System Integration & Control Systems Design


A smart approach to safety instrumented systems

June 2004 System Integration & Control Systems Design

To help make operations safer and more productive, Emerson is extending the proven innovations of PlantWeb digital plant architecture to safety instrumented systems.

The PlantWeb smart SIS is said to be the first to provide an integrated approach to complete safety loops - from sensor to logic solver to final control element - and the first to use digital intelligence and diagnostics to enable more automated safety loop testing and other features that increase system availability while reducing life-cycle costs and easing regulatory compliance.

Dependable technology

This smart safety instrumented system takes advantage of proven PlantWeb technologies - including intelligent field devices, predictive diagnostics, and digital communications - that are already demonstrating their value in thousands of mainstream process automation projects. There is the assurance of a SIL 3 approach that includes transmitters and valve controllers certified to IEC 61508, and SIL 3-rated safety systems.

Making reliability more affordable

PlantWeb technology enables the user to identify and predict problems throughout the safety loop and reduce costly manual proof testing. For example, automated partial-stroke testing of valves can improve the safety level, reduce the number of risky personnel trips into the field, and increase the mandatory proof test interval. Confidence that the valve will perform on demand is high. (Pic shows a plant in the Patagonian desert, where PlantWeb helps minimise environmental impact)

Easier engineering, installation and use

Emerson technology and expertise built into the smart SIS make it easy to meet safety requirements throughout the system life cycle. Designed-in advantages include:

* Certification for use in SIL 1, 2, and 3 applications.

* Flexible, modular, and networked architecture for applications of any size, anywhere.

* Function blocks that simplify safety-logic development.

* Embedded simulation for testing safety logic before deployment.

* Same easy-to-use engineering tools and operator interface for the safety and control systems.

* Synchronised BPCS and SIS time and event collecting.

* Intelligent alarm management.

* Bypass management during start-up sequences.

* Automated performance monitoring, testing and documentation.

For more information contact Luculle Stols, Alpret Control Specialists, 011 249 6700, [email protected], www.alpret.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

The time is now for systems integrators
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
Integrators combine sophistication regarding technology innovation with practical, hands-on experience. Collaborating with systems integrators is the means to significant productivity improvement, powered by the convergence of automation and information and operations technology.

Read more...
System integrators are a diverse market
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
System integrators (SIs) combine expertise on emergent technologies with real world experience. Working with SIs, it’s inevitable that at some point someone will say, “We’re not a typical SI.” And in many ways, it’s true. SIs come in all shapes and sizes.

Read more...
Avoiding the pitfalls of PLC and scada control system integration
Iritron System Integration & Control Systems Design
Upgrading your control system by integrating PLCs with scada systems should be a simple seamless process. Regrettably, the industry is plagued with control system integration and upgrade myths and misconceptions that can lead to liability issues, project delays, cost overruns and decreased plant performance.

Read more...
EtherCAT measurement terminals for vehicle development at Mercedes-Benz
Beckhoff Automation System Integration & Control Systems Design
At the Mercedes Technology Centre plant in Sindelfingen, Germany, car axles are examined with the highest precision on four test benches, in parallel with road tests and simulations. All data is acquired using PC-based control from Beckhoff.

Read more...
Loop signature 23: Tuning Part 2.
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
It is my opinion that most tuning methods are very crude. They do of course also offer a starting point for tuning if one is not fortunate enough to have a sophisticated tuning package like a Protuner around.

Read more...
PIC microcontrollers with integrated FPGA features in TME
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The new PIC16F131xx microcontrollers in TME’s offering from Microchip are ideal for the evolving and miniaturising electronic equipment market, offering efficient power management and predictable response times for controllers.

Read more...
Five smart machine trends you need to know
Adroit Technologies System Integration & Control Systems Design
The last ten years have brought about dramatic advances in technologies that OEMs had never realised would affect their designs or the saleability of their machines, much less impact business models and profits so dramatically. The following discussion will cover key advancements and recommendations all OEMs should be adopting in their design processes to stay current and competitive.

Read more...
36 years of innovation and success
SAM Systems Automation & Management Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
Systems Automation & Management was established in 1988 at a time when there were no other systems integrators (SIs) in the process business. SA Instrumentation & Control’s editor caught up with managing director, Claudio Agostinetto to find out more about how this thriving company has prospered over the last 36 years.

Read more...
Understanding the role of AI in generative engineering design
System Integration & Control Systems Design
When a design engineer sets out to design a new part, component, or assembly, the intent is to meet the design requirements for fit, form and function, and also incorporate a certain degree of innovation and elegance to the overall design. There is no reason to re-invent the wheel by introducing a new design.

Read more...
PCS stays up so you don’t have to
PCS Global System Integration & Control Systems Design
Maybe it’s time to look at a solution that stays online 99,99999% of the time so you don’t have to. This the world of Stratus computer platforms, tailor-made for your critical applications.

Read more...