Posted to News on 10th May 2007, 13:39
An easy way to upgrade safety instrumented systems
The Triconex unit of Invensys Process Systems is offering an important new upgrade programme designed to allow users of the Tricon TMR (triple modular redundant) safety instrumented system (SIS) to upgrade to the latest Triconex technology at minimum cost, minimum risk, and with minimum production downtime. The new Triconex Advantage Upgrade programme combines significant commercial incentives with an innovative Automated Logic Translation service that converts, tests, and validates the existing control logic for re-use in the new hardware modules. Costs are reduced and changes are minimised because the system footprint, chassis format, field wiring, control logic, and documentation are retained. As a result there is no need to recommission field loops or perform time-consuming safety system recertification.
Dave Shepard, vice president of product marketing at Invensys Process Systems, comments: "One thing that differentiates Invensys from other automation vendors is our proven commitment to helping our customers keep their existing systems continuously current over time. This preserves their initial automation investments, while enabling customers to take advantage of current technologies to improve overall asset performance. We believe that this is a much better approach than the periodic 'rip out and replace' approach."
Steve Harris, Triconex product upgrade manager, adds: "Triconex has the world's largest installed base of SIS systems with more than 400 million combined hours of safe and reliable operation. Our customers understand that our well-proven TMR technology helps protect their people and their assets, while avoiding false safety trips and the associated costly process downtime. The new Triconex Advantage Upgrade programme allows our customers to retain the well-proven safety, reliability and availability of their existing Tricon safety integrated systems, while avoiding technological obsolescence."
Protecting intellectual property
Tools embedded within Triconex systems can provide quick and accurate assessments of what is required to upgrade a particular system. Additional embedded functionality is made available to upgrade existing logic application files and supporting databases ensuring that the user's intellectual property is preserved.
For legacy systems utilising MS-DOS based Relay Ladder Logic (RLL) applications, Invensys helps preserve this intellectual property by offering an Automated Logic Translation service as part of the Advantage Upgrade programme. Logic Translation tools, together with Invensys expertise, provide systematic translation of MS-DOS-based RLL to current Windows-based TriStation TS1131 programming software using Function Block Diagrams. By utilising the existing application code and automating the translation process, the inherent risks in manual activities, such as out-of-date design documents, interpretation errors and coding errors, are mitigated. This service provides Triconex end users with the latest Windows-based logic program that is in full compliance with IEC 61131-3.
Invensys Process Systems works closely with customers to develop individual project plans to bring upgraded systems on line smoothly, easily and quickly, ensuring that the process is cost-effective with minimal risks, changes and downtime.
