ISA introduces Technology Exchanges at EXPO 2007

The Instrumentation, Systems and Automation Society continues to bring new ideas to its main event, ISA EXPO, which will be held Oct. 2 to Oct. 4 at the Reliant Center in Houston. New for 2007 are Technology Exchanges, extended exhibition hours and two new pavilions. ISA is introducing what it calls a Technology Exchange format.

By Jack Smith, Managing Editor August 15, 2007

The Instrumentation, Systems and Automation Society continues to bring new ideas to its main event, ISA EXPO, which will be held Oct. 2 to Oct. 4 at the Reliant Center in Houston. New for 2007 are Technology Exchanges, extended exhibition hours and two new pavilions.

ISA is introducing what it calls a Technology Exchange format. The conference will focus on six key technology areas:

  • Security Exchange

  • Wireless and Networking Exchange

  • Process Automation Exchange

  • Safety Exchange

  • Environmental and Quality Control Exchange

  • Enterprise Integration Exchange.

    • Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss best practices, lessons learned and potential solutions to specific automation problems as part of the conference’s Technology Exchange format. The Exchanges feature peer-reviewed technical sessions and ‘open to all’ events such as briefings on essential standards, topical and relevant forums, standards development meetings and the ISA EXPO exhibition.

      “This year’s Exchange concept allows our attendees to enjoy comprehensive presentations of automation and control solutions, ideas and information in the areas that interest them the most,” said Dale Lee, ISA director of Education, Convention and Certification Services. “They’re able to really capitalize on the content we offer, network with like-minded professionals and customize their ISA EXPO experience.”

      “The six Exchanges that we’re featuring at the conference cover the topics that you care about, and that your companies care about,” said Patrick Gouhin, ISA executive director and CEO. “ISA EXPO is a chance for you to bring home useful, real-world knowledge and apply it in your daily work. It’s truly a must-attend event.”

      Technology Exchanges

    • Security Exchange — will focus on protecting manufacturing automation and control systems’ computer environments. The sessions will explore the activities of the ISA-SP99 Manufacturing and Control Systems Security committee and the ISA-SP100 Wireless Systems for Automation committee; the regulatory environment; OMAC and Microsoft-related industrial applications; OPC; and security risk analysis.

    • Wireless and Networking Exchange — will cover a wide variety of technologies, including SCADA, signal compatibility, wireless, cyber security, fieldbuses, industrial Ethernet, safety buses, EDDL network selection and the ISA100 wireless standards activities.

    • Process Automation Exchange — will focus on designating instruments and instrumentation systems used for measurement and control. The sessions will cover flow measurement, model predictive control, batch applications and advanced regulatory control. Attendees can participate in, or listen to panels and discussions of a digital oil patch, wireless, distillation processes and instrumentation and valve standards.

    • Safety Exchange — will focus on topics such as safety-instrumented systems (SIS), hazardous location, alarms, safety integrity level (SIL) selection and boiler control safety themes. Attendees will also learn about electrical equipment for hazardous locations; instrument signals and alarms; and ISA-84 Standards for Use in Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals.

    • Environmental and Quality Control Exchange — will cover important developments in the power, chemical and substance analysis, pharmaceutical and water industries. Fossil power and nuclear power plant standards will be topics for discussion, along with standards for safe and environment-friendly power applications, Process Analytical Technology (PAT) and New Sampling/Sensor Initiative (NeSSI). There will also be presentations on inline sensors, continuous emissions monitoring (CEM) and building-control issues.

    • Enterprise Integration Exchange — will focus on opening and improving existing operations, integrating new hardware and software and optimizing asset management programs. The sessions will cover control system integration, maintenance management to leverage preventive and predictive maintenance, equipment recording and tracking, replacement parts inventory and maintenance labor scheduling with the goal of optimizing asset use. Attendees will have an opportunity to study schemas to implement the recent and popular ISA-95 Enterprise-Control System Integration and ISA-88 Batch Control standards. Additional sessions will cover management and human resources issues.

      • J.S. (Steve) Arendt, vice-president of ABSG Consulting, Inc. will deliver Tuesday’s keynote, “Assuring safety and security performance — establishing the right culture.”

        Dr. James Truchard, president and CEO of National Instruments will be the keynote speaker on Wednesday, presenting “Repairing the educational system to meet the demands of innovation in industry.”

        What else is new?

        Two new pavilions make their debut at ISA EXPO 2007. The Bus Station pavilion is a collaborative effort designed to provide timely information on industrial bus and field communications.

        Presentations and product offerings for the various networking and communication protocols will be centralized in this pavilion where attendees will gather technical education and product information.

        The Software Solutions pavilion is a focal point for attendees looking for software products to help their operations run with security, reliability and efficiency. Technologies include software solutions for interoperability, shop floor data collection, automation, process control, process improvement and data acquisition.

        In response to attendee requests, ISA EXPO will extend evening exhibition hours to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 2 accompanied by a festive networking reception.

        YAPFEST returns for its second year at ISA EXPO. The event is geared toward young automation professionals from 18-30, and will be held Tuesday, Oct. 2 at 5:30 p.m. at Reliant Center. YAPFEST attendees receive a free session pass to ISA EXPO for the day of YAPFEST. The event will also feature a live band, and an opportunity to network with industry professionals.

        For information or to register, call (919) 549-8411 or visit www.isa.org/isaexpo2007 .