Control System World

ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has signed a long-term service agreement (LTSA) with QGC, a wholly owned subsidiary of BG Group, to provide planned and unplanned maintenance for the up- and mid-stream facilities at Queensland Curtis Liquefied Natural Gas (QCLNG). The project, located in Queensland, Australia, is the world's first to convert gas from coal-seam into liquefied natural gas.

Coal-seam gas is natural gas extracted from coal beds. It provides the same amount of energy as coal, but carbon dioxide emissions are 40 percent lower. QCLNG is a priority project for QGC because it involves expanding exploration and development in southern and central Queensland. The upstream facilities stretch across the Surat Basin, where the coal-seam gas is gathered and transported along a 540-kilometer underground pipeline, to the LNG plant on Curtis Island near Gladstone.

The contract value is $33 million over four years, booked in the third and fourth quarter, with potential for extending the service term up to a period of 10 years. ABB is to provide comprehensive services including an on-site team to maintain ABB’s Extended Automation System 800xA Integrated Control and Safety Systems (ICSS). The contract also covers spare parts management for QCLNG’s upstream collection and transportation facility as well as for the midstream liquefaction and export facility.

“This important contract affirms our strong and long-standing relationship with QGC, which is one of our key customers,” said Veli-Matti Reinikkala, Head of ABB’s Process Automation division. “We are proud to continue working for this important oil and gas project, and one of our key priorities will be to help our customer reach its production targets in a flawless way.”

In 2011, ABB was awarded a $58 million order from QGC to provide, as main automation contractor (MAC), integrated automation, safety and telecommunications systems and related equipment for the upstream coal-seam gas project.

The Fieldbus Foundation has recently announced the first public release of FDI Cooperation, LLC's Field Device Integration (FDI) specification and a demo of the FDI developer toolkits, both of which will make it possible for automation suppliers to prepare for developing products and host systems compatible with FDI. The Fieldbus Foundation is one of the founding members of FDI Cooperation, LLC.

As part of the release, which coincided with the NAMUR annual meeting, the FDI specification and the latest Electronic Device Description Language (EDDL) specifications were handed over to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for the next important phase—the Committee Draft for Vote—in the international standardization process. FDI will be included in the emerging standard IEC 62769.

At the core of the FDI specification is the FDI Device Package that includes everything a host system needs to integrate an intelligent device. With FDI, a single FDI Device Package that can scale according to the complexities and requirements of each device represents individual instruments.

Each FDI Device Package contains a mandatory Device Description (EDD), providing parameter definitions, structure for the parameters for context-specific views, and automated work processes for device procedures such as calibration. FDI Device Packages may also incorporate User Interface Plug-Ins, software components that support advanced device setup and diagnostic functions. Additionally, product manuals, documentation, images, electronic certifications and other attachments may be delivered in the FDI Device Package.

FDI Device Packages make it easier for automation suppliers to develop and integrate intelligent devices because they only need to create a single, unified FDI Device Package for each intelligent device that can work with all host systems and tools, reducing overall development costs while preserving and expanding existing functionality. Users will also find it easier to manage information from intelligent devices with a single device package, instead of juggling different technologies and investing significant capital in custom integration efforts to connect multiple technology platforms.

With the release of the FDI specification, FDI Cooperation demonstrated a preview edition of the common cross protocol Integrated Development Environment (IDE), which will help device manufacturers create FDI Device Packages for FOUNDATION™ fieldbus, HART and Profibus devices. The purpose of standard developer tools is to ensure that automation suppliers can develop high-quality, reliable FDI-based solutions in a consistent manner. A standard set of developer tools significantly reduces development costs and speeds time to market for both device developers and system developers.

The IDE will include a reference host that allows device developers to execute and test FDI Device Package against a standard implementation to ensure product quality.

The demo of the developer tools was based on the protocol-independent FDI Common Host Components. Host system manufacturers implement FDI Common Host Components for device management tools, asset management tools, and process automation systems. FDI Common Host Components allow for rapid development and ensure FDI Device Packages behave consistently across different systems. FDI Host Components fully support legacy EDD libraries to protect end user investments.

The live demonstration at the NAMUR Annual General Meeting showed FDI functionality in field devices from six different suppliers, all of which are integrated with the help of FDI device packages within a process control system. The demonstration, organized and constructed by Siemens, included typical use cases, such as parameter assignment, configuration, diagnostics, functional testing, and maintenance. This was the first time a commercial system based on common components was applied to interpret FDI device packages.

The FDI specification will be available for download at www.fdi-cooperation.com.

Remote I/O, or distributed I/O, offers several advantages over the traditional local I/O found on a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). First, it allows you to locate the I/O modules close to the process that is being monitored or controlled. This greatly improves noise immunity, as the weak sensor signals are converted to digital signals before being transmitted long distances through a noisy plant environment. OMEGA universal remote I/O modules use a simple 2-wire RS485 link using MODBUS RTU/ASCII protocol, which is supported by most programmable logic controllers. A second advantage is that remote I/O greatly reduces the wiring at the main control panel, saving time and money when repairs and upgrades are necessary. Adding additional sensors and control signals is as easy as connecting to the already installed RS485 link and modifying the PLC program to utilize the new I/O. In addition, remote I/O allows you to expand your process control system beyond the local I/O capabilities of your PLC. You can add thermocouple, RTD, pressure, and flow sensors to a PLC that doesn’t support these types of inputs. With remote I/O, your process application is no longer dependent on your controller choice.

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Lloyd`s Register EMEA has certified HIMA HIMax, HIQuad und Planar4 safety system families for use in marine and offshore applications in the relevant environment categories ENV1, ENV2 and ENV3. HIMA HIMatrix modules received Lloyd’s Register certification in 2006, which was extended in 2011.

All HIMA safety systems are now certified by Lloyd’s Register EMEA. In addition to comprehensive, routine system inspections, the HIMA safety systems have passed extended temperature tests, vibration and shock tests, as well as the EMC tests. Proof that HIMA safety systems contain no traces of asbestos has also been furnished.

The Lloyd’s Register certification is required primarily for safety-critical applications at ship-loading complexes, burner controls on ships, oil and gas platforms and FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading) vessels.

About Lloyd`s Register group

Safety has been at the heart of our work since 1760 and we invest our time, money and resources to fulfil Lloyd’s Register’s mission: to protect life and property and advance transportation and engineering education and research. Through our impartial advice, broader knowledge, deeper experience and closer relationships we help ensure a safer world.

We provide independent assurance to companies operating high-risk, capital-intensive assets in the energy and transportation sectors, to enhance the safety of life, property and the environment. This helps our clients to create safe, responsible and sustainable supply chains.

FDT-21W ultrasonic flowmeter is designed to measure the fluid velocity of liquid in a full/closed pipe. It is a measurement system which is both easy to install and use. The FDT-21W operates according to the difference in the transit time of flight measured, and determines the flow velocity by measuring the travel time of a pulse from one transducer to the next. Flow in the same direction takes less time to travel to the second transducer than does flow in the opposite direction. Electroacoustic transducers receive and emit brief ultrasonic pulses through the liquid of the pipe. Transducers are vertically placed at both sides of the measured pipe. Sensors are placed on the pipe and fastened by means of a clamp. The display will quickly show the flow velocity. The FDT-21W can be used for metallic, plastic and rubber tubes.

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Foster Wheeler has announced that a subsidiary of its Global Engineering and Construction Group has been awarded a contract by Axion Energy Argentina S.A. (“Axion”), a subsidiary of Bridas Corporation, to provide engineering and procurement services for a new delayed coking unit based on Foster Wheeler’s SYDEC(SM) delayed coking technology, to be installed at the Campana Refinery in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina.

The Foster Wheeler contract value was not disclosed and was included in the company’s third-quarter 2013 bookings.

“Foster Wheeler brings to this project extensive experience in the design and delivery of delayed coker projects, a strong track record in executing projects in South America and impressive technical expertise in heavy crude processing,” said Umberto della Sala, Chief Operating Officer, Foster Wheeler AG.

Acromag expands their line of versatile USB-configured signal conditioning transmitters to include RTD/resistance and potentiometer/thermistor input signals.

Acromag’s new offerings in the TT230 and TT330 series of process transmitters are designed to deliver flexibility while maintaining optimal performance. These isolated signal conditioners feature high-density mounting on DIN rails, supporting RTD/resistance and potentiometer/thermistor input signals. With a convenient USB connection to a PC, precise configuration using Windows software is simple. Wiring terminals are front-facing and removable for easy connections and maintenance.

“The TT230 and TT330 process transmitter series’ continue to provide greater versatility with our new additions,” explained Don Lupo, process group sales and marketing director. “Whether you need 2-wire or 4-wire transmitters, we can accommodate a wide array of process measurement and control applications.”

Each model accommodates a variety of signal types selected in the configuration software. The TT234 and TT334 models interface 100-100k ohms via potentiometer/slidewire or 100-1M ohms from a thermistor/rheostat. The TT235 and TT335 models accept 100 ohm, 200 ohm, 500 ohm, or 1000ohm platinum RTD; 120 ohm nickle RTD; 10 ohm copper RTD; or 0-450 ohm linear resistance. All units effortlessly convert the input signals to a proportional current output signal of +/-20mA, 0-20mA, or 4-20mA. The TT330 series also allows for +/-10V, +/- 5V, 0-5V, and 0-10V output signals as well. The software also lets you precisely scale input ranges for full resolution. You can then test or calibrate input/output values in the software, too.

TT230 process signal converters have the option of loop-power with a 2-wire connection, or DC-powered with a 3-wire connection. TT330 process signal converters are DC-powered (12-32V) and support a bussed rail power option for primary or redundant power. The rugged design of these thin transmitters feature CE approval as well as: -40 to 80 Degrees C operation, electrical noise immunity, and surge protection. UL/cUL Class 1 Division 2 Zone 2 hazardous location approvals pending. Prices start at $175 (TT230 series) or $220 (TT330 series) for single quantities.

The USB-to-PC connection for software-driven configuration makes setting ranges and calibration easier, more accurate, and very reliable. Many competing units use DIP switches that can only offer coarse range settings, not fine adjustments. Using trim pots can allow fine tuning, but they require far more time to achieve the desirable results. With a USB port, you can digitally set the calibration gain and offset using precision D/A converters whereas DIP switches and pots can change values over time or due to temperature/shock/vibration. These changes can lead to drift and require periodic re-calibration. And once configured, the device’s settings can be archived in a file or uploaded quickly into additional units for rapid cloning in large systems. Later, a device’s USB port enables diagnostic communication using software while a unit configured with DIP dipswitches and pots cannot. Plus, USB-configured devices use fewer mechanical parts which increases long-term reliability.

Tyco has announced the acquisition of Westfire, Inc., a leader in special-applications fire protection services with operations in the United States, Chile and Peru. Westfire provides critical special-hazard suppression and detection applications in mining, telecommunications and other vertical markets. Their full range of fire protection services includes hazard analysis, as well as system design, installation, maintenance and testing combined with customized system documentation.

Westfire's US operations are concentrated in the Western United States and will be combined with Tyco's North American Fire Services business. Westfire's highly skilled and experienced workforce will enhance Tyco's service differentiation with added project design and execution capabilities. In Latin America, this acquisition enhances Tyco's service capabilities in the mining industry in Chile and provides an entry into the Peruvian market, both of which are important growth markets for Tyco. While already an established customer of Tyco's Fire Protection Products business, Westfire has the opportunity to further leverage this relationship to meet the requirements of Westfire's customers in mining and telecommunications.

"Westfire is a powerful addition to Tyco's capabilities. It expands our service footprint and recurring revenue base along with adding a highly-skilled and experienced team of engineers and technicians. In addition, we are adding vertical market expertise in special hazard detection and suppression applications," said Brian McDonald, Tyco's Chief Operating Officer for Installations & Services.

"This acquisition confirms Tyco's commitment to its Growth Markets," said Juan Mogollon, Tyco's President for Growth Markets. "Westfire's engineering capabilities and service footprint in Latin America combined with Tyco's comprehensive product portfolio focused on the specific needs of Growth Markets creates an exceptional combination of solutions to help our customers not just in Chile and Peru but throughout Latin America."

The transaction closed on November 8, 2013 and Westfire is expected to generate approximately $80 million in annualized revenues in fiscal year 2014.

ABOUT TYCO

Tyco (NYSE: TYC) is the world's largest pure-play fire protection and security company. Tyco provides more than three million customers around the globe with the latest fire protection and security products and services. A company with $10+ billion in revenue, Tyco has over 70,000 employees in more than 1,000 locations across 50 countries serving various end markets, including commercial, institutional, governmental, retail, industrial, energy, residential and small business. For more information, visit the new www.tyco.com.