How to Automate Ingredient Dosing

A technical guide to industrial batching: Mechanics, PLC, and SCADA.

1. Actuators & Feeding Strategy

Precise dosing begins with the right mechanical choice. For large volumes, Gravity Feed via pneumatic valves is standard. For high precision or viscous fluids, Pump Dosing ensures controlled flow rates.

⚖️ Gravity Shutter Control

Simple, robust, and cost-effective for bulk materials.

🌀 Variable Speed Pumps

Perfect for liquids requiring gradual ramp-down for accuracy.

2. PLC Logic: Visual FBD Programming

Reliability starts at the controller level. We use FBD (Function Block Diagram) to handle safety interlocks and real-time sensor processing.

PLC Dosing Logic in FBD Valve control logic implemented in Function Block Diagram

3. Batch Sequencing with SFC

Complex recipes require a clear sequence. SFC (Sequential Function Chart) management allows the PLC to track stages automatically and safely.

Batch Process Control via SFC SFC-based state machine for automated batch cycles

4. Operator Interface: HMI vs Web SCADA

Once the PLC logic is written, the operator needs a way to select recipes, input weights, and monitor the process. You could buy a classic, expensive HMI panel and spend days linking tags manually.

Alternatively, you can use a Browser-based Web SCADA. It runs on any standard PC, tablet, or smartphone. Below is a modern Node-RED interface designed specifically for batch dosing and recipe management.

Node-RED Batch Control Web Interface Web-based Recipe & Batch Management Interface
🧪 Test Live Interface

(Runs directly in your browser, no installation required)

🚀 Ready-to-Use SCADA Templates

Building a comprehensive recipe management UI from scratch takes over 40 hours of UI/UX design and backend coding. Save time by deploying our ready-made Node-RED flows.

Starter Kit
€0
  • 1 Pump & 1 Valve Limit
  • Basic Node-RED UI
  • Deployment Guide PDF
  • Excel Signal Template
  • Unlimited Elements
  • Event History (SQLite)
Get Free Version
Enterprise
€150
  • Everything in Professional
  • Event Records System
  • SQLite Database Integration
  • CSV Export Functionality
  • Advanced Alarm Logging
  • Priority Email Support
Buy Enterprise

🎬 Deployment Tutorials

See how fast it is to deploy and configure our templates in Node-RED.

Deploying Starter & Pro Versions

Deploying Enterprise (Event Records)

Need Help or Custom Development?

Do you need help connecting these flows to your Siemens, Delta, or Allen-Bradley PLC? Or need a fully custom SCADA system? Drop us an email.

💰 Custom Project Calculator