Posted to News on 26th May 2008, 14:09
Learn about the latest in Profibus, Profinet and Profisafe
The Profibus & Profinet UK User Conference 2008 will present a comprehensive, multi-stream educational programme that will lead users through Profibus and Profinet from the basic technology through to its use in real-world industrial and process applications. Covering the latest developments in Profibus, Profinet and Profisafe technology for factory and process automation, the aim of the conference is to assist companies making the transition from conventional to fieldbus systems as easy (and jargon-free) as possible.
Three distinct activities within the event offer presentations from industry experts and end users in the main conference, in 15 papers spread over two days, plus an exhibition of relevant equipment from the main suppliers, and a programme of workshops presenting practical demonstrations of Profibus and Profinet equipment, systems and network installation.
Some of the major UK and European experts in both Profibus technology and installations will be presenting papers at the conference. Dr Joerg Freitag, Chairman of Profibus and Profinet International (PI), will review the current use, status and outlook for the different types of network, and cover interfacing to other fieldbus systems, such as IO-Link. Andy Verwer, Principal Lecturer at the Manchester Metropolitan University Department of Engineering & Technology, and also responsible for the Profibus Competence Centre at MMU (which offers an extensive range of Profibus consultancy and training services) will discuss the practical aspects and review the most common errors found over the last five years of site visits to sort out such problems.
User views
Two user presentations include a description of the Profibus DP networks that have been installed in the Cummins diesel engine plant in Darlington, by Cleveland Systems Engineering, and a description from Hydro International of a Profibus system used to provide instrumentation and automation on its hydraulic test facilities. Technical papers on the same day from ABB and Endress + Hauser will discuss the design and planning of a fieldbus system, compared to a conventional 4-20mA/Hart system, followed by a paper from Siemens Milltronics discussing site troubleshooting, and practical experiences on installations.
Water industry UK applications of fieldbus networks will be the main topic for Roger Marlow of ESR technology, and Project Manager for the Water Industry Mechanical and Electrical Specification project (WIMES). The WIMES Electrical Working Group is currently preparing a common Water Industry Specification for the installation of fieldbus networks as part of its revised Low Voltage Installation specification. Drawing on his extensive experience of water industry projects, Mark Cargill of Enpure will discuss the main issues when migrating to or expanding Profibus systems and also examine factors to consider when designing a Profibus network with expansion capabilities from scratch. Other speakers will discuss the safety aspects of Profibus, covering use in hazardous areas, and in machinery safety systems.
The user conference will take place at Stratford on Avon on 24/25 June 2008, and provides an important event to allow discussion and evaluation of the application of all types of fieldbus systems. A useful feature is that questions can be lodged in advance with the speakers, so that the particular topic of interest can be covered during the presentation. If not, there is ample opportunity to challenge the lecturers during the coffee breaks.
For further information, visit www.profi-bus.co.uk.
