Yokogawa to Release CENTUM VP R6.10

Yokogawa to Release CENTUM VP R6.10 Integrated Production Control System to Enable the Control of Steam Turbine Control for Compressor Drive and the Integrated Control of Multiple Compressor Trains

- Expands the functionality of CCC Inside™ for Yokogawa CENTUM VP -

Yokogawa Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6841) announces that on December 13, it will be releasing CENTUM VP R6.10, a new version of the flagship Yokogawa integrated production control system in the OpreX Control and Safety System lineup that enables the steam turbine control for compressor drive and the integrated control of multiple compressor trains*. With this release, new functionality is enabled for the CCC Inside^TM for Yokogawa CENTUM VP solution that was jointly developed by Compressor Controls LLC (CCC) and Yokogawa. In addition to allowing process control and turbomachinery control to be carried out on the same CENTUM VP system, the scope of control that can be performed with a single system has been extended, allowing the streamlining not only of operations, but also of engineering, procurement, and maintenance.

* Compressor train: multiple compressors and a motor or steam turbine to drive the compressors connected to a shaft.

Development Background

Conventionally, different systems have been used to control processes and the large number of turbomachines found in plants, meaning users had to manage and operate multiple systems. To address this issue, Yokogawa worked with CCC to develop CCC Inside^TM for Yokogawa CENTUM VP. Released in November 2021, this solution enables CENTUM VP to control both processes and turbomachinery.

For the many different steam turbines and compressor trains that are found in plants, customers want to be able to expand the scope of control and streamline operations, engineering, and maintenance by using a single production control system. To enable the steam turbine control for compressor drive and integrated control of compressor trains and expand the scope of control with CCC Inside^TM for Yokogawa CENTUM VP, Yokogawa has developed this latest release of the CENTUM VP system.

Main Features

1. Expanded scope of control with support for steam turbine control for compressor drive
   With this release, it is now possible for CCC control algorithms running on CENTUM VP to control steam turbines for compressor drive. This allows whole compressor system which contains steam turbine control to be monitored and controlled from the same human-machine interface (HMI) used for conventional process control. The ability to use the same hardware to perform these functions simplifies engineering, procurement, and maintenance, reduces the need for spare parts, lowers maintenance costs, and helps to reduce the workload for maintenance planning and implementation.

   
   Image of integrated human-machine interface of CCC Inside^TM for Yokogawa CENTUM VP
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2. Optimization through the integrated control of multiple compressor trains
   
   Yokogawa has enabled the control of multiple compressor trains, of which many can be found in customers' plants, by working with CCC to develop a function block for the integrated control of multiple compressor trains, and has realized overall optimized control through the distribution of the compressor load.

Major Target Markets

Oil and gas, petrochemicals, chemicals, electric power, etc.

Main Uses

Control of steam turbine control for compressor drive and the integrated control of multiple compressor trains

About CCC Inside^TM

CCC Inside^TM was developed to deploy CCC control algorithms and expertise into DCS platforms. The control algorithms are based on the same code structure of CCC Pro Built^TM platforms, maintaining consistency and reliability. CCC Inside is delivered with native human machine interfaces for the DCS operator station and direct integration with the alarm system. CCC Engineering Utilities further facilitate configuration and tuning, with high-resolution recording capabilities. CCC Inside is engineered and commissioned by CCC global project and field service teams.

About the CENTUM series

Yokogawa released its CENTUM distributed control system (DCS) in 1975, a world first. CENTUM VP is the ninth generation in the CENTUM series. Known for their rugged performance, CENTUM systems set high standards for engineering and technology excellence while ensuring backwards compatibility with previous system versions and support of the latest technology applications. Knowledge-driven engineering lies at the heart of CENTUM, a Yokogawa flagship product that has been proudly serving the process industry over the past 40+ years.

About OpreX

OpreX is the comprehensive brand for Yokogawa's industrial automation (IA) and control business. The OpreX name stands for excellence in the technologies and solutions that Yokogawa cultivates through the co-creation of value with its customers, and encompasses the entire range of Yokogawa's IA products, services, and solutions. This brand comprises the following five categories: OpreX Transformation, OpreX Control, OpreX Measurement, OpreX Execution, and OpreX Lifecycle. One of the product groups that make up the OpreX Control category is the OpreX Control and Safety System family, which includes the CENTUM VP DCS. With its various OpreX Control solutions, Yokogawa is able to quickly effect changes for its customers that lead to a transformation in such areas as management and operations, and provides highly reliable control technology that ensures high efficiency, high quality, and safe and stable plant operations.

With the OpreX brand, Yokogawa will deliver integrated solutions that address specific needs and support its customers in their efforts to transform and grow their businesses.

About Yokogawa

Yokogawa provides advanced solutions in the areas of measurement, control, and information to customers across a broad range of industries, including energy, chemicals, materials, pharmaceuticals, and food. Yokogawa addresses customer issues regarding the optimization of production, assets, and the supply chain with the effective application of digital technologies, enabling the transition to autonomous operations.

Founded in Tokyo in 1915, Yokogawa continues to work toward a sustainable society through its 17,000+ employees in a global network of 122 companies spanning 61 countries.

For more information, visit www.yokogawa.com 

(Courtesy of Yokogawa)

Yokogawa Adds ZR802S Explosion-proof Converter to OpreX Analyzers Lineup

 – Features sensor self-assessment and data logging functions that significantly reduce operating costs –

Yokogawa Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6841) announces that it has developed the ZR802S explosion-proof converter and will be releasing it for sale as part of its OpreX Analyzers lineup in all markets on December 12. The ZR802S converter supports the IECEx, FM, ATEX, CSA, China Ex, Korea Ex, India Ex, and Taiwan Ex explosion-proof standards. It is intended for use with the ZR22S explosion-proof zirconia oxygen detector, an existing Yokogawa product with a highly durable zirconia sensor that is highly dust resistant and easy to install and replace. Together, the ZR802S converter and the ZR22S detector comprise a complete oxygen analyzer system.

The new ZR802S converter and the ZR22S detector (foreground)
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Development Background

Plant operators need to increase operational efficiency by improving uptime and introducing labor-saving measures, and thus are looking to decrease the likelihood of instrument failures that can lead to plant stoppages or a deterioration in product quality, and to eliminate the need to perform on-site inspections of instruments.

As such, Yokogawa has sought with its zirconia oxygen concentration analyzers to introduce remote monitoring and other capabilities that reduce the time and effort required for maintenance operations and increase uptime. The ZR802S converter features a self-assessment function that provides early detection of deterioration in a zirconia oxygen detector, a data logging function that records essential maintenance information, and support for a number of key communication protocols. It is expected that these innovations will help to significantly reduce OPEX.

Features

1. Automatic transmission of sensor resistance value at regular intervals, enabling replacement timing to be determined without on-site inspection
   Up to now, assessment of sensor deterioration by checking the sensor resistance value has normally been carried out whenever maintenance personnel went on site to perform calibration. As this work is usually performed on a scheduled basis at intervals of a month or more, it has not always been possible to spot problems in time, leading to sudden sensor breakdowns and decreased uptime. With its self-assessment function, the ZR802S converter is able to regularly measure the resistance value of the sensor in the ZR22S detector and send this data over a wired connection to the plant’s control system. Once an operator receives notification of a higher resistance value, which is an indication of deterioration in the sensor, maintenance personnel can take immediate action to correct the problem and prevent an instrument failure, thereby sustaining plant uptime.
    
2. Data logging function that helps to reduce maintenance time and downtime in the event of a fault
   The ZR802S converter can log up to 40 days of measurements, alarm on/off history, and sensor resistance trend graphs, among other data. As well as being able to directly display logs on the LCD screen, it is also possible to export the data using an SD card. In the event of a fault, it can determine whether it is due to the analyzer system or the distributed control system (DCS) by looking into differences with the data from the host device. This helps reduce maintenance time and the downtime required to find a solution.
    
3. Industry-first communication protocol support, meeting a range of needs and enabling cloud-based management
   The ZR802S converter is the only product in the zirconia oxygen analyzer market that supports all three of the following communication protocols: HART7 for analog output, and Modbus TCP and Modbus RTU for digital communications. It also complies with the NAMUR NE43 guideline for the issuance of signals to indicate a sensor fault and the NAMUR NE107 guideline for on-site instrument self-assessment functions. Using the ZR802S converter’s communication functions, cloud-based management is also possible, and this not only increases convenience in terms of data analysis and other such activities, it also enables operation with the minimum number of staff, making it suitable for a range of uses by customers in a variety of industries.
    
4. Support for multiple languages and provision of operational support
   In addition to Japanese and English, the device LCD can also be set to display information in French, German, Chinese, and Portuguese. Russian will be added in the near future. Furthermore, information on what steps should be taken in response to specific alarms can now be displayed on the LCD screen, enabling even less knowledgeable and experienced personnel to perform necessary maintenance.

Major Target Markets

Oil refining, petrochemicals, chemicals, electric power, steel

Uses

• Combustion management for heating furnaces and decomposition furnaces in the fields of oil refining, petrochemicals, and chemicals
• Combustion management for various types of furnaces, such as those used in steel production and waste incineration
• Combustion control for boilers at power plants

About OpreX

OpreX is a comprehensive brand in the control business. It represents the excellence of the technology and solutions that Yokogawa has cultivated through value co-creation with our customers, and encompasses all of Yokogawa's control-related products, services, and solutions. OpreX is composed of five categories of OpreX Transformation, OpreX Control, OpreX Measurement, OpreX Execution, and OpreX Lifecycle. The ZR802G converter belongs to the OpreX Analyzers family - one of the OpreX Measurement suite of products and solutions. OpreX Measurement refers to on-site devices and systems that enable high-precision measurements, data collection, and analysis.

Under this brand, Yokogawa provides its customers with integrated solutions that help them bring about reforms and accomplish growth by addressing specific business challenges.

About Yokogawa

Yokogawa provides advanced solutions in the areas of measurement, control, and information to customers across a broad range of industries, including energy, chemicals, materials, pharmaceuticals, and food. Yokogawa addresses customer issues regarding the optimization of production, assets, and the supply chain with the effective application of digital technologies, enabling the transition to autonomous operations. Founded in Tokyo in 1915, Yokogawa continues to work toward a sustainable society through its 17,000+ employees in a global network of 122 companies spanning 61 countries.

For more information, visit www.yokogawa.com 

(Courtesy of Yokogawa)

Redefining data center service with technology

 

Technological advancements in the field of service can play a crucial role in upholding uptime and reliability in data centers.

It is undeniable how digitalization has transformed and reshaped people’s way of life. It has introduced alternative means for communication and collaboration, increased transparency and insight on operational procedures and processes, and facilitated agility and productivity across various industries.

This important transformation, however, has placed an increased demand on uptime and efficiency for data centers, which serves as one of the primary drivers in an encompassing shift towards the use of digital technologies. The cost of outages in data centers has increased exponentially, a clear indication of how reliant individuals and industries have become on digital platforms and services.

With both revenue and reputation on the line, how can data centers ensure that uptimes remain up and outages stay out? The answer lies in preventive maintenance.

Why regular data center service is a must

Just like how car owners need to have their vehicle regularly tuned-up to make sure they run smoothly, data center operators must also conduct regular monitoring of their facilities, particularly mission-critical equipment, to guarantee the reliable provision of data services. The basic rule of thumb is that the more intensive the operations, the more regular service activities are needed to avoid unplanned outages.

More than just a tick on the to do list, preventive maintenance decreases the possibility of critical errors from occurring, especially in an environment as complex as a data center. More importantly, it safeguards the health and efficiency of mission-critical equipment that keeps data centers up and running. Suffice to say, the cost of regular service activities is far more reasonable compared to the financial and reputational expense of having to go offline due to system or equipment malfunction.

In addition, by keeping a close eye on system and equipment health, regular service procedures also uphold the health and safety of data center employees by preventing the occurrence of electrical hazards such as electrical explosions. A study from the Workplace Safety Awareness Council estimates the cost of an electrical accident to be at a minimum of $750,000 on top of litigation fees and medical costs for affected workers.

A technological approach to service

Thankfully, technology has paved the way for basic service tasks to be done safely, collaboratively, and more efficiently.

First, ABB offers a diverse portfolio of intelligent solutions that provide real-time insights that can help data center managers monitor equipment health and performance. This deep component-level visibility not only allows operators to optimize their processes to realize more efficient operations, but also encourages a more proactive maintenance strategy that can save time and resources.

For instance, ABB Ability Energy and Asset Manager  allows data center operators to have full remote visibility of asset and electrical-system behavior. Through this intuitive dashboard, data center managers can swiftly identify inefficiencies that can lead to excessive energy use and optimize equipment performance to ensure reliability and product quality. Aside from cutting back on energy usage and corresponding costs, the ABB Ability Energy and Asset Manager can also yield savings on unplanned labor, maintenance, and operational expenses.

To support the implementation of preventive maintenance measures and maximize data center productivity, especially in settings as intricate as data centers, ABB offers two innovative digital applications – Collaborative Operations for electrical systems (CLOSER) and Remote Assistance for electrical systems (RAISE) – to easily get support when needed and make troubleshooting much easier.

With their augmented reality visualization capacity, CLOSER and RAISE simplify maintenance, reduce downtime, and increase equipment effectiveness by improving the quality of repairs and speed of resolution.

CLOSER provides first-level support for ABB electrification solutions and products by offering detailed troubleshooting guides that can help data center workers in addressing basic component or equipment issues. CLOSER is accessible 24/7 to provide in-depth guidance through the different steps of key troubleshooting procedures.

If further assistance is needed, RAISE provides the next level of support by having an ABB service professional facilitating remotely guided repairs. RAISE reduces time to repair and maintain electrical equipment by allowing ABB experts to use augmented reality to remotely guide field operators on their Android or iOS smartphone, tablet, or via smart glasses and other supported wearables. This speed of resolution is vital in minimizing potentially highly disruptive and costly downtime. With time being of the essence in data centers, every second saved can make a big difference in productivity, profitability, and even sustainability, due to the reduced need for travel to and from the facility.

The beauty of RAISE is how it also helps data centers meet their sustainability targets through significant reduction in their carbon footprint. Using RAISE will save approximately 332 tons of carbon emissions per year by reducing up to a third of customer site visits by ABB field service engineers.

Now more than ever, data centers must take steps to operate efficiently, safely, and sustainably, as they play an important role in the global digital transformation. While this continues to be a challenge, making the shift from calendar-based to condition-based monitoring can be the first step towards realizing data center reliability. ABB’s digital portfolio, together with CLOSER and RAISE, can be your ideal partner in making this important step.

(Courtesy of ABB)