Control System World

To support the expansion of its plants producing low density polyethylene (LDPE) and other petrochemicals, Qatar Petrochemical Company (QAPCO) chose a comprehensive safety solution.

The HIMA solution supports emergency shutdown (ESD), fire & gas (F&G) and furnace control as well as seawater cooling applications.  In total, 13 safety controllers were integrated with a Honeywell distributed control system (DCS) as part of an expansion project that included new construction, plant renovation and equipment retrofitting. Communication between the Honeywell DCS and the HIMA safety controllers is accomplished via Modbus TCP Master & Slave protocol.

Two HIMax systems and 11 HIQuad systems, together supporting approximately 5,000 I/Os, replaced a conventional relay-based safety system and PLCs. The HIMA controllers are certified to SIL 3 as per the IEC 61508/IEC 61511 standard.

QAPCO relied on HIMA for a range of services supporting the project, including:

• Training

• Basic engineering

• DCS integration

• Factory acceptance testing (FAT)

• System installation and testing

• Start-up and functional tests under operating conditions

• TÜV approval

A HIMA customer since 1995, QAPCO chose the HIMA solution for its contributions to safety, plant availability and system reliability and its ability to monitor all process parameters and easily identify the cause of a plant failure. “HIMA products are very reliable, but we count on HIMA for more than products”, says Ahmed Ezz El Dine Mohamed Refaat, Head of QAPCO’s Automation & Electrical Section. “We consider them as a total solution provider.”

QAPCO is a joint venture between Industries Qatar (80%) and Total Petrochemicals (20%). Considered as one of the region’s largest producers of LDPE, QAPCO also produces ethylene, sulphur and other petrochemicals.

Yokogawa Electric Corporation announces the September 30 release of an enhanced version of the ProSafe®-RS safety instrumented system and the addition of a new function to the DPharp EJX multivariable transmitter. The new ProSafe-RS version, R3.02.10, offers improved functions for upstream oil and gas, which is one of Yokogawa's core markets. The DPharp EJX multivariable transmitter has been enhanced to improve connectivity with ProSafe-RS.

In upstream oil and gas processes, there is an ever pressing need to prevent accidents and protect the environment. Accordingly, there is a growing demand for safety instrumented systems that can detect abnormal conditions and safely initiate emergency shutdowns. However, wells and pipelines are typically distributed over a wide area and often have limited space for the installation of equipment. To improve operational efficiency and reduce hardware costs, there is a need to consolidate the functions performed by control and safety instrumented systems. In response to these needs, Yokogawa is releasing a new version of the ProSafe-RS safety instrumented system and has enhanced the DPharp EJX multivariable transmitter.

Overview of Enhancements:

• AGA gas flow rate calculation

• Modbus*2 communications between DPharp EJX and ProSafe-RS for gas flow rate calculation

• Support for the wide variety of networks used in oil and gas upstream

The Fieldbus Foundation and the HART Communication Foundation announced today that they have entered into discussions on the potential for merging the two organizations into a single industry foundation dedicated to the needs of intelligent device communications in the world of process automation.

The chairmen of the two organizations—Dr. Gunther Kegel of the Fieldbus Foundation and Mr. Mark Schumacher of the HART Communication Foundation—issued the following statement on behalf of their Boards of Directors:

"We believe combining the resources and capabilities of each foundation into a single organization will provide significant benefits to both end users and suppliers. For end users, a single organization that combines the power of both Fieldbus Foundation and HART Communication Foundation would provide a full solution that addresses every conceivable aspect of field communications and intelligent device management for the process industries. For suppliers, a single organization would create efficiencies in resource utilization, consistency of processes and procedures, and would deliver significant improvements in member services and support."

The Fieldbus Foundation and HART Communication Foundation have worked extensively together in the past and have a long history of cooperation. For example, the two organizations worked together on the development of common international standards such as Electronic Device Description Language (EDDL) and, most recently, the development of the Field Device Integration (FDI) specification. The merger offers significant potential to harmonize many aspects of the two protocols, making it easier for end users and suppliers to implement the technology and obtain the full benefits of each technology in plant operations and maintenance.

In preliminary discussions, the presidents of the two organizations, Richard J. Timoney of the Fieldbus Foundation and Ted Masters of the HART Communication Foundation, added that many synergies already exist and closed by commenting:

"We are both confident that today's decision to investigate the merger of these two organizations provides momentum for a major step forward in the evolution of intelligent devices and the world of industrial communications."

For more information, download Frequently Asked Questions

The ISA100 Wireless Compliance Institute announced today that the Fieldbus Foundation recently issued a preliminary specification for transducer blocks supporting ISA100.11a wireless devices. The specification issued in August demonstrates the commitment of the growing number of organizations supporting the ISA100 Wireless standard. Developed by the International Society of Automation (ISA), ISA100.11a is an international, industrial wireless networking standard built to serve the needs of process industries.

According to the Fieldbus Foundation news, “As part of the FOUNDATION for Remote Operations Management (ROM) solution implementing wireless and remote I/O, the new technical specification defines a fieldbus transducer block used within FOUNDATION for ROM devices to communicate with ISA100.11a instruments. In addition, it describes the method for configuring tools and asset-managing hosts to access ISA100.11a devices, as well as structures to identify and maintain device status in ISA100.11a networks connected to FOUNDATION for ROM devices. The new transducer block specification will enable automation end users to interface ISA100.11a devices to FOUNDATION fieldbus for better integration with a control system or with FOUNDATION devices. The technology also supports a networked method for asset-managing hosts to access an installed base of ISA100.11a devices for configuration and maintenance purposes.”

“The recent announcement and development by the Fieldbus Foundation further validates the object-based approach of ISA100 Wireless,” said Andre Ristaino, Managing Director, ISA100 WCI. “We are thrilled to see the specification released. Users will benefit from the added integration between ISA100 Wireless and Fieldbus Foundation technology.”

Access to the Foundation technical specifications is a key benefit of the Fieldbus Foundation membership and a review of the preliminary specification is available for free by Foundation members.

See the Preliminary Specifications area of Fieldbus Forums.

Foster Wheeler AG (Nasdaq:FWLT) has announced that a subsidiary of its Global Engineering and Construction Group has been awarded a contract by Wood Mackenzie Limited to provide consultancy services for two projects in Peru, namely, the Energy Security and South Pipeline Project and the Energy Node in South Peru Project.

Foster Wheeler will develop the design and cost estimates for both planned investments. Foster Wheeler’s scope of work is expected to be completed in the fourth-quarter of 2013.

The principal stakeholders involved in these two projects are ProInversion, the Peruvian Government Agency responsible for promoting private investments and for the awarding process of these two projects – and the Ministry of Energy and Mines, as the governing body of the energy and mines sector. Wood Mackenzie has been contracted by ProInversion to promote private investment in infrastructure to strengthen the energy security of the country, to decentralize the power generation from the central area of the country and to promote the development of a petrochemical complex in the south of Peru as part of the Peruvian Government’s diversification initiative.

The Energy Security and South Pipeline Project will involve the development of pipelines to support the existing natural gas and natural gas liquids transportation system from Las Malvinas to the Chiquintirca compression station, and the development of the southern pipeline from the existing natural gas transportation system to the south coast.

The Energy Node in South Peru Project will involve the development of thermoelectric power generation plants with a capacity up to 2,000 megawatts to promote the development of an energy center and petrochemical complex in the south of the country.

“Both projects leverage our technical expertise in geographical information systems, pipelines and power plant design,” said Umberto della Sala, President and Chief Operating Officer of Foster Wheeler AG. “We will evaluate options for the proposed gas transportation infrastructure and routing, as well as power plant configuration and location, to accommodate the challenging Peruvian geography and to optimize the implementation schedule for the projects.”

Ulrich Spiesshofer has succeeded Joe Hogan as chief executive officer of ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, following the three-month orderly transition period announced earlier this year. Hogan will continue as advisor to the Board until the end of March 2014.

In a welcoming statement, Hubertus von Grünberg, Chairman of ABB’s Board of Directors, said: "Ulrich Spiesshofer has an outstanding track record forming and developing high performing teams and has demonstrated excellent strategy and execution skills.” He added that Spiesshofer enjoys the full support of the entire Board. “We look forward to a close cooperation with Ulrich to further develop ABB's power and automation business under his leadership.”

ABB announced Spiesshofer’s appointment as CEO on June 17. For further information on his background and career, please refer to the June press release.

"I look forward to working with ABB’s strong team to deliver continued profitable growth against our strategy and create long-term value for our customers, employees and shareholders," Spiesshofer said. “In these challenging economic times, we will focus as a team relentlessly on customer satisfaction, quality and execution.”

Brief Profile of Ulrich Spiesshofer:

Born March 26, 1964 – German citizen

Education

1991   PhD in Economics, University of Stuttgart, Germany

1989   Masters Degree in Business Administration and Engineering, University of Stuttgart, Germany

Professional experience:

ABB   2013 to date   CEO of ABB Group worldwide – ABB Ltd, Switzerland

2010 – 2013   Head of Discrete Automation and Motion division Member of the Group Executive Committee, ABB Ltd, Switzerland

2005 – 2009   Head of Corporate Development Member of the Group Executive Committee, ABB Ltd, Switzerland Roland Berger Strategy Consultants

2002 – 2005   Senior Partner, Global Head Operations Practice – Roland Berger AG, Switzerland A.T. Kearney

2001 – 2002   Managing Director – A.T. Kearney International AG, Switzerland, Member European Operating Committee

1999 – 2001   Leader Asian Operations Practice – A.T. Kearney Pty. Ltd., Australia

1996 – 1999   Member Australian Leadership Team – A.T. Kearney Pty. Ltd., Australia

1991 – 1996   Associate/Manager/Principal – A.T. Kearney GmbH, Germany Teaching

1989 – 1992  Lecturer in business management, University of Stuttgart and Berufsakademie, Stuttgart, Germany

Amplicon announce its recent distribution agreement with INSYS icom; becoming the official technical distribution partner of the INSYS icom industrial data communication product portfolio.

INSYS icom have an extensive product range which includes modems, routers and gateways that provide analogue, digital and cellular wide area network or internet access. Their products have a design focus to suit demanding, industrial customer requirements and can be used for various applications such as internet remote access, monitoring, diagnosis and alarming of serial and Ethernet equipment.

The new partnership with INSYS icom will further extend and enhance the Amplicon data communications product portfolio, providing customers with an even wider spectrum of innovative telecommunications solutions, whilst reinforcing Amplicons' competence as the leading provider of data communications, industrial computing, measurement & control, and engineering services.

To celebrate the new partnership with INSYS icom, Amplicon is inviting you to participate in an outstanding prize draw. The prize is the choice of any product from the INSYS icom flagship range of MoRoS industrial routers, a prize that could potentially be worth up to £795!

The MoRoS industrial routers are available with a choice of integrated modem, including 3G for cellular connection, ADSL2+ for broadband connection or even 56K for connection over PSTN. The lucky winner will also receive a free subscription to the INSYS connectivity service for one year, alleviating many of the difficulties associated with the configuration, access, and management of remote equipment.

Competition ends 31st October, so no time to waste!

CAS DataLoggers and Lascar has introduced an affordable new AC and DC Millivolt Data Logger compatible with AC and DC current clamps. Featuring a current clamp input and 4mm banana plug inputs, the logger’s USB interface enables quick setup and data download. A very useful device for electrical engineers who want a portable metering solution, this new device is now available for about $150.

When used with a current clamp, the new data logger measures and stores up to 127,232 AC and DC current readings over a 0 to 1000 amp DC measurement range (0 to 723 amps for AC). In Energy Monitoring mode, this data is converted into power, cumulative energy (using a user-defined voltage value) and cumulative cost (using a user-supplied energy unit cost). The logger’s AC and DC millivolt measurement mode allows for direct measurement of voltage up to 1V DC (700mV AC).

high contrast 4-digit LCD shows a variety of current, power, energy and cost information. At the touch of a button, users can cycle between the most recent, maximum and minimum measurement values. The LCD also displays battery status, alarm indicators and measurement units. Users can choose among immediate, delayed and push-to-start logging modes, and it’s easy to configure custom alarm thresholds. The standalone data logger measures and stores up to 127,000 AC or DC current readings. Users can set logging rates anywhere between once a second and once every 12 hours.

visit the website at www.DataLoggerInc.com