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Recent Trends Shape Future of Distributed Control Systems
The network infrastructure of the DCS and the network architecture for plant information are becoming increasingly intertwined. That means DCS systems are being affected by server virtualization, smartphone and tablet mobile interfaces, and other general IT trends.
Several trends have already impacted the distributed control systems (DCS) market and are likely to continue to do so over the next few years. These include both product- and technology-related trends and general industry trends.
The DCS input/output (I/O) subsystem is responsible for inputting hundreds or often thousands of different process measurements and other inputs into the system, and outputting control signals to a large number of valves, actuators, motors and other plant final control elements. I/O represents one of the most significant parts of the DCS, and traditionally, a significant cost element. However, DCS suppliers are working to reduce both the cost and the complexity of their I/O by incorporating more intelligence and programmability into the devices...
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GE Software Powers IIT Wind Energy Research
Goal of project is to illustrate how advanced and automated predictive diagnostics can improve the availability, reliability and cost performance of wind power generation.
In a study that will directly contribute to future product and service designs, GE is working with the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) to investigate ways to improve wind farm productivity and efficiency. The project is part of a larger Department of Energy (DOE) investment of $9 million to an IIT-led consortium to enhance the leadership role of the U.S. in testing and producing the most advanced and efficient wind turbines in the world...
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Operators Involvement in Alarm Management
Members of the Automation World LinkedIn group weigh in with their thoughts on the involvement, or lack thereof, of process operators in the alarm management process.
One of the more interesting discoveries to come out of the Automation World alarm management research was to learn how few operators are involved in the process of identifying and specifying alarms and alarm management practices. Considering that operators are on the frontlines of alarms, one would think they would play a big role in the process...
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Natural Gas Production: Enabling In-the-Field Meter Data
Dart Oil and Gas needed to make production data from its methane wells available to engineers in the field. Using OPC techology, they switched from a centralized system using DDE to a modern HIM/SCADA system that allowed Web-enable smartphone access.
The problem for Dart Oil and Gas was that production data from its methane gas wells was not available to engineers in the field. Switching from a centralized system using OPC technology and DDE to a modern HIM/SCADA system turned iPhones into HMIs, enabling mobile, real-time, in-the-field meter data...
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