Remote I/O for DCS Systems

When a customer required a system to collect remote plant data from in-line analytical equipment, MAXIFLEX was used to enable the customer to enhance the dynamic control performance of his petro-chemical plant DCS system. Utilizing Network Interface Modules (NIMs) to segment different plant areas, MAXIFLEX extracted data from Gas Chromatographs and Analyzers, and transmitted it back to the DCS via Conet Networks on existing field conventional instrument cabling.The DCS/Maxiflex interface used a standard Modbus Gateway for data transfer off the Conet Network as this was readily available on the DCS system.In addition, remote control for stream selection, was provided as outputs from the DCS.Features of this application:Conventional instrument cabling was used for the CONET network, enabling the project viable to be commercially viable. The use of Network Interface modules enabled a complex routing of communications to be employed, prescribed by the routes of the existing cabling. The segmentation of the network using the Network Interface Modules also improved overall system reliability by keeping plant areas on separate network segments. The serial protocol required to communicate with the existing analysers was developed, and the data presented to the DCS as if it were any other plant variable.

For more information on Remote I/O for DCS Systems talk to Omniflex UK Limited