability. This forecast makes it possible, if necessary, to take early countermeasures (21-23) for preventing the failure of the installation or to take steps for minimizing the effects of the imminent failure.

Abstract: Monitoring procedure for a control (2) of an injection-molding process, actual values (T, p, n, v) of the injection-molding process being acquired and fed to a computer (16), the actual values (T, p, n, v) being acquired by the control (2) and transmitted to the computer (16).

Abstract: A method for preventing or minimizing operational failures in a technical installation (1) is disclosed, in which, in accordance with influence quantities (17) accessible by a control system, at least one criterion (18-20) is defined so as to forecast an impending failure of one or more parts of the installation. This criterion is constantly monitored at short time intervals so as to establish a forecast of the expected failure probability. This forecast makes it possible, if necessary, to take early countermeasures (21-23) for preventing the failure of the installation or to take steps for minimizing the effects of the imminent failure.

Abstract: An electronic device with software protection for runtime software. At least one function block (4-11) of the runtime software has a priority value. A maximum permissible value for the runtime software is retrievably stored in one device (12). An arithmetic logic unit (1) determines the total value for the function blocks of the runtime software and a display signal (14) is output if the total value exceeds the maximum permissible value. Function blocks and value blocks can have an OEM identification code, such that the system manufacturer and OEM can, independently of each other, create a software protection.