Best option for upgrading an existing DCS system

Hi guys!

this is my first post and i really expect some very healthy and positive helpful responses. My question is a very interesting one..

There is a chemical plant running from 1995. When it starts operation, they developed DCS system in order to monitor and control the plant operations. DeltaV for PROVOX is the system they are working on. They have sensors/actuators at the lowest level, they goto I/O racks, which go to SRx controllers. These SRx controllers get connected with Data Highway II then HDL-6 is used as an interface between Data Highway and the DOP server and then thru ethernet, the information is transferred to operator's consoles.

Remember that their sensors working on 4-20mA and RS485 protocols.

if they want more functionality or in simpler words if they want to move towards a better controlling network, what is the best option available to upgrade this DCS system keeping in mind that the plant operations must not be shut down. ?? SHould we go for Foundation Bus, Profi Bus or HART???

The plant managment will surely like to work on the solution that can make use of their existing structure and provide them with greater benefits.

Plz give ur opinions..

Please keep in mind, whenever you want to upgrade the DCS system, the following:

1] What are the objectives?

2] Plant shut-down is must for architecture you
want to opt.

3] Master the existing database configuration.

4] Work on logical benifitS of upgrades.

If Provox AIO cards are HART compatible, than Hart is best option for you, otherwise FF/DP protocol. You are inviting shut-down of the plant & new Hardware, as Provox H/W may not support this protocol with present firmware.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Jari
[email protected]

Dear Bashir,

Although this is not a right a answer yet it holds very importance.

Go for that system which can be supported by a company which is in the market representation in your region since last 10 years and hope to continue their presence there for another 10 years.

Almost all system have their prons and cons but after sales and after commisoning support does really matter.

Hope you got my point.

A PLC Programmer

Hi!

I get into these kind of discussions all of the time, and would welcome the chance to talk with you. Because the controllers and process control networkk are fairly up to date, this site has several options, which is what makes it fun to address!

The people who have already posted have made some important comments. If the transmitters are HART - regardless of in the I/O cards are HART compatible - then continuing to use them can be useful and cost effective. You mentioned the desire to not shut the plant down at all. Depending on the plant and its operation, short shutdowns of a small area with hot cutover of critical areas can be used to accomplish a lot with transmitters and control systems.

Also, why is it so important to not shut down the plant at all? Can some areas handle a short turnaround? And what are the additional capabilities or the benefits desired to drive a control system or a transmitter change?

If you would like, send to me your phone number and your location (city & country) and a suggested time to call, and I will see about calling you. My email is JD. Wheelis @ IEEE. org.

I am looking forward to talking with you.

J.D. Wheelis

Hi!

I get into these kind of discussions all of the time, and would welcome the chance to talk with you. Because the controllers and process control networkk are fairly up to date, this site has several options, which is what makes it fun to address!

The people who have already posted have made some important comments. If the transmitters are HART - regardless of in the I/O cards are HART compatible - then continuing to use them can be useful and cost effective. You mentioned the desire to not shut the plant down at all. Depending on the plant and its operation, short shutdowns of a small area with hot cutover of critical areas can be used to accomplish a lot with transmitters and control systems.

Also, why is it so important to not shut down the plant at all? Can some areas handle a short turnaround? And what are the additional capabilities or the benefits desired to drive a control system or a transmitter change?

If you would like, send to me your phone number and your location (city & country) and a suggested time to call, and I will see about calling you. My email is [email protected].

I am looking forward to talking with you.

J.D. Wheelis