Integrated production control system.

Yokogawa has added new functions to the CENTUMTM VP integrated production control system, and will release it as CENTUM VP R6.06 on July 17th. CENTUM VP is the core product in the OpreXTM Control and Safety System family of solutions.

The enhancements include the addition of support for Windows Server 2016, a modification that enables FCS programs to be upgraded with minimal interruption to operations, and the addition of a function to the Automation Design Suite (AD Suite) integrated engineering environment that allows minor modifications to be made to applications software during witness inspections. (This is in addition to the bulk editing function already provided with AD Suite.) This improves engineering efficiency and helps customers improve productivity.

CENTUM VP provides an optimum operation, monitoring, and engineering environment for the entire plant lifecycle, from initial design, engineering, installation of systems and equipment, and startup to full operation, maintenance, renovation, modification, and end of service. Yokogawa has continued to enhance this system to ensure optimal performance. As full backwards compatibility is assured, users always have the option of updating their system to make full use of the latest technologies.

Although FCS software is usually upgraded when plants are periodically shut down for large-scale shutdown maintenance (SDM), some of our customers have indicated that they would like to be able to choose when to perform these upgrades. Therefore, a function has been added that enables these upgrades to be performed while the FCS is operating. The functionality of the AD Suite engineering tool has also been improved. Combined with the control system virtualisation platform that was released last year, this helps to improve system maintenance and reduces the risk of project delays.

Enhancements
1. Updating of software while FCS is operating
Work that would normally have to wait several years until the SDM period can now be done at a time of the customer’s own choosing. This is possible because of modifications to the CENTUM VP software that enable a smoother switchover between the dual-redundant control-side and standby-side CPU modules. This both improves uptime and allows users to freely choose when to install upgrades. In addition, Yokogawa has enhanced its support organisation to ensure that its customers receive all necessary technical support with their system maintenance activities. With this new version of CENTUM VP, downtime is eliminated, productivity is enhanced, and users are able to take advantage of the latest control technologies.

2. Ability to quickly perform minor modifications to applications software
Originally developed by Yokogawa for use with CENTUM VP R6.01, the AD Suite integrated engineering environment greatly improves the efficiency of engineering throughout the plant lifecycle. For this latest version of CENTUM VP, modifications have been made to AD Suite that give users the ability to quickly and easily implement modifications to application control logic and alarm attributes. Such modifications to system software can be immediately executed with the single action of clicking on an icon on the editor screen. This function greatly reduces the amount of time needed to make such modifications, and users are able to choose whether to implement changes singly or in groups.

3. Compatible with the latest server operating system
CENTUM VP R6.06 is compatible with Windows Server 2016, which delivers the latest security functions.

These enhancements will assist in the monitoring and control of plant operations in the following industry sectors: Oil and gas, petrochemicals, chemicals, electric power, pulp and paper, pharmaceuticals, food, iron and steel, water supply and wastewater treatment, non-ferrous metals, metal, cement, etc.

 @YokogawaIA  #PAuto