The COMBER automation division develops and manufactures control systems that were designed to meet the specific requirements of the market and are thus optimized for the control of COMBER machines.

Technically mature and extensively tested systems were developed by close co-operation of experts from automation, process technology, mechanical design and manufacturing. Though developed in design and functionality primarily for operating production machines, the systems are suited to control the filtration and drying processes of production machines as well as pilot or lab size machines

Modular and expandable systems with a performance and functionality level conforming to customer specific requirements as well as to the latest technological standards and practices. On request comparatively basic systems can be supplied whose degree of automation can be progressively raised at a later stage.
The performance of a control system depends on
the environment in which the control system is to
be used, i.e. if a single autonomous machine or a
complete production line is to be controlled as well
as the degree of automation, i.e. manual,
semi-automatic or fully automatic control.
COMBER automation systems meet the following requirements.
•  Active and passive safety devices, to protect the operating personnel, the production machine as well as the process itself.
•  Dynamic adaptation of interlocks to specific operations such as maintenance inspections or manual CIP.
•  Automatically initiated commands to perform machine operations in the correct sequence
•  Optimized control of the hydraulic unit and auxiliary functions.
•  Control and monitoring of the agitator operations, including the limiting of the agitator lowering if the current draw of the drive exceeds a preset value.
•  Expansion of the controls to include heat transfer systems, vacuum systems and process variables, to permit full automation of the entire production cycle, e.g. with inerting, leak testing, filtration, reslurrying, washing, drying through dry product discharging.
•  Alarm monitoring and initiation of safety interlocks as required.
•  Systematic recording of process variables and production parameters, manual inputs, alarms etc. for the evaluation of data at a later stage as well as for process validation.
•  Statistical evaluation of production cycles for maintenance purposes (machine operating hours and indications as to the wear on individual machine components)
•  Comparison of actual process parameters with reference values to detect and warn of critical deviations automatically.

To meet individual requirements and to permit integration of the controls into existing control systems, COMBER bases its automation units on different systems (PLC, PC and DCS). Interfaces to hazardous zones are made with intrinsically safe isolated circuits using input and output separators certified for use in Class 0, Division 1 (Rating up to [Eex ia] IIB T4, [Eex ia] IIC T4).


For certain applications the Eex p rating (internal pressurization) may be applied. Stainless steel control panels rated NEMA 4X (IP 65) in an ergonomic, CIP oriented design can be installed directly onto or near the machine.
Suitable versions are available for sterile applications. Components used conform to internal quality and selection criteria in line with market requirements. Customer specific versions are available on request.

COMBER automation systems are CE certified and comply with the guide lines for machine safety 89/392/CEE (including subsequent modifications) and the relevant standards for control panels. Design and manufacture to other standards on request.

The method used in the development of operational sequences analyzes the functions possible with the equipment available plus the functions to be performed by the machine as well as functions that may be optimized with the machine. This procedure results in a modular and flexible software with reduced complexity and essentially reflects the reference model for batch processes as defined in standards ANSI/ISA S 88 and NAMUR NE33.

Advanced development tools conforming to IEC 1131-3 standards are used for the software implementation in combination with the application of repeatedly applied, optimized and tested solutions used in operational COMBER production and pilot machines.

Simulation and test equipment permit extensive and process-like testing of the software. This limits any additional work required during the commissioning of the machine to a minimum.

By observing Good Engineering Practices, COMBER control systems conform to the GAMP standards and to the FDA validation standards for computer related systems validation.

Technical documentation and test protocols can be issued in the customers preferred format and per validation specifications, and are useful for equipment qualification (Design Qualification, Installation Qualification, Operational Qualification, Performance Qualification).

The COMBER automation division operates in compliance with UNI EN ISO 9001 standards. The COMBER control units are CE certified.