Batch Processor Icon
Batch Processor nodes represent operations that work on material in discrete batches rather than continuous flow. A batch processor combines the behavior of a batch filler with a constraint, making it suitable for modeling equipment that must collect material, process it for a defined time, and then release the completed batch.
A batch processor operates in three stages: it first fills until reaching its configured capacity, then enters a processing phase for a specified process time, and finally empties the batch downstream before beginning the next cycle. This fill–process–empty sequence repeats continuously throughout the simulation.
Because a batch processor includes constraint behavior, it applies a rate limit through its processing time and can also experience interruptions, just like standard constraint nodes. When interrupted, processing may pause, upstream material may accumulate, and downstream nodes may become starved—allowing ReliaSim to capture the operational impact of downtime on batch-based systems.
Batch processors are commonly used to model ovens, mixers, curing stations, or any operation where material must be handled in fixed quantities and held for a defined duration. When building a model, they should be placed wherever discrete batch processing occurs. As with other node types, it’s often helpful to start with simple batch sizes and process times, then refine interruption behavior and timing as you better understand system performance.