Mechotech integrates automation architectures for extraction and distillation plants to improve repeatability, operator visibility, interlocking, batch control, alarm handling and process-data availability.
Mechotech has engineered extraction and distillation solutions since 1997, serving pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, botanical-extract, essential-oil, oleoresin, natural-colour and food-processing applications across laboratory, pilot and commercial scales and multiple extraction technologies.
What This Service Delivers
- Control philosophy and I/O definition
- PLC and HMI integration
- Instrument selection and signal integration
- Sequence and interlock programming
- Alarm and permissive logic
- Recipe or batch-step control where required
- Trend and process-data visualization
- Testing, commissioning and operator training
1Our Engineering Approach
Our automation and PLC integration approach begins with the product and process — not with a standard equipment catalogue. The engineering team reviews the control philosophy, critical process variables, interlock and permissive requirements, batch or recipe needs, instrument signals and operator-interaction requirements, converting this into an executable control scope with defined I/O and interfaces.
For solvent- and alcohol-based systems, special attention is given to interlocks, permissives, safe sequencing, vacuum and condensation control and compatible instrumentation. For aqueous systems, the focus includes temperature, level, flow and filtration or evaporation control and downstream sequencing. Final control decisions remain project-specific and are confirmed during engineering.
2Applications
Automation can be applied across the major unit operations of an extraction plant:
- Extraction vessels and agitators
- Filtration systems
- Evaporators and concentrators
- Solvent recovery systems
- Distillation systems
- Utility and CIP-related sequences
3Typical Project Workflow
An automation project is delivered through a coordinated sequence:
- 1. Requirement review: Requirement and control-philosophy review.
- 2. I/O & instruments: Instrument selection and I/O definition.
- 3. Logic development: Sequence, interlock and permissive programming.
- 4. HMI & recipes: HMI, recipe or batch-step control and data visualization.
- 5. Panel & build: Control-panel build and integration.
- 6. Integration: Signal integration and field checks.
- 7. Commissioning: Testing, tuning and commissioning.
- 8. Handover: Operator training, documentation and support.
4Why Mechotech
- Extraction and distillation engineering focus since 1997.
- Turnkey capability across process engineering, equipment, automation, installation and commissioning.
- Experience with herbal extracts, spice oleoresins, floral extracts, natural colours, proteins, gums, resins, polyphenols and other botanical products.
- Engineering for laboratory, pilot and commercial production scales, subject to process requirements.
- Support for greenfield projects, brownfield expansion, modernization and performance improvement.
- Single technical interface across mechanical, process, piping, instrumentation and automation disciplines.
5What We Need From You
Sharing the following information helps us define the automation scope:
- Process description and required operating sequences.
- Critical process variables and interlock requirements.
- Batch or recipe control needs, if any.
- Existing instruments, valves and control hardware, for retrofits.
- Required data, trends, alarms and reporting.
- Preferred PLC/HMI platform, if specified.
- Available utilities and site/building information.
- Applicable GMP, quality, electrical or local compliance requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why automate an extraction plant?+
Can existing manual plants be automated?+
Can PLC systems record process data?+
Does automation replace operators?+
Related Plants & Equipment
Talk to Our Engineers About Automation & PLC Integration
Tell us about your process and target output, and Mechotech will scope the right solution for your project.
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