TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Yokogawa Electric Corporation (TOKYO:6841) announces that it has developed an N-IO standard field enclosure and a control system virtualization platform. The enclosure is a weatherproof remote IO cabinet that stores IO devices used by the CENTUM(R) VP integrated production control system and the ProSafe(R)-RS safety instrumented system, and the virtualization platform enables the control of multiple virtual devices on a single server. By reducing the amount of time and effort to engineer a new system, these solutions help to both speed up project execution and reduce total cost of ownership (TCO). The N-IO standard field enclosure is scheduled to be released in February 2018, and the virtualization platform will be released in May 2018.
Development Background
As global competition intensifies and
the market environment changes, manufacturers want to set up production
facilities even more quickly. Yokogawa is responding to this need using
the agile project execution concept that improves agility. Agile project
execution is an innovative approach to utilizing standardized technology
and flexible project execution processes that keep automation off the
critical path during project execution. The result is a lower cost of
installation and maintenance, and the lowest TCO, while reducing the
risks of project execution and delivery.
For improved agility in
project execution, Yokogawa developed the N-IO (Network IO) field IO
device for CENTUM VP R6.01 (released in November 2014) and ProSafe-RS
R4.01.00 (released in October 2015). Equipped with a module that can
handle multiple IO signal types, the N-IO device can handle both analog
and digital IO signals, which account for the majority of IO signal
traffic. With this device, the signal type for each IO point can be
configured solely through software settings. This eliminates the need to
replace IO modules and wiring when changing sensor types and wiring
layouts during engineering, and when changing sensor types during a
plant revamp. This significantly reduces workload and speeds up project
implementation.
To realize the agile project execution concept Yokogawa has now developed the N-IO standard field enclosure and a control system virtualization platform. The enclosure is a remote IO cabinet that stores the N-IO device, a key component of the CENTUM VP and ProSafe-RS systems, and the virtualization platform enables the operation of multiple virtual machines on a single server. Together with its N-IO and Automation Design Suite (AD suite) integrated engineering environment*, Yokogawa uses virtualization technology to reduce plant construction costs and speed up project implementation. This helps to eliminate the risk of project delays and ensure on-time delivery.
Main Features
1. N-IO standard field enclosure
Many
conventional cabinets for storing IO devices are designed to be
installed in air-conditioned instrumentation rooms. For outdoor use, it
is necessary to design special dustproof and water resistant cabinets.
The N-IO standard field enclosure developed for the CENTUM VP and
ProSafe-RS systems is a dustproof and water resistant remote IO cabinet
that can be installed outdoors. By allowing the configuration of signal
types through software settings, this enclosure eliminates the need for
further design modifications. As such, it can be delivered directly to
customers without further modification, for faster project
implementation.
2. Control system virtualization platform
Multiple PCs for
operation, monitoring, and other purposes are typically used when
configuring a control system, and the cost of procuring and maintaining
these computers is substantial. Yokogawa’s control system virtualization
platform enables a single server to perform the work of multiple virtual
PCs, thus reducing the number of PCs required to configure a control
system. With this platform, both the hardware and software required to
build a virtual environment are provided. By means of this virtualized
server environment, it is possible to separately update and make
modifications to hardware and software as required.
In preparation for system installation, Yokogawa carries out the engineering and conducts the factory acceptance test (FAT) of the software on a machine different from the one that will be actually used. Yokogawa delivers the hardware directly to the customer, and then installs the completed software. This speeds up implementation and prevents project delays.
Major Target Markets
Oil and gas, petrochemicals, chemicals,
electric power, pulp and paper, pharmaceuticals, food, iron and steel,
water supply and wastewater treatment, non-ferrous metals, metal,
cement, etc.
Applications
Operation monitoring and automatic control of
plants
For more information
http://www.yokogawa.com/dcs
About the CENTUM series
Yokogawa released its CENTUM
distributed control system (DCS) in 1975, a world first. CENTUM VP is
the ninth generation in the CENTUM series. Known for their rugged
performance, CENTUM systems set high standards for engineering and
technology excellence while ensuring backwards compatibility with
previous system versions and support of the latest technology
applications. Knowledge-driven engineering lies at the heart of CENTUM,
a Yokogawa flagship product that has been proudly serving the process
industry, over the past 40+ years.
About ProSafe-RS
Released in February 2005, the ProSafe-RS
safety instrumented system helps prevent accidents by detecting abnormal
conditions in plant operations and initiating emergency actions such as
a plant shutdown. An independent certification body has certified that
ProSafe-RS conforms to the IEC61508 international safety standard and
can be used in SIL3 applications. Unlike conventional safety
instrumented systems and distributed control systems, which are regarded
as having different roles and functions and operate separately, the
operation of ProSafe-RS and the CENTUM integrated control system can be
fully integrated.
About Yokogawa
Yokogawa's global network of 113 companies
spans 60 countries. Founded in 1915, the US$3.5 billion company engages
in cutting-edge research and innovation. Yokogawa is active in the
industrial automation and control (IA), test and measurement, and
aviation and other businesses segments. The IA segment plays a vital
role in a wide range of industries including oil, chemicals, natural
gas, power, iron and steel, pulp and paper, pharmaceuticals, and food.
Targeting this segment, Yokogawa helps companies maximize their profits
by offering a wide range of highly reliable products and working with
the subsidiary KBC Advanced Technologies to provide premium solutions
and services. For more information about Yokogawa, please visit www.yokogawa.com
* An engineering environment that Yokogawa has developed by leveraging engineering know-how accumulated in many projects. AD suite modularizes control applications and enables them to be used in similar facilities, increasing the efficiency of engineering and ensuring consistent quality.
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