Process automation system: new features, less complexity

Emerson releases DeltaV Version 12 process automation system, tying together a variety of hardware and software advances. Asset management capabilities grow to cover more network types.

October 10, 2012

Emerson Process Management has announced a major new release of its DeltaV digital process automation system. New features in Version 12 aim to build on the system’s ability to help users simplify complex operations for increased productivity and value.

“The DeltaV system’s v12 release comes with big technological innovations that will provide customers with new levels of flexibility, predictability and security along with reduced operating costs,” said Emerson’s chief strategic officer, Peter Zornio.

Key features in the new release include the recently announced expansion of Emerson’s innovative electronic marshalling, combining the DeltaV Safety Instrumented System (SIS) with the installation flexibility and space savings of its electronic marshalling technology. The company says this new SIS offering greatly simplifies design, installation, wiring, and commissioning of SIS projects, while at the same time increasing capacity and reducing footprint. Based on human centered design (HCD) principles, the new logic solver architecture uses electronic marshalling and characterization module (CHARM) technology to eliminate the need for conventional marshalling, which simplifies both installation and commissioning processes. 

The v12 release also includes integrated virtualization technology which enables users to consolidate computer resources and reduce implementation and maintenance costs. DeltaV Virtual Studio makes it easy to create virtual DeltaV systems from pre-built templates and preconfigured virtual networks. Security concerns are addressed with the new Emerson Smart Firewall product in v12 that allows users to set up a safe and secure network for the automation system, locking down the the control system network against unauthorized downloads and hacking. Emerson says it has designed the firewall system to allow end users to configure the devices internally, minimizing the need for consultants.

For users of batch processes, the v12 release includes an analytics application that provides real-time quality predictions while the batch is in process. Using sophisticated models, it can trace the causes of manufacturing variations that can render a product below specifications or unmarketable. The application can help users correct manufacturing problems before the batch becomes irreparably compromised.

All new features and capabilities in v12 are part of an ongoing expansion of the company’s focus on human centered design, which integrates operator information and technology in ways that make it easier to recognize, respond to and implement control solutions for better productivity, reduced error and operating cost.

DeltaV users that also use AMS Suite for asset management now have expanded asset support capabilities providing a more comprehensive application. Connectivity was established to Profibus PA devices, which expands the list of assets users can integrate into AMS Suite to enable a consistent maintenance approach. In addition, AMS Suite now supports both Electronic Device Description Language (EDDL) and FDT/DTM to provide users with a single application to support the full capabilities of all their devices.

The addition of Profibus PA provides a complete Profibus solution with the DeltaV control system, corresponding to capability already available for Profibus DP devices in DeltaV. ProfibuS DP and PA support on third party hosts is also available via the Softing FG Profibus family of interfaces.

Users are easily able to launch HART and Foundation fieldbus Device Type Managers (DTMs) via the DTM Launcher application, provided as a standard part of AMS Device Manager. Support for DTMs is the first step in providing Field Device Integration (FDI)-compliant products within AMS Suite. FDI is the convergence of field device management options into a unified standard to give users a single common solution for managing information for field devices.

Expanded asset support gives users the ability to choose devices based on the best fit for their application regardless of the manufacturer or communication protocol. “Our users need the right information at the right time and want to be able to access that information in a consistent manner,” said Ron Martin, vice president/general manager of Emerson’s asset optimization and lifecycle care. “We are committed to openness and full support of industry standards to give our users the ultimate freedom in choice, and a consistent way to manage and maintain their assets without compromise.”

www.emersonprocess.com

Edited by Peter Welander, pwelander@cfemedia.com