在多品种控制系统中为所有的过程用户

扩展现场总线的好处的智能仪表装置

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Discipline Control Systems Extends

Fieldbus Benefits To All Process Users

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Acceptance is growing for digital field instrumentation networks and devices in process control, which is creating both an opportunity and a challenge for the process system implementer and user.

Until recently, digital fieldbus networks were more or less considered the domain of the DCS system supplier. This was driven primarily by the fact that the fieldbus network was integrated into the DCS system. However, with the release of the HSE specification— the Ethernet-based FOUNDATION fieldbus protocol— linking devices that are independent of a system (DCS) are now available. These linking devices marry the highly defined and integrated control technology

found in FOUNDATION fieldbus, with the more open technologies found in newer, multi-discipline Programmable Automation Controllers. For the process system developer, this creates additional opportunities for improving cost-effectiveness by utilizing newer technology. It also provides end users with the potential to incrementally evolve control systems through the addition of fieldbus

instrumentation.

Fieldbus value growing

For Perigon Engineering, a Matthews, North Carolinabased engineering firm, fieldbus technology is proving to provide tremendous value. Recently, the company commissioned a major bus-based

system solution for a polymer resins and urethanes coatings manufacturer. Project lead, Frank Jacobs, says the system integrates control of an eight-unit, vesseltype batch-manufacturing facility using the new Allen- Bradley fieldbus interface product. Other Rockwell Automation products include ControlLogix Programmable Automation Controller, RSBizWare Batch and RSView Visualization System. “Our client was initially looking for a well-known Germanbased solution, but was impressed by the cost savings, reliability and local support base provided by Rockwell Automation,” Jacobs says. The process control system is comprised solely of bus-type devices that control 12 vessels, a reactor, two mix tanks, a cooling tank, and a holding tank, in addition to two other mix tanks. A total of 58 process instruments from multiple vendors provide 88 FOUNDATION fieldbus analog channels. Three Rockwell Automation IntelliCenter motor control centers with DeviceNet complete the system. “We’re using the FFLD for all process inputs, which then get connected to ControlLogix. In addition, we’re utilizing three of Rockwell Automation’s IntelliCenter motor control centers with DeviceNet to complete the system,” Jacobs says. “We believe bus technology is the future. It provides an easier way to connect devices, is more cost-effective than stringing new wiring, and can lead to faster startups.”

Test lab targets multi-vendor FFB interoperability assurance

Of course, effective interoperability between devices utilizing FOUNDATION fieldbus technology is essential to leveraging the convenience and distributed power of this rapidly growing technology. As defined by the Fieldbus Foundation organization, interoperability is the ability of any Fieldbus device to work “out-of-the-box” with any other fieldbus device it comes in contact with. This becomes critical when implementing process control with confidence using devices from multiple vendors. As with any evolving technology, system designers need the assurance that each component will perform as expected with respect to engineering performance, time and budget parameters.

Rockwell Automation, a leading contributor to the development of FOUNDATION fieldbus technology and standards, is providing this market assurance through its FFB Test Lab Program. “Our systems must live in a multi-vendor world in order to assure the success of our company and customers,” says David Appleby, Jr., Rockwell Automation. “To ensure this, our Test Lab Program provides the most thorough testing possible. We document each device, its test results, and provide information on how to set up and, if required, resolve communications issues with any other company’s products.”

For more information about Rockwell Automation FOUNDATION fieldbus solutions, and interoperability certification, please contact: David Appleby Jr., dwapplebyjr@ra.rockwell.com.

www.rockwellautomation.com