Control System World

National Instruments, the provider of platform-based systems that enable engineers and scientists to solve the world’s greatest engineering challenges, today announced LabVIEW 2016 system design software, empowering engineers to simplify development and effectively integrate software from the ecosystem into their systems. The latest version of LabVIEW introduces new channel wires to simplify complex communication between parallel sections of code. Available on both desktop and real-time versions of LabVIEW, the channel wire method helps improve code readability and reduces development time.

“The new channel wires in LabVIEW 2016 enable us to develop applications even faster by making architectures that are more transferable across domains,” said Christopher Relf, chief engineer at VI Engineering. “With channel wires, we can set up sophisticated software architectural patterns that natively have multiple sources, without having to create and maintain considerable amounts of custom software in the background.”

Much of the success that LabVIEW users have had relies on the openness of both the product itself and the ecosystem that supports it. LabVIEW 2016 continues this trend with enhanced interoperability with Python and third-party devices. This openness, combined with several new enhancements, helps users continue to improve productivity by streamlining code development and deployment. With the latest version of LabVIEW, users can:

• Simplify development with new channel wires that reduce complex asynchronous communication to a single wire
• Take advantage of more RAM and memory with new 64-bit add-on support for the LabVIEW Control Design and Simulation Module, LabVIEW MathScript Real-Time Module, LabVIEW Unit Test Framework Toolkit, LabVIEW Desktop Execution Trace Toolkit and LabVIEW VI Analyzer Toolkit
• Streamline the automation of benchtop measurements with the Instrument Driver Network, which supports 500 new devices in addition to the existing 10,000 supported instruments
• Integrate Python IP using the new Python Integration Toolkit for LabVIEW, which is a simple API from Enthought, Inc. (available in the LabVIEW Tools Network) that can integrate Python scripts into LabVIEW applications

Yokogawa Electric Corporation announces the July 13 release of an update to the Exaquantum™ plant information management system (PIMS). Release R3.02 provides improved web and data analysis functions that will enhance plant operations.

An ever increasing amount of plant data is being collected, stored, and analyzed to understand what is happening within a plant so that appropriate operational improvements can be made, and this is resulting in a rising need for PIMSs with advanced capabilities. In response, Yokogawa has improved Exaquantum by adding new web and data analysis functions that will assist users in gaining the insights required to enhance their plant operations.
Enhancements

1. Improved web-based functionality

To improve visibility of significant plant events, users can add annotations to trend graphs that provide additional information, detailed analysis, and links to documents and web pages that can be accessed using Exaquantum/Web. These can be shared with others, including Exaquantum/Explorer users.
To aid in the identification of relationships between data, Exaquantum/Web users can now make use of X-Y Plot controls to create trend graphs that can be used within the Internet Explorer or Safari (tablet) browsers. These graphs can be utilized for such purposes as predicting compressor surges and analyzing PID loops.

2. Windows 10

Windows 10, Microsoft’s latest operating system, is supported.
3. New data analysis functions
New optional functions are available to evaluate and draw insights from the large amounts of process data, alarm and events, and other types of data collected and stored by Exaquantum PIMS. These include an ISA-18.2* and IEC 62682* compliant alarm management function, a safety management function, and a manufacturing information function.

Designed for use in the oil and gas industries, the Rotork ELB is a robust, self-contained instrument that combines pipeline pressure monitoring with intelligent valve control. The ELB can also collect detailed operational data for optimising performance and enhancing pipeline safety.

The ELB continuously monitors upstream and downstream pipeline pressure dynamics to provide early detection of pipeline breaks and initiate automatic valve actuator movement to an emergency position, based on user-defined parameters. Valve actuator control - selectable as fail close, fail open or stay put - is based on rate-of-drop (RoD) and rate-of-rise (RoR) as well as high and low pressure limits. A remote process shut down (PSD) input with the option to override all functions is also available to drive the valve to the fail position.

The ELB also provides an array of programmable alarm and alert indications and has an extensive range of features that can be configured to meet end users’ specific requirements. These include up to six remote inputs and four configurable solenoid outputs, partial stroke testing (PST) and Modbus® network connectivity.

The ELB is housed in a compact, environmentally sealed and explosionproof housing that can be mounted on the actuator or remotely. Setting menus displayed on the large HMI window are the focus for non-intrusive programming and commissioning using Rotork IQ intelligent electric actuation technology. In normal mode the LCD display indicates valve position. The same window also displays visual indication of status, alarms, event, trend and operation logs and diagnostic data. Padlockable pushbuttons for local actuator operation are provided on the ELB enclosure and a vandalproof cover is available for increased security.

Siemens has expanded its cellular router portfolio by adding the Ruggedcom RM1224 as an entry level device. The Ruggedcom RM1224 with its 4G LTE worldwide connectivity and automatic fallback to 3G UMTS or EVDO cellular networks is ideally suited for providing data communication to and from remote locations. Thanks to its high bandwidths and performance capabilities the Ruggedcom RM1224 wireless router can be deployed in a diverse range of applications: from the integration of remote substations and feeder devices to rail wayside applications and mobile Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), as well as remote video surveillance.
The new Ruggedcom RM1224 router comes with an integrated 4 port switch, which can be used to connect up to four Ethernet devices. In addition it comes with two antenna connections, making it possible for operators to use multiple receive and transmit paths (antenna diversity) and thus increase both signal quality and bandwidth. The Ruggedcom RM1224 has one digital IO (input and output) for applications like setting up secured VPN connections upon user button push. Furthermore, the device is equipped with its own redundant power supply for bridging short-term power failures.

Like its high-end companion, the Ruggedcom RX1400, the new Ruggedcom RM1224 is characterized by a compact housing, which means that it's ideal in control cabinets with limited space available.
The Ruggedcom RM1224 offers downlink speeds of up to 100 Mbit/s and uplink speeds of up to 50 Mbit/s via LTE. When there is no LTE available, the Ruggedcom RM1224 supports HSPA+ (Evolved High Speed Packet Access) and EVDO (Evolution Data Optimized). Depending on the available mobile service provider infrastructure, this enables high transmission rates to end devices (downlink) of up to 14.4 Mbit/s and back to the telecommunications network (uplink) of up to 5.76 Mbit/s. This cellular router enables users to connect to IP-based end-devices around the globe.

Moxa is pleased to announce that its rugged EXPC-1519 panel computer has received the stand-alone certification from UL, ensuring that the EXPC-1519 can operate safely in hazardous areas as defined by their respective standards: Class I, Division 2 for the North American standard, and Zone 2 for both the ATEX and IECEx standards. The certifications confirm that the panel computer is ideally suited for operation in oil & gas, petrochemical manufacturing, and other hazardous locations and industrial applications where explosive atmospheres may be present.

The EXPC-1519 panel computer can be used directly in the aforementioned explosive atmospheres without the need for additional, expensive enclosures. This allows users to save money and deploy their products faster. The key details of the standards are as follows:
Type of Protection: Intrinsic Safety “ic” and Non-sparking “nA”
• Compliance with the IEC/EN 60079-0, IEC/EN 60079-11, and IEC/EN 60079-15 standards
• IECEx Markings: Ex ic nA IIC T4 Gc
• ATEX Marking : ATEXII 3 G Ex ic nA IIC T4 GcEXPC-1519 interface
• Ambient : -40°C to 70°C

Many manufacturers rely on system integrators to design and install compliant machinery safety solutions, but they often struggle to find the most capable provider. To help ease that process, Rockwell Automation continues to expand its global Machinery Safety System Integrator program. Three new members have joined in the first half of 2016, bringing the total number to 26.

“We created this program in 2014 to connect manufacturers with safety system integrators they can trust,” said Mark Eitzman, manager of safety market development, Rockwell Automation. “It’s become a valuable resource for manufacturers because we do the vetting for them. We make sure the integrators thoroughly understand current safety standards and know how to apply safety technologies in a way that also improves plant productivity.”

To be eligible, candidates must be current Rockwell Automation Solution Partners or Recognized System Integrators with three to five years of machine safety experience. They must complete an intensive education and assessment process, but Rockwell Automation also recognizes third-party certification from industry-accepted organizations, such as TÜV or exida.

After meeting these initial requirements, each candidate’s safety engineers complete training modules on topics such as global safety standards, safety risk assessment practices, and safeguarding mitigation and validation. Finally, each candidate must submit a machinery safety project that is consistent with global standards.

The three new members of the program include:

• Automation Electronics Group and Systems (AEG Systems), a Rockwell Automation Recognized System Integrator based in Mexico, specializes in customized process, motion and MES applications for clients around the world.
• RT Engineering, a Rockwell Automation Recognized System Integrator located in Franklin, Massachusetts, provides custom controls and automation solutions for customers in the medical, pharmaceutical and metals industries.
• SINCI, a Rockwell Automation Solution Partner located in Guadalajara, Mexico, specializes in control, process and information applications for customers in food and beverage, metals, mining and utilities.

Yokogawa Electric Corporation announces that its subsidiary, Yokogawa Electric Korea, has received an order to deliver control systems for a new plant that S-Oil Corporation, a Korean oil & gas subsidiary of Saudi Aramco, plans to build at its Onsan refinery complex in the city of Ulsan. The control systems are for a residue fluid catalytic cracker (RFCC)* and auxiliary facilities that will produce mainly polypropylene and propylene oxides.

The Onsan refinery complex has a capacity of 669,000 barrels of oil per day and produces a variety of fuels, lubricants, and petrochemical products. S-Oil plans to expand its operations by collecting residue oils from this complex and processing them in the RFCC unit to produce polypropylene and other valuable petrochemicals. With this new unit, S-Oil plans to increase its production of high-octane gasoline and targets the annual production of 405,000 tons of polypropylene and 300,000 tons of propylene oxides. This is one of the largest oil refinery expansion projects currently underway in South Korea.

For this new facility, Yokogawa Electric Korea will deliver CENTUM® VP integrated production control systems, ProSafe®-RS safety instrumented systems, Plant Resource Manager (PRM®) field device management software packages, and other products, and will be responsible for the engineering, installation, and commissioning of these systems and the training of plant operators. This is Yokogawa's first control systems order from S-Oil.

Yokogawa believes that it was able to win this order thanks to its successful track record in delivering RFCC control systems in South Korea, the high reliability and long-term stability that its products have demonstrated at oil and petrochemical plants all over the world, and the excellent engineering capabilities of Yokogawa Electric Korea.

Moxa is pleased to launch the industrial Ethernet extender switch, IEX-408E-2VDSL2, to address the growing networking extension requirements driven by the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) trend. The IEX-408E-2VDSL2 supports two VDSL2 ports and 6 Ethernet ports for long distance data transmission over twisted-pair copper wiring. This product enables users to leverage existing cables to upgrade and extend their networks quickly as well as reduce costs making it ideally suited to intelligent transportation systems, Oil & Gas, factory automation, and mining industries.

Cost-Effective Solution for IIoT Network Infrastructures:
The IIoT trend has driven businesses to upgrade their existing networks to IP-based systems for centralized analysis and management. For example in transportation, road operators are now upgrading the traffic signal control systems and integrating CCTV surveillance into the same network to make roads safer and increase efficiency.

" In such cases, road operators are not only concerned about the cost, but also face time constraints in order to minimize the interference to road users. Our IEX-408E-2VDSL2 Ethernet extender switch allows users to leverage legacy systems over twisted-pair copper wiring, which significantly reduces the project time and costs. As industries move towards the IIoT, the IEX-408E-2VDSL2 is an ideal solution to build reliable and cost-effective network infrastructure,” noted Jack Lin, product manager for Moxa’s Industrial Ethernet Switches.