Asset management software update reduces fieldbus device commissioning time by up to 80%

Emerson Process Management’s AMS Suite: Intelligent Device Manager is now capable of commissioning FOUNDATION™ fieldbus devices faster with the new version 12.5 software. Users can bring devices on-line with the features, options and alerts they select – in a fraction of the time it would normally take. With AMS Suite’s new functionality, Emerson anticipates reduced commissioning time on smart devices by almost 80 per cent compared to existing work practices. In addition to faster start-up, users can now make on-line changes to many devices simultaneously.

Emerson worked with Shell to develop a more efficient configuration solution for Shell’s Prelude floating natural gas (FLNG) production vessel project. With over 5,000 FOUNDATION fieldbus devices at the Prelude site, many with more than 100 configurable parameters, Shell was concerned about the time it would take to complete commissioning tasks. Configuring the devices one at a time is error-prone and laborious – configuring a single device may take up to 60 minutes. Then configuration for each individual device must be verified.

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“We expect to reduce commissioning time and loop testing for FOUNDATION fieldbus devices by 10,000 to 20,000 man-hours for mid-size to large projects with this new functionality,” said Rong Gul, Shell’s corporate subject matter expert on smart instrumentation and instrument asset management.

The AMS Device Manager User Configurations tool enables users to standardise asset configuration and eliminate configuration errors. Users have the option to apply configuration templates to device placeholders or live devices. The devices can be commissioned one-by-one as field engineers are wiring the segments or automatically in groups. Built-in reporting allows users to quickly validate that parameters have been applied correctly.

“By working closely with Shell, we developed this innovative technology that helps reduce the time it takes to accurately configure smart field devices,” said Duncan Schleiss, vice president of business development for Emerson’s Process Systems and Solutions business. “This provides our users with a win in their quest to improve engineering efficiency by simplifying their processes.”