New technologies for hybrid control system
November 2000
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
The Industrial Automation and Control (IAC) business of Honeywell has announced new releases of its PlantScape control system.`
These include Honeywell HMIWeb technology, a Digital Video Manager and a new family of rail I/O modules. Honeywell's patented Distributed Server Architecture is also available locally. The award-winning PlantScape system combines the best features of distributed control systems (DCS) and programmable logic control (PLC) systems and integrates fieldbus, batch, sequential and discrete control functions, while including scada, safety management, building security and access control.
"We are pleased to introduce several new technologies that will enable our customers to increase their productivity and improve their overall business results," said Stefan Oberholtzer, Divisional Manager of Honeywell Industrial Solutions in Southern Africa.
HMIWeb technology
This is a web-based architecture that allows human-machine interfaces (HMIs), application data and business data to be integrated. HMIWeb uses Honeywell's next-generation operator interface technology, which uses HTML as the native display format to provide casual access to PlantScape data and displays via Internet Explorer.
Key features of Honeywell HMIWeb technology include the following:
* Ability to leverage commercial off-the-shelf technologies, which enables users to achieve state of-the-art graphics rendering and integration with standard Internet technologies.
* Use of open, industry-standard file format, which lets users take advantage of existing knowledge and allows reuse of displays between systems.
* Display of existing files in PlantScape's Station software or Internet Explorer without translation or loss of functionality.
Digital Video Manager
This integrates digital closed circuit television (CCTV) with the PlantScape system to offer affordable, scalable digital video management for industrial applications. With DVM, video cameras connected over Ethernet networks are controlled by PlantScape operators, events or alarms. DVM's advanced archiving and search functions help users easily find video segments that correspond to process control events and alarms. Any PlantScape operator can see live or archived video from any camera, and hundreds of cameras can be connected to a PlantScape system. When used to manage and perform remote operations, DVM helps maximise value, performance and life-cycle management. Additional features include enhanced safety, flexibility to monitor and control remote locations, and enhanced operational efficiency through extended visual monitoring. DVM also eliminates dedicated video cables, VCRs and searching through stacks of videotapes.
PlantScape rail I/O
PlantScape rail I/O modules are cost-effective new input/output products designed to complement existing PlantScape system I/O modules by providing a seamless integration with the ControlNet communications network. These flexible and compact DIN-mounted modules enable easy remote installation.
Distributed Server Architecture
Honeywell's patented Distributed Server Architecture expands the capabilities of PlantScape by allowing multiple PlantScape systems to operate as one - within a single plant, or across the world, without any duplication of engineering effort. PlantScape can now integrate a number of servers into a distributed environment. Key features of this architecture include integrated alarms and reports across all servers without duplication of data.
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