Figure 1. A modern, bus-based control architecture includes smart instruments networked through both the distributed control system (DCS, gray) and safety instrumented system (SIS, yellow).
|
Figure 1 depicts an example of modern, bus-based, smart instrument, control and safety system architecture. The upper portion shows the microprocessor-based distributed control system (DCS) and safety instrumented system (SIS). The DCS (grey) includes the three groups left and center. The SIS (yellow) is on the right. The lower portion represents the smart instrument network.
The microprocessors in smart instruments monitor a myriad of information about the conditions, status, health and performance of the devices. The control systems, safety systems and asset optimization applications monitor the advanced diagnostic information to initiate appropriate action and notify operators and maintenance staff when a problem is detected.
Asset optimization systems
These systems are layered on top of the smart instruments and manage the configuration, maintenance records, equipment alerts and event history. They often use a Web-based portal to monitor and track performance of instrumentation as well as rotating, fired and electrical equipment. Figure 2 shows a simple example. The diagnostic in this example is “plugged impulse lines detected.”
In the latest systems undergoing beta testing, asset optimization applications connected to computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) automatically schedule work orders, parts and tasks when smart instruments detect a need to repair themselves.
The power of predictive
