June 2004System 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.
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