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Click 'Foundation Fieldbus Report Fall 2011' to download Report.

(White Paper b AdvanTech): Twenty years ago, there were competing network protocols in the enterprise (office) network space. Today, no one would believe that, because there is only one network protocol that is used in 99%-plus of all enterprise networks. That network is Ethernet running TCP/IP.

Ethernet is ubiquitous. Our computer networks all are run on Ethernet, even our video games and HD video devices in our homes are Ethernet enabled. So it is very important to understand what Ethernet is, how it works, and what it can and cannot do. This is especially important in the industrial environment, as Ethernet becomes common on the plant floor.

To further read this White Paper b AdvanTech please click 'Real-Time Ethernet IP – ProfiNet Technology'

IEC 61850 communication technology appears as a very promising technology, able to reach both a high level of performance and a high level of interoperability. However considering the real maturity of this technology (from its current level of definition, down to its implementation) and the height of the breakthrough this may represent for the user, a recommendation would lead to a reasonable step-wise deployment.

A first level 1 (Level 1) focused on Monitoring and Control part of the EMCS can already bring many benefits to the user, while offering a high level of multi-vendor interoperability.

A second Level (Level 2) based on a limited single vendor deployment of the GOOSE peer-to-peer capability would offer a cost-effective mean for reducing wiring on site and increase the installation agility.

To further read this White paper by Schneider Electric please click 'Is there a value in deploying IEC 61850 communication into oil & gas EMCS'

Case Study by Emerson Process Management– The state-owned Tüpraş refinery in Izmir, Turkey, has placed an order with Emerson Process Management for a tank gauging system that includes 85 wireless TankRadar Rex radar level gauges. The order follows Tüpraş Izmir’s extensive testing of 21 additional devices in the same application. The gauging system will provide accurate, reliable level measurements on some of refinery’s most critical oil-movement tanks.

The Izmir facility has a refining capacity of 11 million tons/year and storage capacity of 1.9 million cubic meters in 164 tanks -- including 44 lube-oil storage tanks that were already being monitored using wired TankRadar Rex level gauges from Emerson. On other tanks, however, the existing non-Emerson gauging system sometimes had communication problems and gave incorrect readings because of damage to cables during excavations in the field. In addition, support personnel were not always available when needed.

To further read about this case study please click 'Turkish refinery improves reliability with Emerson’s Smart Wireless technology'