Archive | Automation Strategies

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2:11 am

June 26, 2014

Easily Configure, Monitor and Troubleshoot FOUNDATION Fieldbus Devices

By Jane Alexander on June 26, 2014 in Asset Management, Automation Strategies 0

Emerson Process Management has released Version 3 of the USB Fieldbus Interface, providing users with an easy way to configure, monitor and troubleshoot FOUNDATION fieldbus devices in the field or the instrument shop.

The USB Fieldbus Interface provides multiple options for commissioning and configuring FOUNDATION fieldbus devices. The devices can be commissioned, decommissioned and assigned device tags using a simple solution. The interface’s Communication DTM enables configuration using third-party FDT Frame Applications and a library of Emerson Device DTMs. Device DTMs from other suppliers are available online.

If a more comprehensive asset-management capability is required, the interface connects seamlessly to AMS Suite. In addition to full configuration functionality, predictive diagnostics for fast decision-making and automated documentation that keeps an accurate audit trail of device activities are also available.

According to Emerson, the USB Fieldbus Interface is designed to work under a variety of maintenance conditions. When used in the field, it can work on a powered segment without disrupting its operation. For use in situations where power is unavailable, such as on the bench or during startups, the interface can provide up to 85mA of power to the fieldbus segment.

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7:49 pm

June 24, 2014

Mobile Solution Allows Secure Operator Interfaces with Automation Systems from Anywhere

By Jane Alexander on June 24, 2014 in Automation Strategies, HMI/SCADA, Instrumentation & Control, Uncategorized 0

Opto 22 has introduced a new groov Box (GROOV-AR1) that hosts the company’s groov mobile operator interfaces for virtually any automation system. Users connect their automation system to groov, then connect authorized mobile devices to groov via either a Web browser or app interface. This allows each device to interact with the automation system in a secure, predefined manner.

This industrially hardened Web-serving appliance has an operating-temperature range of 0-70 C (32-158 F), compact footprint, complete solid-state fanless design with no moving parts, quad-core processing, gigabit Ethernet interfaces and USB expansion for wireless LAN interfaces. Measuring 4.2 (W) x 6.8 (L) x 1.4 (D) inches (106 x 171 x 33 mm), the unit’s size and rugged design make it well suited for harsh environments.

According to the company, the groov Box is manufactured in and supported from the U.S.A. Opto 22 product support is free.

What’s groov?
Opto 22’s groov technology is a zero-programming, Web-based way to build, deploy and view effective, scalable operator interfaces to monitor and control automation systems and associated components, equipment and processes. These operator interfaces can be viewed on almost any mobile device or computer, regardless of its manufacturer, operating system or screen size, and two-way communication allows remote control for authorized and authenticated users. Supported devices include smartphones, tablets, computers and smart high-definition televisions. The technology augments existing human-machine interfaces (HMIs) and SCADA systems by making important information available at any time and in any location.

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8:50 pm

June 20, 2014

Hydrostatic Testing of Pipelines Goes Digital

By Jane Alexander on June 20, 2014 in Automation Strategies, Condition Monitoring, MT, Safety, Tools 0

Meriam Process Technologies’ PIT5000 Pipeline Integrity Tester replaces the deadweight and chart recorders that have typically been part of the hydrostatic testing landscape. The product’s real-time data-collection and alarm capabilities improve upon the traditional labor-intensive pen and paper method by automating the process and, in turn, helping speed response to critical conditions.

According to the manufacturer, the PIT5000 does the work for the operator. Once a test is completed, a printed report with testing details, calibration information, plot data and test graphs is generated. Visual indication of the test’s performance is reflected in a Temperature & Pressure vs. Time graph and a Yield graph.

Features of this self-contained testing equipment include, among others, zoom in/out controls; Go/No Go alarms based on user settings; and automatic data backup to an SD card. The battery-operated unit can be recharged from any standard 115V AC or 12V DC source.

The company says that in addition to a reduction in operator intervention, the PIT5000 eliminates a learning curve for new personnel. It also saves time on setup and teardown.

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5:06 pm

June 18, 2014

Remote-Access Machine Controller Bridges Digital and Physical Plant Environments

By Jane Alexander on June 18, 2014 in Automation Strategies, Condition Monitoring, Energy Management, Homepage-Right-Side, Instrumentation & Control, Maintenance, Mechanical Systems 0

According to Nanospark, its new machine interface controller with a variety of digital and analog inputs and outputs can effectively “wire” users to nearly any machines and sensors in their plants. Operated through an app that can be accessed with a range of devices, it incorporates a number of capabilities, including a scheduling feature to run equipment only when it’s needed, thus saving energy. This same feature can make key pieces of equipment ready for employees when they begin their shifts or turn on machines early so they’re running by the time operators arrive.

Nanospark also allows users to turn off machinery from afar via text-messaging. This remote monitoring and control feature works anywhere a phone signal is available and can be added to any machine.

The alerts feature on this new machine controller can be leveraged both for emergency notifications and to streamline processes and increase productivity. When a condition is met, the user receives a notification and, if needed, can quickly begin taking corrective actions.

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7:27 pm

June 9, 2014

Powerful, Failsafe Controller Technology for Standard and Safety-Related Applications

By Jane Alexander on June 9, 2014 in Automation Strategies, Instrumentation & Control, Safety 0

Siemens Industry has introduced the SIMATIC S7-1518F, a failsafe controller with a bit performance of 1 nanosecond. Designed to increase flexibility, safety, efficiency and productivity at the plant-floor level, it’s suitable for high-end standard and safety-related machine and plant automation applications.

The S7-1518F has four communication interfaces: a Profinet interface with a 2-port switch for communication with the field level, two Profinet interfaces and one Profibus interface. The unit also accommodates up to 128 drive axes, operates isochronously in 250 microseconds and has 10MB of memory.

Siemens has also introduced the SIMATIC S7-1516F CPU. Programs can be easily created with the Step 7 Safety Advanced V13 engineering tool that incorporates drag & drop, project-wide cross-reference list, safety administration editor, online/offline comparator and additional integrated-system-support functions. The tool creates fail-safe applications and delivers the same engineering and operating concepts for both standard and safety-related tasks.

Both CPUs are certified to EN 61508 (2010) for functional safety and are suitable in safety-relevant applications up to SIL 3 according to IEC 62061 and PL e according to ISO 13849. Additional password protection has been set up for F-configuration and F-program for IT security.

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4:28 pm

June 9, 2014

High Integrity Safety System Works Alone or With Any DCS, PLC or HMI

By Jane Alexander on June 9, 2014 in Automation Strategies, Control Valves, HMI/SCADA, Instrumentation & Control, Maintenance, Safety 0

ABB has released its High Integrity (HI) safety system for use with any ABB or third-party control system, PLC or operator interface. This TÜV certified release lets users leverage the system for any SIL 1-3 application and to interface all necessary information to the existing control system and/or operator interface.

The offering includes an object-oriented engineering environment with SIL certified safety libraries that efficiently support reuse and engineering throughout the entire safety lifecycle. The engineering environment includes IEC 6113103 programming languages and the easy to use Diagram Editor as well as safeguards against non-SIL compliant configurations.

Core functions include system security, access control, confirm operations, force control, time-tagging to millisecond accuracy, audit trail, system diagnostics and difference reporting, all of which provide an extra layer of authentication for maintenance bypasses and force control, as well as enhanced capabilities for troubleshooting and root-cause analysis.

According to ABB, its new Independent High Integrity system is well suited to applications where deep integration with the process-control system isn’t required, such as relay replacements or systems where visualization is provided by an ABB or third-party process panel, simple HMI or control system. The HI hardware and engineering tool are also used with ABB’s Freelance and Symphony Plus control systems to deliver safety solutions that are SIL3 certified to Edition 2 of the IEC safety standards

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9:54 pm

May 27, 2014

Industry Veteran Vimal Kapur Named President of Honeywell Process Solutions

By Jane Alexander on May 27, 2014 in Automation Strategies, Instrumentation & Control, Maintenance, Management, MT, News 0

Vimal Kapur has been named President of Honeywell Process Solutions (HPS), a Honeywell business that supplies automation control, instrumentation and services to process manufacturers in industries such as oil and gas, refining, pulp and paper, petrochemicals, metals, minerals and mining.

A near-30-year veteran of the process automation industry, Kapur has been with Honeywell for more than 25 years. During that time, he’s served in a number of key strategic business positions within the company, including as Vice President of Global Marketing and Strategy for HPS and as Managing Director for Honeywell Automation India Limited (HAIL). Prior to this new appointment, Kapur was Vice President/General manager of the Advanced Solutions line of business for HPS.

Kapur graduated from Thapar Institute of Engineering in Patiala, India, as an electronics engineer with a specialization in instrumentation. Six Sigma certified for DMAIC and Growth, he will be based in Houston, TX.