September 2010System Integration & Control Systems Design
Emerson selected as main automation contractor for Shell floating LNG facility.
Emerson Process Management has been appointed by Technip Samsung Consortium to serve as main automation contractor for the Shell ‘Prelude’ project, which will potentially be the world’s first floating LNG (liquefied natural gas) development. Emerson was selected due to its global framework agreement with Shell, announced in February 2010. This is the first project award resulting from the agreement; Emerson will be responsible for providing the strategy, design, and engineering of the process control and monitoring technologies to support the production facility.
Floating LNG unlocks gas reserves that would otherwise be stranded as they might be too far offshore. It is the next step in LNG production, which eliminates the need for transportation pipelines of gas to shore and onshore processing. The new production facility will operate as an integrated extraction, gas processing, and liquefaction plant, all directly above the gas reserves.
The Shell floating facility is expected to have dimensions of 480 m in length by 75 m in width, with a production capacity of 3,5 to 4 million tons of LNG per year, with the ability to process and export liquefied petroleum gas and condensate depending on gas composition. When fully ballasted, the vessel will weigh an estimated 600 000 tons, and it has the flexibility to relocate to another gas field once production at this one is completed in the Browse Basin off the coast of Western Australia.
Shell and Emerson entered into a global framework agreement earlier this year, positioning Emerson as a main automation contractor for all of Shell’s operating businesses. This agreement aligns with Shell’s strategy to reduce traditional project bidding in favour of strategic relationships and is consistent with industry trends toward collaborative, performance based engagements that improve value for both supplier and customer. The project is currently in the engineering and design phase and subject to a final investment decision.
Compact valve position indicator Emerson Automation Solutions
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Emerson’s new TopWorx DVR Switchbox is an entry-level addition to the DV Series of valve position indicators. It combines a durable resin enclosure, compact size, and a patented cam design that provides a reliable valve position feedback for water and wastewater systems, food and beverage production lines, and industrial utilities.
Read more...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...High-flow solenoid valve Emerson Automation Solutions
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Emerson has introduced the new ASCO Series 327C solenoid valve, which features a direct-acting, high-flow design that provides superior flow-to-power ratio. It permits high flows at minimum power levels, making it ideal for use in power plants, refineries, and chemical processing facilities.
Read more...Rack mount on-line UPS improves user interface and lead time Emerson Automation Solutions
Electrical Power & Protection
Emerson has announced the new Series D update to the family of proven SolaHD industrial rack-mount online uninterruptible power supplies. The new SolaHD S4KD Series offers significant user interface improvements and other design upgrades to increase reliability and product availability.
Read more...Emerson software optimises maintenance Emerson Automation Solutions
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Emerson has announced the Plantweb Insight Valve Health Application, a powerful software tool that combines Fisher control valve expertise with advanced analytic algorithms. The new app makes it possible for users to visualise an entire connected fleet of valves, while prioritising actions based on the health index of each valve.
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.