CONTROL OF LOW POWER WIRELESS NETWORKS FOR POWER CONSERVATION

A wireless mesh network routes messages between a host computer and a plurality of field devices. The mesh network is synchronized to a global regular active schedule that defines active periods when messages can be transmitted or received by nodes of the network, and inactive periods when messages cannot be transmitted or received. Based upon messages to be sent by the host computer to selected field devices, the network is controlled to selectively maintain active those nodes required to route messages to the selected field devices. Those required nodes are maintained in an active state as long as communication with the selected field devices continues, while other nodes are allowed to return to a low power inactive state. When communication between the host computer and the selected field devices is no longer required, the entire network is allowed to enter the low power inactive state.

IMPROVED DETECTION AND LOCATION OF WIRELESS FIELD DEVICES

A method (60) of evaluating a potential location (30) to add a wireless field device (32) to an existing network of a plurality of existing field devices (10) is provided. The method (60) includes placing (62) a handheld field maintenance tool (52) in the potential location (30) and causing the handheld field maintenance tool (52) to identify wireless field devices (10) within communicative range of the potential location (30). Information related to wireless communication at a potential location (30) is viewed. Methods (70, 250) are also provided for identifying a selected field device in a process installation using a handheld field maintenance tool (52).

Intrinsically-safe handheld field maintenance tool with image and/or sound capture

An intrinsically-safe handheld field maintenance tool includes a process communication module configured communicatively couple to a field device. A camera is configured to obtain at least one image relative to the field device. A controller is coupled to the process communication module and operably coupled to the camera. The controller is configured to store the at least one image relative to the field device. The handheld field maintenance tool may also include or employ an audio input device to capture audio files.

Methods and apparatus to generate schedules to execute functions in a process control system

An example apparatus includes a first interface configured to identify a first function associated with a process control routine. The example apparatus also includes a sub-schedule generator configured to generate a first sub-schedule associated with a first time period. The first sub-schedule indicates a first execution time at which the first function is to be executed. The example apparatus also includes a schedule generator configured to form a schedule associated with a second time period based on two instances of the first sub-schedule. The schedule indicates the first execution time and a second execution time at which the first function is to be executed.

System for visualizing design and organization of wireless mesh networks in physical space

A visualization tool for displays devices included within a self-organizing mesh network with respect to the physical space occupied by the network. The visualization tool receives an image representing the physical space occupied by the wireless mesh network, scale information defining the scale of the received image, and location information defining the location of each device within the physical space occupied by the network. Based on these inputs, the visualization tool displays the layout of the wireless mesh network with respect to the physical space occupied by the wireless mesh network.

Vorrichtung für die Stapelverarbeitung bei der Ereignisentwicklungsverarbeitung und Betrachtung

Ereignisgeschichtsaufzeichnungssystem (200) für die Stapelverarbeitung, mit einem Anwenderschnittstellensystem; einem Entwicklungs-Ausführungselement (history executive element) (202), welches Prozessereignisinformationen (101) von einer oder mehreren Eingangsquellen, welche die physikalischen Elemente eines Prozesses betreiben, wobei die Prozessereignisinformationen (101) die spezifische Aktivität der physikalischen Elemente in einer bestimmten Zeitspanne anzeigen, und Stapelprozedur-Ereignisinformationen (214), die Stapelereignisinformationen einschließen, empfängt, wobei die Stapelereignisinformationen Informationen über eine oder mehrere Stapelprozeduren, Einheit-Prozeduren, Operationen oder Phasen einschließen, und welches Beziehungen unter Abschnitten der Prozessereignisinformationen (101) und Stapelprozedur-Ereignisinformationen (214), die auf generierten Ereignisnachrichten basieren, automatisch ableitet, um bestimmte Prozessereignisinformationen einer bestimmter oder mehreren bestimmten ...

Drahtlose Kommunikation von Verfahrensmessungen

Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Simulation einer Echtzeit-Prozeßsteuerung

Integration von Grafikdisplayelementen, Prozeßmodulen und Steuermodulen in Prozeßanlagen

Prozesssteuersystemelement zur Nutzung in einer Prozeßanlage, die eine Anwenderschnittstelle und eine oder mehrere Prozeßsteuereinheiten hat, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Prozeßsteuersystemelement folgendes aufweist: ein Steuermodul, das ausgebildet ist, um auf der einen oder den mehreren Prozeßsteuereinheiten ausgeführt zu werden, um Prozeßsteueraktivitäten innerhalb der Prozeßanlage zu implementieren; ein Grafikdisplaymodul, das ausgebildet ist, um eine grafische Darstellung von mindestens einem Bereich der Prozeßanlage auf der Anwenderschnittstelle zu erzeugen; und ein Prozeßsimulationsmodul, das ausgebildet ist, um die Operation von einer oder mehreren physischen Einrichtungen innerhalb der Prozeßanlage zu simulieren, die von dem Steuermodul gesteuert und in der dem Grafikdisplaymodul zugehörigen grafischen Darstellung dargestellt sind, wobei das Prozeßsimulationsmodul mit dem Steuermodul kommunikativ verbunden ist, um Daten zwischen dem Prozeßsimulationsmodul und dem Steuermodul ...

Zugeordnete graphische Anzeigen in einer Prozessumgebung

VERBESSERTER FELDBUSGERÄTEALARM IN EINEM PROZESSSTEUERUNGSSYSTEM

Methods and apparatus to improve process quality in a process control system

Improved kalman filters in process control systems

Generating checklists in a process control environment

Methods and apparatus to display process data

Method for initiating or resuming a mobile control session in a process plant

Accessing and updating a configuration database from distributed physical locations within a process control system

Accessing and updating a configuration database from distributed physical locatons within a process control system

Version control for objections in a process plant control configuration

Method and apparatus for providing automatic software updates

Function-based process control verification and security in a process control system

Integrated configuration in a process plant having a process control system and a safety system

Updating and utilizing dynamic process simulation in an operating process environment

Dynamic modifier function blocks for use in a process control system

Graphic element with multiple visualizations in a process environment

Two-mode foundation fieldbus device configurator

Constraint and limit feasibility handling in a process control system optimizer

Non-periodic Control Communications in Wireless and Other Process Control Systems

Efficient design and configuration of elements in a process control system

Improved method and apparatus for eliminating aliasing

One button security lockdown of a process control network

Apparatus and methods to communicatively couple field devices to controllers in a process control system

Systems and methods to monitor operating processes

FDT FOR EDDL-BASED FIELD DEVICES

A Field Device Tool (FDT)-based application (200) is provided. The FDT-based application (200) includes at least one communication Device Type Manager (communication DTM) (208) and a router Device Type Manager (DTM) (204). The communication DTM corresponds with a type of communication protocol that an at least one plant asset (201) follows. The communication DTM (208) is configured to provide an interface for communication between the FDT-based application (200) and the communication protocol that the plant asset (201) follows. The router DTM (220) is coupleable to an asset optimization device manager (212) that includes electronic device description language (EDDL), the router DTM (220) is configured to transfer data from the asset optimization device manager (212) to the at least one communication DTM (208) for communication with the plant asset (201).

CONTROL SYSTEM WITH PREDICTIVE FIELD DEVICE RESPONSE TIME OVER A WIRELESS NETWORK

A host computer communicates with field devices by sending control messages and receiving response messages over a wireless network. When the host computer sends a control message to the wireless network, the host computer is provided with a predictive response time within which the field device receiving the message will respond. The wireless network cycles between a sleep state and an active state based upon a wireless network power cycle. The predicted response time is based upon the current state of the wireless network, the power cycle, and the time required for the field device to turn on, take an action (such as measuring a parameter), and generating a response message.

Method and apparatus for managing a work flow in a process plant

An automated method for managing a work flow in a process plant includes determining the steps of performing a work item and generating associated displays for an operator or other personnel to perform the steps of the work item. A work item is created specifying a task to be performed in the process plant and determining from the specified task a set of procedures for execution of the work item. For each procedure, an associated display is generated and the associated displays are displayed on a mobile user interface device sequentially in an order in which the set of procedures are to be performed.

Coordination of field device operations with overrides and bypasses within a process control and safety system

A process control or safety instrumented system uses function block logic to coordinate the logic within the process control or safety instrumented system with operational states of field devices, even when these operational states are initiated externally to the process control or safety system. Logic within input or voter function blocks associated with field devices may monitor and determine when the associated field devices are being put into testing or calibration modes and may automatically initiate appropriate bypass or override functionality in response to such detected field device configuration states. Likewise, the function block logic may automatically remove the bypass or override functionality when the field devices are placed back into their normal operational configuration states. This automatic initiation of bypasses and overrides helps to prevent a safety system within a process plant from initiating a shut-down procedure as a result of a device test initiated manually ...

Process control system using standard protocol control-of standard devices and non-standard devices

A process controller implements and executes a standard set of function blocks or control functions defined by a standard protocol so that standard-type control is achieved with respect to non-standard-type devices. The process controller enables standard devices to implement the standard set of function blocks and control functions. The process controller implements an overall strategy as if all connected devices are standard devices by usage of a Fieldbus function block as a fundamental building block for control structures. These function blocks are defined to create control structures for all types of devices.

Systems and apparatus for distribution of batch and continuous process control data to remote devices

A method of providing batch process data from a process control system of a process plant to a remote computing device includes receiving a request to create a list of batch data to be provided to the remote computing device, presenting a selection interface to facilitate selection of batch data to be provided, and receiving, via the selection interface, a selection of a batch executive from which to provide the batch process data. The method also includes receiving, via the selection interface, one or more filter criteria, applying the filter criteria to data available from the batch executive to determine a set of data to be included on the list of batch data to be provided to the remote computing device, and transmitting to a mobile server an indication of the set of data associated with the list of batch data to be provided to the mobile device.

MEHRBEREICHS-FUZZY-LOGIK REGELUNGSSYSTEM MIT HILFSVARIABLEN

SYSTEM ZUR ERZEUGUNG VON UNIFORMEN STEUERUNGSMODELLEN UND VERFAHREN ZUR PROZESSSTEUERUNGSPROGRAMMIERUNG

BEZUGSMARKIERUNGTECHNIK ZUR SCHÄTZUNG UND BENUTZUNG VON ABBAU-NIVEAUX IN EINER PROZESSANLAGE

System und Verfahren zum Aufrechterhalten eines gemeinsamen Zeittaktes und einem Netzwerksegment

Verfahren zur Zeitsynchronisation von Feldgeräten in einem Netzwerk eines verteilten Steuerungssystems, wobei das Verfahren umfasst: periodisches Übertragen einer Zeitvorgabeinformation von einer Hauptuhr an die Feldgeräte über das Netzwerk des verteilten Steuerungssystems; und Einstellen einer Ausgabetaktsignalfrequenz und eines Zeitstempels von jedem Feldgerät als eine Funktion der periodisch übertragenen Zeitvorgabeinformation und eines Ausgabetaktsignals das lokal an jedem Feldgerät angebracht ist.

Vielzwecksteuerung und Verfahren zur Konfiguration für ein Prozesssteuerungssystem

Steuerung zum Steuern einer Vielzahl von Einrichtungen innerhalb eines Prozesses, wobei die Steuerung Folgendes aufweist: einen Prozessor (12), der zu einer Programmierung derart ausgebildet ist, eine oder mehrere Programmierungsroutinen auszuführen; einen Speicher (14), welcher an den Prozessor (12) gekoppelt und dazu ausgebildet ist, die eine oder mehrere Programmierungsroutinen zu speichern, die auf dem Prozessor (12) ausgeführt werden müssen; eine Vielzahl von Feldeinrichtungs-Eingabe/Ausgabeports (22), die kommunikativ mit dem Prozessor (12) verbunden sind; und einen Konfigurations-Kommunikationsport (16), welcher mit dem Prozessor (12) und dem Speicher (14) verbunden ist; einen zweiten Kommunikationsport (18, 20), welcher dazu ausgebildet ist, intermittierend mit einer Benutzerschnittstelle (64) verbunden zu sein, um es der Benutzerschnittstelle (48) zu ermöglichen, innerhalb des Speichers oder des Prozessors gespeicherte Informationen zu sichten, wobei der zweite Kommunikationsport ...

Prozesssteuersystem und Verfahren zum Kontrollieren eines Prozesses

Prozesssteuersystem, das enthält: ein computerlesbares Medium (20); einen Prozessor (18), der in Kommunikation mit dem computerlesbaren Medium (20) steht; eine erste Datenbank (100), die erste Daten speichert, die eine erste Konfiguration des Prozesses mit einer Vielzahl von Prozesselementen (40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 51, 52, 55) darstellen, wobei jedes Prozesselement (40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 51, 52, 55) eine entsprechende erste Elementkonfiguration hat; eine zweite Datenbank (102), die zweite Daten speichert, die eine zweite Konfiguration des Prozesses mit der Vielzahl von Prozesselementen (40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 51, 52, 55) darstellen, wobei jedes Prozesselement (40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 51, 52, 55) eine entsprechende zweite Elementkonfiguration hat; eine Konfigurationsroutine (96), die in dem computerlesbaren Medium (20) gespeichert ist und so konfiguriert ist, dass sie von dem Prozessor (18) ausführbar ist, um eine Modifikation von mindestens einer der Vielzahl von ersten...

Eigensicheres Feldgerätwartungswerkzeug

Dynamisch wiederverwendbare Klassen

Techniken zur flexiblen Konfiguration einer in Betrieb befindlichen Prozessanlage oder eines Prozesssteuerungssystems ermöglichen die selektive Weitergabe einer Änderung an einem übergeordneten Objekt an untergeordnete Objekte, die von dem übergeordneten Objekt abgeleitet sind, sodass eine erste Untergruppe untergeordneter Objekte und ihre jeweiligen Instantiierungen mit der Änderung aktualisiert werden, während eine zweite Untergruppe und ihre jeweiligen Instantiierungen unverändert bleiben. Das übergeordnete Objekt kann ein Klassen- oder Instanzprozessobjekt entsprechend einer Prozessentität sein und die erste und/oder die zweite Untergruppe untergeordneter Objekte kann ausgewählt werden. In einigen Fällen kann die Änderung eine weitergegebene Änderung von einem untergeordneten Objekt, welches von der ersten oder der zweiten Untergruppe untergeordneter Objekte ausgeschlossen ist, an das übergeordnete Objekt sein. In einigen Fällen kann die Änderung zuerst zu einem von dem übergeordneten ...

System for configuring graphic display elements and process modules in process plants

Scripted graphics in a process environment

Apparatus and method to communicatively couple field devices to controllers in a process control system

Methods and apparatus to execute an auxiliary recipe and a batch recipe associated with a process control system

Robust adaptive model predictive controller with tuning to compensate for model mismatch

Apparatus and methods to communicatively couple field devices to controllers in a process control system

Wireless architecture utilizing GEO-referencing

Inferential process modeling,quality prediction and fault detection using multi-stage data segregation

Dynamic user interface for configuring and managing a process control system

Methods and apparatus to access process data storage on a server

Enhanced tool for managing a process control network

A terminal wire block and an array of terminal wire blocks

Methods and apparatus to provide layered security for interface access control

Methods and apparatus to access process data stored on a server

Transparent support of remote I/O in a process control system

Two-mode foundation fieldbus device configurator

Use of remote soft phases in a process control system

A Process Control System with a Process Flow Tracking System

Simulation system for multi-node process control systems

Self-diagnostic process control loop for a process plant

METHOD FOR SUPPLYING FIELDBUS COMMUNICATION AND POWER FROM A HANDHELD MAINTENANCE TOOL IN A HAZARDOUS AREA USING A SINGLE LEAD SET

Methods and apparatus to upgrade and provide control redundancy in process plants

Dynamic user interface for configuring and managing a process control system

Managing big data in process control systems

Self-diagnostic process control loop for a process plant

A method of diagnosing an adaptive process control loop includes measuring process control loop signal data, generating a plurality of process control loop parameters from the process loop signal data and evaluating a condition of the adaptive process control loop from one or more of the plurality of process control loop parameters. The process control loop data is generated as a result of a normal operation of one or more process control devices within the adaptive process control loop when the adaptive process control loop is connected on-line within a process control environment. A self-diagnostic process control loop includes a diagnostic tool adapted to receive a diagnostic index pertaining to a process control loop parameter for a plurality of components of the process control loop and for the complete process control loop. Each diagnostic index is generated from signal data by a corresponding index computation tool. The diagnostic tool is further adapted to evaluate a condition of ...

State based adaptive feedback feedforward PID controller

A state based adaptive feedback/feedforward PID controller includes a model set component, communicatively coupled to a process input, having a state variable defining a number of process regions, and a number of models grouped into the process regions. Each of the grouped models includes a plurality of parameters having a value selected from a set of predetermined initial values assigned to the respective parameter. The adaptive controller further includes an error generator communicatively coupled to the model set component and a process output. The error generator configured to generate a model error signal representative of the difference between a model output signal and a process output signal. The error generator, communicatively coupled to a model evaluation component, is configured to compute a model squared error corresponding to a model and correlating the model squared error to parameter values represented in the model. The adaptive controller further includes a parameter interpolator ...

Methods and apparatus to collect process control data

Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to collect process control data are disclosed. An example method to collect process control data includes registering an electronic device description describing a parameter to be measured and a measurement sampling rate, measuring the parameter based on the measurement sampling rate, storing data representative of the measured parameter in a data structure, and transferring data in the data structure to a first process control device via a process control network in response to at least one of a request for the data, a condition associated with the data, or an event associated with the data.

Methods and apparatus for importing device data into a database system used in a process plant

A system and a methodology creates a mapping of a set of import parameters specifying a device in a first set of import data to a set of output parameters specifying the device in a first database. Such a mapping includes receiving the set of import parameters from an import file containing the first set of import data in a plurality of import records, each import record containing a plurality of import values, each import value corresponding to an import parameter from the set of import parameters; receiving the set of output parameters from the first database; and creating the mapping of the set of import parameters to the set of output parameters. The system and methodology described in here allows users to import data about various types of devices into a device database on a systematic and efficient method. Such a system and methodology also allows a user to maintain a complete database including all devices used within a process plant.

Management of event order of occurrence on a network

Devices in a process control system communicate by data messages over a communication medium segment. Each device includes a communication controller that maintains an order of occurrence of events received from and transmitted to a communication medium. The communication controller includes an order of occurrence identification (OOO_ID) counter and an event queue memory. The event queue memory sequentially stores an event type identifier for each event that is processed by the communication controller. The OOO_ID counter provides an OOO_ID to associate with each event type identifier.

Updating and utilizing dynamic process simulation in an operating process environment

A simulation system that includes interconnected simulation blocks which use process models to perform simulation activities for a process plant is integrated into a process control environment for the process plant in a manner that makes the simulation system easy to use and easily updated for on-line process simulation. The disclosed simulation system enables future predicted values as well as the current predicted values of process parameters produced by the simulation system to be made available for performance evaluation as well as to guide plant operations. Additionally, the simulation system is connected to the operating process plant to receive various on-line process plant measurements, and uses these measurements to automatically update the process models used in the simulation system, to thereby keep the simulation system coordinated with the actual operating conditions of the process plant.

Distributed industrial performance monitoring and analytics platform

A system for monitoring and analyzing data in a distributed process control system is provided. The system includes a user interface having a set of user controls for selecting and configuring data blocks to create a data diagram representing a data model. The data blocks are associated with data operations, such as data analytics functions, and may be configured by the user for particular instances of general blocks. The data blocks are interconnected by wires conveying outputs or inputs of the blocks, which may also connect data sources to the data blocks. The data sources may include on-line data (i.e., data streams) or off-line data (i.e., stored data) from the process control system. Additional user controls may be used to evaluate the data diagram or convert the data diagram from an off-line to an on-line version.

Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to test batch configurations

Example methods, apparatus and articles to test batch configurations are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes identifying, using a processor, an execution path through a batch configuration of a process control system, generating a test plan for the execution path, stimulating the process control system to execute the test plan, and recording a result of the test plan.

Stiftbaugruppen zum mechanischen Verstiften von Steckmodulfassungen

Stiftbaugruppe (100), aufweisend:einen Stift (105) einen Stift (105) mit einem Schaft (305), einem ersten radialen Vorsprung (150), der sich von dem Schaft (305) aus erstreckt, und einer ringförmigen Führungsfläche (315, 350) auf dem Schaft (305); undeinen Stiftfuß (110) mit einer Vielzahl von Fingern (205), die eine Vielzahl von radialen Schlitzen (145, 915) definieren, und einer Öffnung (210), um mindestens einen Abschnitt (540) des Schafts (305) aufzunehmen,wobei mindestens einer der Finger (205) dazu gedacht ist, mit der ringförmigen Führungsfläche (315) in Eingriff zu kommen oder auf der ringförmigen Führungsfläche (350) aufzuliegen, um den Stift (105) in einer ersten Längsposition zu halten, wobei es dem Stift (105) möglich ist, sich in eine Einstellposition zu drehen, undwobei der erste radiale Vorsprung (150) dazu gedacht ist, in einer zweiten Längsposition des Stiftes (105) in einen der Schlitze (145, 915) einzugreifen, um den Stift (105) drehmäßig in einer Einstellposition zu ...

SCHNITTSTELLENSTEUERUNGEN FÜR EIN FELDGERÄTE-MANAGEMENTSYSTEM

SCHNITTSTELLENSTEUERUNGEN FÜR EIN FELDGERÄTE-MANAGEMENTSYSTEM

Continuously scheduled model parameter based adaptive controller

Systems and methods to monitor an asset in an operating process unit

Context sensitive mobile control in a process plant

Methods and apparatus to communicatively couple on/off valves to controllers in a process control system

Streaming data for analytics in process control systems

Security event detection through virtual machine introspection

Methods and apparatus to configure a process system using an electronic description language script

Predicted fault analysis

Location dependent control access in a process control system

Big data in process control systems

Interconnected zones within a process control system

Transactional data communications for process control systems

Control loop auto-tuner with nonlinear tuning rules estimators

Measuring fluid volumes in a container using pressure

Method and apparatus for intelligent control and monitoring in a process control system

Streaming data for analytics in process control systems

Determining tuning parameters for a process controller from a robustness map

Topology analysis tool for use in analyzing a process control network design

STATISTICAL PROCESSING METHODS USED IN ABNORMAL SITUATION DETECTION

Detection of one or more abnormal situations is performed using various statistical measures, such as a mean, a median, a standard deviation, etc. of one or more process parameters or variable measurements made by statistical process monitoring blocks within a plant. This detection is enhanced in various cases by using specialized data filters and data processing techniques, which are designed to be computationally simple and therefore are able to be applied to data collected at a high sampling rate in a field device having limited processing power. The enhanced data or measurements may be used to provided better or more accurate statistical measures of the data, may be used to trim the data to remove outliers from this data, may be used to fit this data to non-linear functions, or may be use to quickly detect the occurrence of various abnormal situations within specific plant equipment, such as distillation columns and fluid catalytic crackers. 1. A method of fitting a sine wave to data collected within a process plant , comprising:determining a first set of parameters of the sine wave based on one or more statistical measures of the process parameter determined from the data collected within the process plant;storing a variable transformation of a mathematical expression of the sine wave that produces a linear expression having a second set of sine wave parameters associated therewith;using the variable transformation to produce a set of transformed data points from the data collected within the process plant;performing a linear regression to fit the transformed data points to the linear expression; anddetermining the second set of sine wave parameters based on the linear regression.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first set of parameters of the sine wave includes an offset and a gain.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein determining the first set of parameters of the sine wave includes determining the offset as a mean value of the data collected within the ...

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR BATCH PROCESSING AND EXECUTION IN A PROCESS SYSTEM

A system and method for implementing a control process within a process control system and resolving inconsistencies during execution of the control process includes loading the logical structure of the control process, loading a plurality of instantiation objects or processes when the control process is instantiated, using the instantiation objects to instantiate a procedural element of the control process as the control process calls for the procedural element during execution, executing the procedural element as part of the control process, and deconstructing the procedural element as execution of the procedural element is completed during execution of the control process. Resolution of inconsistencies includes executing a first model of an entity in a controller, executing a second model of the entity in an execution engine, detecting a difference between the models, generating a prompt and receiving an operation instruction to continue the process or abort the process. 1. A system for resolving inconsistencies in device models within a process control system while executing a control process , the system comprising:a process controller having a first model of an entity of the process control system;a control process execution engine having a second model of the entity of the process control system, wherein the control process execution engine is adapted to provide a control instruction to the process controller based on the second model of the entity, and wherein the process controller is adapted to execute the control instruction based on the first model of the entity; anda control execution object that detects a difference between the first and second models of the entity during execution of the control process and generates a prompt in response detection of the difference, and receives an operation instruction regarding continued operation of the control process, wherein the operation instruction comprises one of continuing execution of the control process ...

INPUT/OUTPUT DEVICE WITH CONFIGURATION, FAULT ISOLATION AND REDUNDANT FAULT ASSIST FUNCTIONALITY

A process control system is provided having a plurality of I/O devices in communication using a bus. A primary redundant I/O device and a secondary redundant I/O device are coupled to the bus, where the secondary redundant I/O device is programmed to detect a primary redundant I/O device fault. The secondary redundant I/O device, upon detecting the primary redundant I/O device fault, publishes a primary redundant I/O device fault message on the bus. The controller may deactivate the primary redundant I/O device and activate the secondary redundant I/O device responsive to the primary redundant I/O device fault message. 1. A field device for use in a process control system , the process control system including an I/O device and a plurality of field devices in communication with the I/O device using a bus segment , the field device comprising:a field interface for communicatively linking the field device with the bus segment; anda field device processor coupled with the field interface for controlling operation of the field device including performing fault detection for the field device;wherein the field device processor, upon detection of a potential field device fault, severs the communication link provided by the field interface with the bus segment.2. The field device of wherein the bus segment includes a data line and the field interface communicatively links the field device with the data line of the bus segment claim 1 , and wherein the field device processor claim 1 , upon detection of the potential field device fault claim 1 , severs the communication link provided by the field interface with the data line.3. The field device of wherein the field device further comprises a relay device coupled between the field device processor and the data line of the bus segment claim 2 , the relay having a first state communicatively linking the field device with the data line claim 2 , and a second state severing the communicative link between the field device and the ...

Automatic receiving, inspection, inventory management and reporting using wireless communications

A system for managing an inventory of process control devices in a process plant includes a computer workstation, a database storing instrument specification data for one or more process control devices used for controlling a process performed in the process plant environment, a wireless gateway adapted to wirelessly communicate with wireless enabled process control devices in the process plant environment, a communication bus interconnecting the wireless gateway, the computer workstation, and the database, an inventory control application executed by the computer workstation. The inventory control application is adapted to interrogate a received process control device via the wireless gateway to receive device data from the received process control device identifying and describing the received process control device. The inventory control application is further adapted to access the database to retrieve instrument specification data for the received process control device and compare the received device data to the retrieved instrument specification data. The inventory control application ensures that the received process control device corresponds to the instrument specification data.

Efficient Design and Configuration of Elements in a Process Control System

A process control configuration method in a user interface of a computer system for developing control strategies of a process plant, where the user interface defines a screen area to display a plurality of independent panes therein, includes generating a first edit pane, including displaying a graphical representation of a first set of logical or physical entities for carrying out respective process control operations in the process plant; generating a second edit pane, including displaying a graphical representation of a second set of logical or physical entities for carrying out respective process control operations in the process plant, wherein each in the first set and the second set of logical or physical entities includes at least one input and at least one output, and wherein each of the first edit pane and the second edit pane defines an independent user interface screen within the screen area; receiving a first selection of an output of a first entity in the first set of logical or physical entities; receiving a second selection of an input to a second entity in the first second of logical or physical entities; and automatically generating respective visual indicators in each of the first edit pane and the second edit pane in response to receiving the first selection and the second selection, wherein the visual indicators depict respective endpoints of a connection between the first entity and the second entity. 1. A process control configuration method in a user interface of a computer system for developing control strategies of a process plant , wherein the user interface defines a screen area to display a plurality of independent panes therein , the method comprising:generating a first edit pane, including displaying a graphical representation of a first set of logical or physical entities for carrying out respective process control operations in the process plant;generating a second edit pane, including displaying a graphical representation of a second ...

WEB SERVICES-BASED COMMUNICATIONS FOR USE WITH PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS

A web services-based communication system and technique uses an information server to facilitate the communication of process control data and analysis results between a plurality of web services coupled to a communication network. A graphical user interface coupled to the network enables users to store user profile information and configuration information in a database within the information server. The information server uses the configuration information and the profile information to control the operations of a scheduler and a router within the information server to enable users to selectively view process control information via the graphical user interface and to route process control information to appropriate ones of the web services. 1. A method of communicating process control information , the process control information having content therein , comprising:sending a request for the process control information to a first web service associated with a process control system;selecting only the process control information from process control information available to the first web service based on the request for the process control information, and wherein the selected process control information includes only that process control information that has been updated or generated since a previous request received at the first web service;sending the process control information to an information server;discovering a second web service associated with a data consuming application;determining, at the information server and based on the content of the process control information, the data consuming application; andsending the process control information from the information server to the second web service.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein sending the request for the process control information to the first web service associated with the process control system includes sending the request for the process control information in response to a scheduler within the ...

Methods and apparatus to display localized process control objects

Example methods and apparatus to display localized process control objects. A disclosed example method includes receiving a request to view a process control object associated with a process control system, selecting a device description file based on the process control object, the device description file including a tag, selecting a set of locale templates based on a locale associated with the request, selecting a locale template from the set of locale templates based on the process control object, and processing the process control object for display by inserting portions of the selected locale template into the tag in the device description file.

SIMPLIFIED ALGORITHM FOR ABNORMAL SITUATION PREVENTION IN LOAD FOLLOWING APPLICATIONS INCLUDING PLUGGED LINE DIAGNOSTICS IN A DYNAMIC PROCESS

Systems and methods are provided for detecting abnormal conditions and preventing abnormal situations from occurring in controlled processes. Statistical signatures of a monitored variable are modeled as a function of the statistical signatures of a load variable. The statistical signatures of the monitored variable may be modeled according to an extensible regression model or a simplified load following algorithm. The systems and methods may be advantageously applied to detect plugged impulse lines in a differential pressure flow measuring device. 1. A method of detecting a plugged impulse line in a process measuring device , the method comprising:detecting a pressure in a process flow line, and generating a pressure signal indicative of the pressure;calculating mean values of sampled values of the pressure signal collected over predefined sample windows;calculating standard deviation values of sampled values of the pressure signal collected over the predefined sample windows;creating a model of standard deviation values of the pressure signal as a function of mean values of the pressure signal;predicting standard deviation values of the pressure signal based on mean values of the pressure signal and the model;comparing predicted standard deviation values of the pressure signal to calculated standard deviation values of the pressure signal; anddetecting a plugged impulse line when a predicted standard deviation value of the pressure signal differs from a corresponding calculated value of the standard deviation of the pressure signal by more than a predefined amount.2. The method of wherein modeling standard deviation values of the pressure signal as a function of mean values of the pressure signal comprises creating an extensible regression model based on standard deviation values of the pressure signal and mean values of the pressure signal gathered during a learning phase.3. The method of wherein creating a model of standard deviation values of the pressure ...

WIRELESS ARCHITECTURE UTILIZING GEO-REFERENCING

A wireless communication system for use in a process control environment includes a reference node adapted to determine geographic positions of at least some of the reference node, a base node, and a field node and determine RF power settings of transceivers attached to the reference node, the base node, and the field node based on the position of determined geographic positions. Additionally, the reference node is adapted to determine RF noise level at a plurality of locations within the process control environment at a plurality of times and to adjust the RF power settings based on the determined RF noise levels. The reference node may be implemented on a hand-held device. 1. A wireless communication network , comprising:a base node, a field node, a reference node and a host;the base node communicatively coupled to the host;the base, field and reference nodes each comprising a wireless conversion unit and a wireless transceiver;the wireless transceivers of the base, the field and the reference nodes effecting wireless communications amongst the base, field and reference nodes;the field node comprising at least one field device providing process control data;the reference node comprising a geographical positioning apparatus to determine geographical position of the reference node;an RF noise measurement apparatus located on at least one of the base, field and reference nodes, wherein the RF noise measurement apparatus is to determine RF ambient noise levels at the RF noise measurement apparatus over a predetermined time period; anda power settings apparatus located on at least one of the base and reference nodes, wherein the power setting apparatus is todetermine the geographic position of each of the base and field nodes relative to the reference node, anddetermine RF power settings of the wireless transceivers of at least one of the base, the field and the reference nodes using the geographic position of the at least one of the base and field nodes and using the ...

USE OF A REALLY SIMPLE SYNDICATION COMMUNICATION FORMAT IN A PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEM

Devices and applications within a process control system make data generated therein available using a really simple syndication (RSS) XML communication format, thereby making this data easily retrievable from the plant and useable for various purposes both within and outside of the plant. The RSS data communications may provide RSS data for use in control of the plant or for use in other applications not directly associated with the control of the plant, including third party applications run on devices outside of the plant. The RSS data sent from one device to another may include enclosures, such as video, audio or text files, or may include references such as hyperlinks to other sources of information stored on the receiving device or on a further device that may be accessed and used to understand or process the RSS data. 1. A process control device for use in a process plant , comprising: 1) communicatively coupled to a computing device of the process plant, the computing device having an operator interface,', '2) configured to store and execute a control module configured to receive a sensor signal from a first field device and generate at least one corresponding control signal to at least one of the first field device or a second field device for controlling equipment in the process plant based on the sensor signal, the control module including at least one function block used in implementing a process control loop in the process plant,', '3) directly connected to each of the first field device and the second field device via a corresponding input/output device or card, and', '4) further configured to communicate process control data to other process control devices in the process plant using a format that is not a web content syndication format;, '(a) a process controller that is(b) a web content syndication format data generator that converts the process control data into web content syndication formatted data, the process control data including a process ...

PREDICTED FAULT ANALYSIS

Example methods, apparatuses and systems to correlate candidate factors to a predicted fault in a process control system are disclosed. Techniques may include obtaining a value associated with a particular factor corresponding to a process, and predicting a fault based on the value. A set of candidate factors corresponding to the predicted fault may be determined, and a correlation between the predicted fault and at least one factor from the set may be displayed. Different sections of the display may respectively correspond to the predicted fault and to the at least one factor, and the correlation may be indicated by time aligning the different sections. Modifications to one displayed section may result in automatic modification of other sections to maintain the correlation. A user may select one or more candidate factors to be displayed, and may indicate a particular point of a particular section to obtain additional details. 1. A method of correlating candidate factors to a predicted fault in a process control system , comprising:obtaining a value associated with a particular factor corresponding to a process controlled in the process control system; a predicted quality of the process passes a first threshold, the predicted quality of the process determined based on the value associated with the particular factor, or', 'a variation of the value of the particular factor passes a second threshold;, 'predicting a fault corresponding to the process when at least one ofdetermining a set of candidate factors corresponding to the predicted fault, the set of candidate factors including the particular factor; anddisplaying, on a user interface of a computing device in communicative connection with the process control system, a correlation of at least one candidate factor of the set of candidate factors and the predicted fault.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising receiving an indication of a selection of the at least one candidate factor claim 1 , and wherein ...

Wireless Architecture and Support for Process Control Systems

A wireless communication system for use in a process environment uses mesh and possibly a combination of mesh and point-to-point communications to produce a wireless communication network that can be easily set up, configured, changed and monitored, thereby making a wireless communication network that is less expensive, and more robust and reliable. The wireless communication system allows virtual communication paths to be established and used within the process control system in a manner that is independent of the manner in which the wireless signals are sent between different wireless transmitting and receiving devices within the process plant. Still further, communication analysis tools are provided to enable a user or operator to view the operation of the wireless communication network to thereby analyze the ongoing operation of the wireless communications within the wireless communication network. 1. A wireless communication network disposed in a process control system , the wireless communication network comprising:a communication node implementing wireless communications within the wireless communication network;a host including a display, the host communicatively coupled to the communication node; anda measuring device communicatively coupled to the communication node, the measuring device measuring one or more parameters which may affect the quality of the wireless communications within the wireless communication network,wherein the host determines one or more operational characteristics indicative of the quality of the wireless communications within the wireless communication network that may be affected by the one or more measured parameters, andwherein the host displays the one or more operational characteristics on the display.2. The wireless communication network of claim 1 , wherein the communication node is a first communication node claim 1 , wherein the wireless communication network further comprises a second communication node claim 1 , and ...

USING AUTOCORRELATION TO DETECT MODEL MISMATCH IN A PROCESS CONTROLLER

A process controller adaptation and tuning technique uses a closed loop adaptation cycle that performs an autocorrelation analysis on the prediction error or the control error of a process control system to determine if significant process model mismatch exists or to determine an increase or a decrease in process model mismatch over time. The adaptation and tuning technique may perform a controller tuning cycle when the determined model mismatch raises above a predetermined level. 1. A method of tuning a tunable model based process controller being used to control a process plant , comprising:obtaining an error signal associated with the operation of the process controller;performing an autocorrelation analysis on the error signal to determine an indication of a presence of model mismatch between the process controller as currently tuned and the process plant; andimplementing a tuning cycle to retune the process controller based on the results of the autocorrelation analysis.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein obtaining the error signal associated with the operation of the process controller includes determining a control error signal associated with the process controller as a difference between a measured value of process variable and a set point for the process variable.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein performing the autocorrelation analysis includes performing the autocorrelation analysis on a control error signal associated with a time period during which the process variable is in a steady state condition.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein obtaining the error signal associated with the operation of the process controller includes determining a prediction error signal associated with the process controller as a difference between a measured value of a process variable and a predicted value for the process variable generated by the process controller.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the prediction error signal indicates a prediction error associated with the ...

SOFTWARE LOCKOUT COORDINATION BETWEEN A PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEM AND AN ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

A process control system coordinates with an associated asset management system to implement a plant safety mechanism and, in particular, to prevent unintended changes to, or otherwise undesired operation of, one or more process control equipment resources in a process plant. A maintenance technician uses the asset management system to request access to one or more of the process control equipment resources. A process operator receives the request via the process control system and grants or denies the request. Process control equipment resources for which a process operator grants a request are inoperable, in part or in whole, by the process control system. Upon completion of the maintenance task, the maintenance technician requests to return control of the process control equipment resource to the process operator. The return is complete when the process operator acknowledges the return of the resource to the process control system. 1. A process control system operating to control a process within a process plant , the system comprising:a plurality of process control equipment resources;a process controller;an operator user interface;a maintenance user interface; anda data structure storing information for determining for each of the plurality of process control equipment resources whether each of the operator user interface and the maintenance user interface may access a one of the process control equipment resources.2. The process control system of claim 1 , further comprising a message handling routine operable to:access the data structure;interpret the information stored in the data structure; andselectively pass messages to each of the plurality of process control equipment resources according to the information stored in the data structure.3. The process control system of claim 1 , wherein the information comprises for each of the plurality of process control equipment resources a device identification and a value indicating whether the maintenance user ...

HANDHELD FIELD MAINTENANCE TOOL WITH PROCESS COMMUNICATION TUNNEL

A method of interacting with a process control system is provided. The method includes bringing a mobile electronic device into physical proximity of a field device. The mobile electronic device is coupled to a digital process communication channel of the field device. A client software application is initiated on the mobile electronic device. The digital process communication channel is used to communicatively couple the client software application to a host application remote from both the mobile electronic device and the field device. 1. A method of interacting with a process control system , the method comprising:bringing a mobile electronic device into physical proximity of a field device;coupling the mobile electronic device to a digital process communication channel of the field device;initiating a client software application on the mobile electronic device; andusing the digital process communication channel to communicatively couple the client software application to a host application remote from both the mobile electronic device and the field device.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the mobile device is a handheld field maintenance tool.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the handheld field maintenance tool complies with an Intrinsic Safety specification.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein coupling the mobile electronic device to the digital process communication channel of the field device includes a wired connection.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the mobile device communicates through the wired connection using a process industry standard communication protocol.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein coupling the mobile electronic device to the digital process communication channel of the field device includes a wireless connection.7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the mobile device communicates through the wireless connection using a process industry standard communication protocol.8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the client software application is a ...

Self-Diagnostic Process Control Loop For A Process Plant

A method of diagnosing an adaptive process control loop includes measuring process control loop signal data, generating a plurality of process control loop parameters from the process loop signal data and evaluating a condition of the adaptive process control loop from one or more of the plurality of process control loop parameters. The process control loop data is generated as a result of a normal operation of one or more process control devices within the adaptive process control loop when the adaptive process control loop is connected on-line within a process control environment. A self-diagnostic process control loop includes a diagnostic tool adapted to receive a diagnostic index pertaining to a process control loop parameter for a plurality of components of the process control loop and for the complete process control loop. Each diagnostic index is generated from signal data by a corresponding index computation tool. The diagnostic tool is further adapted to evaluate a condition of the process control loop from one or more of the diagnostic indices. 1. A method of diagnosing a process control loop comprising a plurality of process control loop devices , wherein the process control loop is controlled based on adaptive process loop parameters calculated from an adapted model of the process control loop for a plurality of parameters of the process control loop , the method comprising:evaluating a performance of the process control loop;evaluating a condition of a process control loop device within the process control loop;evaluating a quality of the adapted model of the process control loop;evaluating a stability of the process control loop;generating a diagnostic index from each of the evaluations; andevaluating a condition of the process control loop from one or more of the diagnostic indices.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein generating a diagnostic index from each of the evaluations comprises generating a variability index from evaluating a performance of the ...

ASSET TRACKING IN PROCESS CONTROL ENVIRONMENTS

An asset tracking system for use in a process control environment may include one or more asset tracking devices and an asset tracking host. The asset tracking device may receive signals corresponding to a position or location of an asset to be tracked, and may communicate, using an industrial automation protocol such as wireless HART, an indication of the position to the asset tracking host. The signals may be GPS signals that are re-radiated into the process control environment. Other information, such as environmental data, may be communicated in conjunction with the position of the asset. The asset tracking host may store and/or display the data or information included in the message, and may send a different message to the asset tracking device. An asset tracking device may be included in a field device, a network device, or a portable communications device used in the process control environment. 1. An asset tracking method used by an asset tracking device communicatively coupled to a communication network operating according to an industrial automation protocol , the method comprising:obtaining, by the asset tracking device, positioning data corresponding to the asset tracking device, wherein the positioning data indicates a spatial position of the asset tracking device;generating, by the asset tracking device, a message conforming to the industrial automation protocol and including a content corresponding to at least a portion of the positioning data; andcausing the message to be transmitted from the asset tracking device to an asset tracking host via the communication network using the industrial automation protocol, the industrial automation protocol including messages defined for communicating information corresponding to controlling or monitoring process variables in a process control environment.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein generating claim 1 , by the asset tracking device claim 1 , the message comprises:generating a position indication field to ...

INFERENTIAL PROCESS MODELING, QUALITY PREDICTION AND FAULT DETECTION USING MULTI-STAGE DATA SEGREGATION

A process modeling technique uses a single statistical model developed from historical data for a typical process and uses this model to perform quality prediction or fault detection for various different process states of a process. The modeling technique determines means (and possibly standard deviations) of process parameters for each of a set of product grades, throughputs, etc., compares on-line process parameter measurements to these means and uses these comparisons in a single process model to perform quality prediction or fault detection across the various states of the process. In this manner, a single process model can be used to perform quality prediction or fault detection while the process is operating in any of the defined process stages or states. 1. A computer implemented method of generating a process model for use in analyzing the operation of a process that is capable of operating in a number of different process states as defined by a state variable associated with the process , comprising:collecting training data from the process during operation of the process, the training data including a value for each of a set of process parameters, a value for the state variable and a value of a result variable associated with each of a multiplicity of different process measurement times;dividing the training data into time slices of data, using a computer processing device, to produce a set of time sliced data for each time slice of data, wherein each set of time sliced data includes a value for each of the set of process parameters, a value for the state variable and a value for the result variable;storing the sets of time sliced data in a computer memory;determining, using a computer processing device, a set of process state means from the training data, the set of process state means including a state variable mean for each of the process states and one or more process parameter means for each of the process states;storing the set of process state ...

COMMUNICATING DATA FRAMES ACROSS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS THAT USE INCOMPATIBLE NETWORK ROUTING PROTOCOLS

A communication method operates to seamlessly transmit internet protocol (IP) data frames, such as IPv6 data frames, over a communication network that uses a non-IP network routing protocol, i.e., a communication network that implements a network routing protocol other than, or that is incompatible with an IP network routing protocol, such as the WirelessHART protocol. This communication method enables, for example, field devices or other intelligent devices within a process plant network that uses a non-IP communication network to perform messaging of IP data frames generated at or to be received by internet protocol enabled devices either within the process plant network or outside of the process plant network. 1. A method of routing a data packet within a communication network , comprising:obtaining a primary data packet at a first device within the communication network as a data packet that includes first network routing information conforming to a first communication protocol that uses a first network routing protocol;adding second network routing information to the primary data packet, wherein the second network routing information conforms to a second communication protocol that uses a second network routing protocol, wherein the second network routing protocol is different than the first network routing protocol and comprises an implicit destination routing protocol, to thereby create an encapsulated primary data packet; andsending the encapsulated primary data packet over the communication network using the second network routing protocol from the first device to a second device.2. The method of routing a data packet of claim 1 , further including decoding the second network routing information from the sent encapsulated primary data packet at the second device to produce the primary data packet with the first network routing information therein.3. The method of routing a data packet according to claim 2 , further including using the first network routing ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ELIMINATING ALIASING

In order to reduce or eliminate aliasing in a process control network, filtering of a measurement signal may be set based on the module execution rate in a process control system. A Nyquist frequency for the module may be determined based on the module execution rate where the Nyquist frequency may be twice the execution rate. Filtering after an analog to digital convertor may be set based on the module execution rate. In the analog to digital convertor, digital filtering after the converter may be set based on the module execution rate and the frequency content of the analog signal may be attenuated by a filter at and above the Nyquist frequency for the module execution rate. 1. A method of reducing aliasing in a process control system wherein the process control system comprises at least one analog device and an analog to digital convertor , the method comprising:Setting a module execution rate for a module in the process control system;Determining a Nyquist frequency for the module based on the module execution rate;Determining a filtering after the analog to digital convertor based on the module execution rate;In the filter after the analog to digital convertor, setting the data sampling rate in the analog to digital convertor based on the module execution rate; andAttenuating a frequency content of the measurement signal at and above the Nyquist frequency for the module.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the Nyquist frequency is two times the frequency at which the module is executed.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the attenuating the module signal comprises implementing a low pass digital finite impulse filter after the analog to digital converter to attenuate frequency content in the measurement signal beyond the Nyquist frequency associated with the frequency at which the module executes.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the attenuation at the Nyquist frequency is at least −12 dB.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the attenuation at 50 Hz to 60 Hz is at ...

METHODS, APPARATUS, AND ARTICLES OF MANUFACTURE TO PROVIDE FIREWALLS FOR PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS

Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to provide firewalls for process control systems are disclosed. An example method includes analyzing a network communication to identify a first service, an address associated with the first service within a secured portion of a network, and a subset of ports used by the first service, the network communication originating from within the secured portion of the network and to be transmitted to a destination outside of the secured portion of the network, and storing an identifier of the first service, the address, and the subset of the ports when the network communication includes the identifier, the address, and the subset of the ports. 1. A method , comprising:analyzing a network communication to identify a first service, an address associated with the first service within a secured portion of a network, and a subset of ports used by the first service, the network communication originating from within the secured portion of the network and to be transmitted to a destination outside of the secured portion of the network; andstoring an identifier of the first service, the address, and the subset of the ports when the network communication includes the identifier, the address, and the subset of the ports.2. A method as defined in claim 1 , further comprising comparing a second network communication claim 1 , received from outside of the secured portion of the network claim 1 , to the identifier of the first service claim 1 , the address claim 1 , and the subset of the ports.3. A method as defined in claim 2 , further comprising forwarding the second network communication to an address and a port specified by the second network communication when the second network communication matches the identifier of the first service claim 2 , the address claim 2 , and a port in the subset of the ports.4. A method as defined in claim 2 , further comprising forwarding the second network communication to an address and a port specified ...

EVENT SYNCHRONIZED REPORTING IN PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS

Methods, systems, and computer-executable instructions for event synchronized reporting in an process control system are disclosed. Events may be synchronized by a synchronization parameter, whose instances of occurrence may be non-contiguous in time. Examples of synchronization parameters may include a work shift, a work group, an individual's on-duty time, a logged-on period of an individual, the execution times of a process control entity, a batch run type, and a procedure or sub-unit of a batch run. Instances of occurrence of the synchronization parameter may be recorded into a process control event database. Event synchronized reports may contain at least one synchronization value based on both the instances of occurrence of the synchronization parameter as well as historical process control data. Data from various historian databases may be accessed from process control system tools and integrated into a single report. 1. A method of synchronizing work shift information in a process control system of a process control plant:identifying at least one work group in the process control plant, the at least work group including at least one individual,identifying at least one work shift in the process control plant scheduled for the at least one work group; a first identified work shift to a second identified work shift, or', 'a first identified work group to a second identified work group;, 'generating a work change control system event for each work change, each work change including a time stamp and corresponding to a change in the process control plant fromrecording the work change control system event for the each work change in an event historian database of the process control system, andgenerating an event synchronized report including at least one synchronized value based on the work change control system event and at least one entry corresponding to historical data for a process control entity of the process control system, the at least one entry obtained ...

APPARATUS AND METHODS TO COMMUNICATIVELY COUPLE FIELD DEVICES TO CONTROLLERS IN A PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEM

A disclosed example system includes a termination panel, and a shared bus on the termination panel. The shared bus is to removably receive a plurality of bases that removably receive modules to communicate with field devices, and communicatively couple the modules to an input/output card to exchange communications between the modules and a controller that is in communication with the input/output card via a second bus. 1. A system , comprising:a termination panel; and removably receive a plurality of bases that removably receive modules to communicate with field devices, and', 'communicatively couple the modules to an input/output card to exchange communications between the modules and a controller that is in communication with the input/output card via a second bus., 'a shared bus on the termination panel, the shared bus to2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a socket rail having a plurality of termination module sockets at different locations of the socket rail claim 1 , the termination module sockets to removably receive the plurality of bases to communicatively couple the modules to the shared bus.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the termination module sockets are assignable to any of the different types of field devices based on placements of the different modules at the different locations of the socket rail.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein at least a first one of the modules has an analog channel to communicate with a first one of the field devices claim 1 , and at least a second one of the modules having a digital channel to communicate with a second one of the field devices.5. The system of claim 4 , wherein any of the bases on the shared bus can receive either of the first or second one of the modules during an installation process.6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the shared bus is an Ethernet bus.7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the shared bus and the second bus use different communication protocols.8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the ...

Method for Selecting Shapes in a Graphical Display

A selector shape may serve as the background to a configurable composite shape and may include one or more expressions that are evaluated to select between several composite shape definitions via links to the definition. Each selector shape includes an animation expression and a lookup table converter to select an identifier of the composite definition to be loaded and displayed. When the value of the animation expression changes, the value may be matched to the name of a new composite definition using the lookup table, and the new definition may be displayed. The previously-used composite definition may then be marked for removal by a caching system, and removed. These selector shapes also enable the same graphic element to be used in displays designed for different types of display devices, such as display devices having large display screens, standard computer screens and very small display screens. 1. A computing device for reducing a number of composite shape sub-elements stored in a runtime memory of a graphical display for the process control system , the device comprising:a processor;a memory;a display; and evaluating the expression to determine an expression result;', 'executing an operation to identify a composite shape sub-element using the expression result by matching the expression result to an item that identifies the composite shape sub-element from the plurality of composite shape sub-elements;', 'displaying the identified composite shape sub-element within the composite shape; and', 'removing any composite shape sub-elements not identified by the expression result., 'a composite shape sub-element selection application maintained in the memory and executed on the processor to select a composite shape sub-element for display within a composite shape of the graphical display, the composite shape configured to include a plurality of composite shape sub-elements and an expression, the composite shape sub-element selection application including ...

ONLINE RECIPE SYNCHRONIZATION IN A REAL-TIME BATCH EXECUTIVE ENVIRONMENT

A method of executing a batch process in a manufacturing environment according to a product recipe, such that the product recipe specifies a plurality of actions and a plurality of parameters, includes performing at least one action of the batch process corresponding to a first version of the product recipe, receiving a second version of the product recipe, such that the second version of the product recipe is distinct from the first version of the product recipe, suspending the execution of the batch process prior to completion of the batch process, and resuming the execution of the batch process according to the second version of the product recipe. 1. A method of executing a plurality of batch processes within a process plant according to a product recipe , wherein the product recipe specifies a plurality of actions and a plurality of parameters , the method comprising:receiving a first version of the product recipe;applying the first version of the product recipe to a first batch runner and a second batch runner, wherein each of the first batch runner and the second batch runner controls the execution of the product recipe using respective process control equipment;initiating a respective batch run consistent with the first version of the product recipe at each of the first batch runner and the second batch runner;receiving a second version of the product recipe, wherein the second version of the product recipe differs from the first version of the product recipe in at least one of the plurality of actions or the plurality of parameters;suspending the execution of the batch run at the first batch runner;applying the second version of the recipe to the first batch runner prior to the first runner completing the execution of the first version of the recipe; andresuming the execution of the batch run at the first batch runner according to the second version of the recipe.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:completing the execution of the batch run at the ...

COMPENSATING FOR SETPOINT CHANGES IN A NON-PERIODICALLY UPDATED CONTROLLER

A technique for controlling a process using non-periodically received process variable measurements enables more robust controller responses to setpoint changes. The control technique implements iterations of a control routine to generate a control signal using a reset or rate contribution component that produces an expected process response to the control signal. When a new measurement of the process variable is unavailable to the controller, the reset or rate contribution component that was generated in response to the receipt of the previous process variable is maintained when generating the control signal. However, the reset contribution component is iteratively recalculated during each controller execution cycle so that the output of the reset contribution component incorporates expected process changes that occur as a result of a setpoint change. 1. A method of controlling a process , comprising: generating a feedback contribution for use in producing the control signal, including determining a feedback contribution value for the current iteration of the control routine from a feedback contribution value of a preceding iteration of the control routine and a value of the control signal; and', 'using the feedback contribution to generate the control signal for the current iteration of the control routine when a new process response indication is received, and using the feedback contribution that was generated from an iteration of the control routine at which the preceding communication of a process response indication was received from the process to generate the control signal when a new process response indication to the control signal is not received from the process; and', 'using the control signal to control the process., 'implementing, on a computer processing device, multiple iterations of a control routine to generate a control signal including, during each iteration of the control routine;'}2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the feedback contribution is ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WIRELESS PROCESS COMMUNICATION OVER DISTINCT NETWORKS

A dual-mode router for conveying process communication packets across a plurality of distinct wireless process communication networks is provided. The router includes wireless communication circuitry and a controller coupled to the wireless communication circuitry. The wireless communication circuitry is configured to interact with signals from each of the plurality of distinct wireless process communication networks. The controller is configured to adapt process communication packets from a first distinct wireless process communication network for transmission over a second distinct wireless process communication network. Methods for configuring the distinct wireless process communication networks and relaying process packets over the distinct wireless process communication networks are also provided. 1. A process communication system comprising:an ISA 100.11a wireless process communication network;a first system manager configured to provide at least one of configuring, controlling and monitoring the ISA 100.11a wireless process communication network;a WirelessHART process communication network;a second system manager configured to provide at least one of configuring, controlling and monitoring the WirelessHART process communication network; andwherein the first and second system managers are configured to communicate with each other to coordinate operation of the process communication system.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first and second system managers are configured to provide collision avoidance between the first and second distinct wireless process communication networks.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first and second system managers are configured to coordinate 16 bit address assignment of field devices so that addresses in the IEEE802.15.4 MAC header may be used to identify a packet on one of a plurality of distinct wireless process control networks.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first and second system managers are configured to ...

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ESTABLISHING MAINTENANCE ROUTES WITHIN A PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEM

Generating a maintenance route in a process control system includes creating an initial ordered list of all wireless nodes in direct communication with a wireless gateway, where the nodes are ordered by signal strength with the wireless gateway device. A subsequent ordered list is created of all nodes in direct communication with first node of the initial ordered list, where the nodes are ordered by signal strength with the first node. The subsequent ordered list is then appended to the initial ordered list after the first node. This process of creating a subsequent list and appending the initial list is iteratively repeated thereafter, each time accounting for the next node in the appended ordered list following the previous iteration until all nodes are accounted for. In the last iteration, the nodes correspond to stop points along the route and the order corresponds to the route to be taken among the stop points. 1. A method of automatically generating a maintenance route in a process control system , wherein the process control system includes a wireless gateway network device and a plurality of process devices in wireless communication with the wireless gateway network device , the method implemented via one or more processors , the method comprising:for each process device, beginning with the first process device, in an initial list of process devices in direct wireless communication with the wireless gateway network device, where the process devices of the initial list are ranked therein according to a signal strength of a wireless connection with the wireless gateway network device, iteratively selecting the process devices from the initial list; and creating a subsequent list of process devices in direct wireless communication with the process device selected from the initial list, wherein the process devices of the subsequent list are ranked therein according to a signal strength of a wireless connection with the process device selected from the initial ...

DETECTION AND LOCATION OF WIRELESS FIELD DEVICES

A method of evaluating a potential location to add a wireless field device to an existing network of a plurality of existing wireless field devices is provided. The method includes placing a handheld field maintenance tool in the potential location and causing the handheld field maintenance tool to identify wireless field devices within communicative range of the potential location. Information related to wireless communication at the potential location is viewed. Methods are also provided for identifying a selected field device in a process installation using a handheld field maintenance tool. 1. A method of evaluating a potential location to add a wireless field device to an existing network of a plurality of existing wireless field devices , the method comprising:placing a handheld field maintenance tool in the potential location;causing the handheld field maintenance tool to identify wireless field devices within communicative range of the potential location; andviewing information related to wireless communication at the potential location.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the handheld field maintenance tool communicates with each wireless field device in accordance with a process industry standard protocol.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the process industry standard protocol is a WirelessHART protocol.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the handheld field maintenance tool is intrinsically safe.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the information related to wireless communication at the potential location includes a device identifier and signal strength for each wireless field device with which the handheld field maintenance tool communicates.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the information related to wireless communication at the potential location includes an indication of electromagnetic interference.7. A method of studying a wireless sensor network including a plurality of wireless field devices claim 1 , the method comprising:monitoring signal strength ...

Systems and methods to monitor an asset in an operating process unit

Systems and methods to monitor an asset in an operating process unit are disclosed. An example method includes monitoring one or more equipment parameters associated with an asset in an operating process unit, monitoring one or more process parameters associated with the asset, and determining an asset health value corresponding to the asset based on the one or more monitored equipment parameters, process parameters, and baseline data associated with the one or more equipment parameters.

ONLINE RECIPE SYNCHRONIZATION IN A REAL-TIME BATCH EXECUTIVE ENVIRONMENT

A method of executing a batch process in a manufacturing environment according to a product recipe, such that the product recipe specifies a plurality of actions and a plurality of parameters, includes performing at least one action of the batch process corresponding to a first version of the product recipe, receiving a second version of the product recipe, such that the second version of the product recipe is distinct from the first version of the product recipe, suspending the execution of the batch process prior to completion of the batch process, and resuming the execution of the batch process according to the second version of the product recipe. 1. A method of executing a plurality of batch processes within a process plant according to a product recipe , wherein the product recipe specifies a plurality of actions and a plurality of parameters , the method comprising:receiving a first version of the product recipe;applying the first version of the product recipe to a first batch runner and a second batch runner, wherein each of the first batch runner and the second batch runner controls the execution of the product recipe using respective process control equipment;initiating a respective batch run consistent with the first version of the product recipe at each of the first batch runner and the second batch runner;receiving a second version of the product recipe, wherein the second version of the product recipe differs from the first version of the product recipe in at least one of the plurality of actions or the plurality of parameters;suspending the execution of the batch run at the first batch runner, wherein suspending the execution of the batch run at the first batch runner includes:retrieving current state information of the first batch runner, wherein the current state specifies the one of the plurality of actions being executed by the batch runner or a transaction between two more of the plurality of actions; andcomparing the current state information to ...

RECIPE COMMAND STEPS AND RECIPE INPUTS FROM EXTERNAL LOGIC

A method of generating a product recipe for execution by a batch process in an automated manufacturing environment, such the product recipe is associated with a plurality of actions, a set of transitions, and a set of parameters, and such that the plurality of actions define a plurality of logical levels including a phase level at which the batch process interacts with equipment, includes receiving a procedure definition specifying the plurality of actions, receiving a transaction definition specifying the set of transitions so that each one in the set of transitions is associated with two or more of the plurality of actions, and receiving the set of parameters. Receiving the set of parameters includes receiving at least one dynamic input parameter that resolves to a value without obtaining the value from the product recipe or an operator prompt associated at the phase level of the product recipe. 1. A tangible , computer-readable medium storing instructions for generating a product recipe for execution by a batch process in an automated manufacturing environment , wherein the product recipe is associated with a plurality of actions , a set of transitions , and a set of parameters , wherein the plurality of actions define a plurality of logical levels including a phase level at which the batch process interacts with equipment , and wherein the instructions , when executed by one or more processors of a computer system , cause the one or more processors to:receive a procedure definition specifying the plurality of actions;receive a transaction definition specifying the set of transitions, wherein each one in the set of transitions is associated with two or more of the plurality of actions; 'receive at least one dynamic input parameter including an unresolved value, wherein the unresolved value of the dynamic input parameter resolves to a value during execution of the product recipe of the batch process without obtaining the value from the product recipe or an ...

Safety instrumented process control apparatus and methods

Example apparatus and methods to remove power from a field device are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first switch to control power to the field device, and a second switch comprising a first gate and a second gate. The second gate is electrically coupled in parallel to the first gate, and the second switch is electrically coupled in series to the first switch. The example apparatus also includes a first diagnostics controller to control the first and second gates, a first processor to control the first switch, a third switch to control power to the field device, and a fourth switch comprising a third gate and a fourth gate. The fourth gate is electrically coupled in parallel to the third gate, and the fourth switch is electrically coupled in series to the third switch. The example apparatus also includes a second processor to control the third switch, and a second diagnostics controller to control the third and fourth gates.

TERMINAL BLOCKS INCLUDING INTEGRAL SAFETY RELAYS HAVING INDEPENDENTLY TESTABLE CONTACTS

Terminal blocks including integral safety relays having independently testable contacts are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a terminal block body couplable to an electronics cabinet or mounting rail. The terminal block body includes a first slot to receive a first circuit and a second slot to receive a second circuit. The apparatus includes a first contact and a second contact that are externally accessible when the terminal block body is coupled to the electronics cabinet or the mounting rail. The apparatus includes a first switch and a second switch to selectively couple the first contact and the second contact and a test point coupled between the first switch and the second switch. The test point is to enable the first switch and the second switch to be independently testable to verify operability when the terminal block body is coupled to the electronics cabinet or the mounting rail. 1. An apparatus , comprising: a first slot to receive a first circuit; and', 'a second slot to receive a second circuit;, 'a terminal block body couplable to an electronics cabinet or a mounting rail, the terminal block body, comprisinga first latch movable between a first position and a second position, the first position to enable the first circuit to be secured within the first slot, the second position to enable the first circuit to be removed from the first slot;a second latch movable between a first position and a second position, the first position to enable the second circuit to be secured within the second slot, the second position to enable the second circuit to be removed from the second slot;a first contact and a second contact, the first contact and the second contact being externally accessible when the terminal block body is coupled to the electronics cabinet or the mounting rail; anda first switch and a second switch to selectively couple the first contact and the second contact, the first and second switches being testable to verify operability.2. The ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGING PROCESS CONTROL CONFIGURATION

Flexible configuration of process control systems or plants allows draft changes or modifications to be made to parent process objects, e.g., in a configuration environment, without automatically triggering corresponding instantiations and/or downloads of the parent process objects and/or their derived children objects into a run-time system. Parent objects to which draft changes are allowed may include class objects, instance objects, and/or library objects. One or more modifications to a process object may be saved as a draft, and multiple drafts for a same process object may be saved as different versions. Children objects may indicate the particular version of a parent object draft from which they are derived. A user may indicate that a particular draft or version is to be published or approved. Unpublished or unapproved drafts are prevented from being instantiated in the run-time system, whereas published or approved drafts are allowed to be instantiated. 1. A method of flexibly configuring a process plant , comprising: the current child process object corresponding to a specific element of the process plant, and', 'the specific element operating according to an instantiation of the current child process object to provide a function corresponding to one or more processes being controlled in the process plant;, 'receiving, at a computing device, a user input indicative of a modification to a current parent process object from which a current child process object is derived,'}modifying, by the computing device and based on the user input, the current parent process object to generate a modified parent process object, including modifying the current child process object to generate a modified child process object corresponding to the specific element;storing, in a data storage entity coupled to the computing device, the modified parent process object as a draft modified parent process object and the modified child process object as a draft modified child process ...

DERIVED AND LINKED DEFINITIONS WITH OVERRIDE

Flexible graphic element objects in a process plant are configurable both in a run-time operating environment in which a process is being controlled and in a configuration environment. An instantiated flexible graphic element object may be a display view or may be another graphic element included on a display view. A graphic element object may be linked to and/or derived from another graphic element object, and changes to a particular graphic element object may be propagated to its derivations, e.g., according to a distribution policy. Changes to definitions corresponding to a particular graphic element object (e.g., to the definition of a graphic element attribute such as a shape, animation, event handler or property) may be overridden or modified in another object derived from the particular graphic element object. The modified derived object may be renamed and saved separately from the particular graphic element object. 1. A graphic element presented on a process control display view corresponding to a process plant , the graphic element comprising:an execution, in a run-time operating environment of the process plant, of an instantiation of a graphic element object corresponding to a process entity included in the process plant, the graphic element object being configurable, the graphic element object including a link to a display object from which the process control display view is instantiated, and the execution of the instantiation of the graphic element object including:a visual representation of the process entity, anda link to the process element to receive real-time data corresponding to a process being controlled in the process plant, the real-time data corresponding to at least one attribute of the graphic element.2. The graphic element of claim 1 , wherein the graphic element object is configurable in the run-time operating environment of the process plant.3. The graphic element of claim 2 , wherein the graphic element object is configurable in a ...

DYNAMICALLY REUSABLE CLASSES

Techniques for flexibly configuring an operating process plant or process control system enable a change to a parent object to be selectively propagated to child objects derived from the parent object, so that a first subset of child objects and their respective instantiations are updated with the change, while a second subset and their respective instantiations remain unchanged. The parent object may be a class or instance process object corresponding to a process entity, and the first and/or the second subset of child objects may be selected. In some cases, the change may have been a propagated change, to the parent object, from a child object that is excluded from the first or the second subset of child objects. In some cases, the change may first be propagated to an instance object derived from the parent object, and then propagated from the instance object to a child object. 1. A method of flexibly configuring a process plant , comprising:receiving an indication of a modification to a current parent object corresponding to an entity of the process plant; each current child object included in the set of current child objects is derived from the current parent object and corresponds to a respective specific element of the process plant, and', 'the respective specific element operates according to an instantiation of the each current child object to provide a function corresponding to one or more processes being controlled in the process plant;, 'propagating the modification to each current child object of a first subset of a set of current child objects to create a first subset of modified child objects, whereinnot propagating the modification to a second subset of the set of current child objects;causing an instantiation of the first subset of modified current child objects to be generated, and causing the instantiation of the first subset of modified current child objects to be executed in a first set of respective specific elements so that the first set of ...

Non-Intrusive Data Analytics in a Process Control System

An on-line data analytics device can be installed in a process control system as a standalone device that operates in parallel with, but non-intrusively with respect to, the on-line control system to perform on-line analytics for a process without requiring the process control system to be reconfigured or recertified. The data analytics device includes a data analytics engine coupled to a logic engine that receives process data collected from the process control system in a non-intrusive manner. The logic engine operates to determine further process variable values not generated within the process control system and provides the collected process variable data and the further process variable values to the data analytics engine. The data analytics engine executes statistically based process models, such as batch models, stage models, and phase models, to produce a predicted process variable, such as an end of stage or end of batch quality variable for use in analyzing the operation of the on-line process. 1. A system for use in analyzing an operation of process plant control equipment within a process plant while the process plant control equipment is operating on-line within the process plant to implement an industrial process , comprising:a data collection device, coupled to the process plant control equipment to collect process variable data from the process plant control equipment as determined or measured within the industrial process while the industrial process is operating on-line;a process logic engine communicatively coupled to the data collection device that operates on a computer processor to simulate a portion of the operation of the industrial process using the collected process variable data to produce one or more further process variable values; and one or more stored data analytic models that statistically model the operation of the process; and', 'a data analytics execution engine that executes a data analytic routine using the one or more data ...

State machine function block with user-definable actions on a transition between states

A control system, a safety system, etc., within a process plant may each use one or more state machine function blocks that can be easily integrated into a function block diagram programming environment. Such a state machine function block may include one or more inputs, which may cause a state machine implemented by the state machine function block to identify a next state as well as one or more transition actions to perform in accordance with transitioning from a current state to the next state. Configuration data associated with the transition actions may be retrieved from a database based on the current and next states of the state machine and at least one of the inputs. The state machine function block may also include one or more outputs that are generated based on the state transition.

Quality review system with plug-ins

A quality review management system may be used to analyze the operation of manufacturing processes within a plant based on data collected by various data sources in the plant, such as batch executive applications, to automatically detect, store, and display exceptions within those processes for use by a quality review engineer to determine if the process operation meets certain quality standards. The quality review management system includes a configuration application that enables a user to create one or more exception rules, an exception engine that uses plug-ins in various devices to collect process data and to analyze the process data using the rules to detect one or more exceptions within the process, and a review application that enables quality review personnel to review each determined exception for resolution purposes.

Configurable User Displays in a Process Control System

A display configuration system enables plant operators to create their own process displays called dashboards during run-time of the plant and in the same interface that these operators use to view operation of the process plant. This display configuration system makes the operators more productive because the operators can quickly create and implement their own specialized dashboards, as these operators determine these dashboards are needed. Each dashboard has a defined layout specifying locations or regions at which display elements can be shown in the dashboard, and this layout is operator modifiable. Operators can easily create content on their own dashboards using predefined but configurable display building blocks called gadgets, which can be pre-stored in a library and can be made available for the operator during dashboard creation activities. A gadget can be dragged and dropped onto a dashboard at one of the regions or locations of the dashboard to be installed in that region or location of the dashboard. The display configuration system may automatically size the gadgets based on the selected dashboard layout, and operators can modify an existing dashboard by adding, modifying, moving, minimizing or deleting gadgets on the dashboard. 1. A user display system , comprising:a first library stored on a tangible computer readable medium that executes using one or more computer processors to store one or more executable graphical elements, each executable graphical element including informational indicia and links to data within a process control system to be displayed using the informational indicia;a second library stored on a tangible computer-readable medium that executes using one or more computer processors to store one or more executable user interface display forms, at least one of the executable user interface display forms defining a display region for a user display device and one or more sub-regions within the display region, each of the one or more ...

Connection check in field maintenance tool

Multi-functional field maintenance (FM) tools that connect to process control devices, such as FOUNDATION Fieldbus and Highway Addressable Remote Transducer devices, can automatically detect and simultaneously identify communications, troubleshoot connections, and supply power in a process control plant. Simplifying the troubleshooting process, by guiding a user of a multi-functional FM tool through recommended troubleshooting steps, while simultaneously detecting and correcting issues reduces the number of tools required to maintain process control devices, reduces the risk of damage, and improves efficiency by minimizing production downtime.

PORTABLE FIELD MAINTENANCE TOOL WITH A BUS FOR POWERING AND COMMUNICATING WITH A FIELD DEVICE

A portable field maintenance tool may perform one or more tasks, such as communicating with a field device, powering a field device, diagnosing a field device, or diagnosing a communication link in a plant environment to which a field device is connected. The portable field maintenance tool may interact with field devices configured according to a number of different communication protocols, such as the HART protocol and the Fieldbus protocol. The portable field maintenance tool may be energy limited and fault tolerant, and may operate in compliance with Intrinsic Safety standards, enabling use of the portable field maintenance tool in hazardous areas. 1. A portable field maintenance tool comprising:(A) a housing;(B) a power supply disposed within the housing;(C) a communication circuit disposed within the housing;(D) a communication bus disposed within the housing and electrically connected to the power supply and the communication circuit; and (a) a power signal to supply power from the power supply to the field device via the communication bus and the wired link; and', '(b) a digital amplitude modulated (AM) communication signal transmitted via the communication bus and the wired link between the communication circuit and the field device., '(E) a communication interface disposed through the housing, the communication interface including: (i) an internal portion electrically connected to the communication bus, and (ii) a set of terminals electrically connectable to a field device via a wired link to thereby electrically connect the field device to the communication bus so that a composite signal carried by the wired link includes2. The portable field maintenance tool of claim 1 , wherein the communication circuit and the power supply are each configured for intrinsically safe operation.3. The portable field maintenance tool of claim 1 , wherein the set of terminals includes a first terminal and a second terminal connectable to the field device via the wired link. ...

PORTABLE FIELD MAINTENANCE TOOL WITH RESISTOR NETWORK FOR INTRINSICALLY SAFE OPERATION

A portable field maintenance tool may perform one or more tasks, such as communicating with a field device, powering a field device, diagnosing a field device, or diagnosing a communication link in a plant environment to which a field device is connected. The portable field maintenance tool may interact with field devices configured according to a number of different communication protocols, such as the HART protocol and the Fieldbus protocol. The portable field maintenance tool may be energy limited and fault tolerant, and may operate in compliance with Intrinsic Safety standards, enabling use of the portable field maintenance tool in hazardous areas. 1. A portable field maintenance tool comprising:(A) a housing;(B) a communication interface that is disposed through the housing, the communication interface including an internal portion accessible within the housing and a set of terminals accessible outside the housing, the set of terminals electrically connectable to a field device by way of a wired link configured to carry a composite signal including: (i) a communication signal transmitted to or from the field device, and (ii) a power signal transmitted to the field device;(C) a communication circuit disposed within the housing and electrically connected to the internal portion of the communication interface, the communication circuit configured to encode or decode the communication signal; and(D) a power supply disposed within the housing and electrically connected to the internal portion of the communication interface and to the communication circuit, the power supply configured to transmit the power signal;wherein the communication circuit includes a resistor network having a resistance within a range to cause a voltage drop, at the set of terminals, associated with the composite signal, the voltage drop being: (i) above a minimum voltage threshold associated with reading the composite signal, and (ii) below a maximum voltage threshold.2. The portable field ...

Edge gateway system with data typing for secured process plant data delivery

An edge gateway system securely delivers and exposes data generated by and/or related to a process plant for consumption by external systems, and includes a field-facing component that sends, to an edge-facing component of the system, a collection of data types defined based on configurations of the process plant and represented using a syntax that is native to the one or more external systems. The field-facing component streams process plant-related content data indicated by one or more interest lists to the edge-facing component, where the streamed data is expressed using the collection of data types. Each interest list may include multiple types of data (e.g., control, I/O, diagnostic, device, historical, etc.) that collectively represent a particular named entity of the plant. Accordingly, the streamed data is securely delivered and exposed, via the edge-facing component, to the external systems.

APPARATUS AND METHODS TO COMMUNICATIVELY COUPLE FIELD DEVICES TO CONTROLLERS IN A PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEM

A disclosed example apparatus includes a termination panel, a shared bus on the termination panel, and a plurality of bases on the termination panel along the shared bus. Each of the bases is to removably receive modules that are to communicate with field devices. Each of the bases includes first and second physical interfaces. The first physical interface is to be communicatively coupled to different types of the field devices and to exchange communications with one or more of the field devices via a plurality of different communication protocols. The second physical interface is to communicatively couple the removably receivable modules to the shared bus to communicate with a controller via the shared bus. 1. An apparatus , comprising:a termination panel;a shared bus on the termination panel; and a first physical interface to be communicatively coupled to different types of the field devices and to exchange communications with one or more of the field devices via a plurality of different communication protocols, and', 'a second physical interface to communicatively couple the removably receivable modules to the shared bus to communicate with a controller via the shared bus., 'a plurality of bases on the termination panel along the shared bus, each of the bases to removably receive modules that are to communicate with field devices, and each of the bases comprising2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 , wherein the second physical interface is to communicatively couple the removably receivable modules to an input/output card in the controller.3. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 , wherein the first physical interface is operable as a digital interface for a first one of the modules and is operable as an analog interface for a second one of the modules.4. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 , wherein the different types of the field devices include valves claim 1 , actuators claim 1 , and sensors.5. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 , wherein each of the bases is ...

Integration of Multiple Communication Physical Layers and Protocols in a Process Control Input/Output Device

A process control input/output (I/O) device provides traditional I/O support with direct physical layers or interfaces associated with traditional process control communication protocols while at the same time supporting an advanced physical layer or other IP based physical layer and the communication protocols that run on top of them. In addition, the new I/O device is able to nest protocols inside of other protocols for use when protocols, such as safety protocols, require additional handshaking, confirmations, etc. Still further, the new I/O device includes hardware configurable capabilities that enable easy configuration of a process control system that uses multiple different physical layers, including those used by traditional process control protocols such as HART and FOUNDATION Fieldbus protocols, and more advanced physical layers, including those that are used by IP-based, Ethernet based, packet based and other types of advanced communication protocols.

Assistant Application for a Modular Control System

A method for efficiently managing configuration of modular control systems includes Detecting a communicative coupling between a workstation and a modular control system, determining whether an active project stored in a memory of the workstation matches a saved project stored in a memory of the modular control system, where each of the active project and the saved project includes a respective coordinated set of data for controlling operation of the modular control system, and when the active project and the saved project do not match, (i) determining whether the active project is correct for the modular control system, and (ii) when the active project is incorrect the modular control system, automatically providing, via an interactive user interface, a control for transferring at least a portion of the saved project from the memory of the modular control system to the active project in the memory of the workstation.

Process control systems and methods

Process control system and methods are disclosed. An example method includes operating a first cluster including first virtual machines and first servers and operating a second cluster including second virtual machines and second servers. The example method also includes storing first data from the first virtual machines at a first data store of the first cluster and storing a replica of the first data at a second data store of the second cluster. The example method also includes storing second data from the second virtual machines at the second data store and storing a replica of the second data at the first data store and identifying a failure of the first cluster. The method also includes, in response to the failure, restarting the first virtual machines using the second servers and the replica of the first data at the second data store.

Edge gateway system with data typing for secured process plant data delivery

An edge gateway system securely delivers and exposes data generated by and/or related to a process plant for consumption by external systems, and includes a field-facing component that sends, to an edge-facing component of the system, a collection of data types defined based on configurations of the process plant and represented using a syntax that is native to the one or more external systems. The field-facing component streams process plant-related content data indicated by one or more interest lists to the edge-facing component, where the streamed data is expressed using the collection of data types. Each interest list may include multiple types of data (e.g., control, I/O, diagnostic, device, historical, etc.) that collectively represent a particular named entity of the plant. Accordingly, the streamed data is securely delivered and exposed, via the edge-facing component, to the external systems.

Methods and apparatus to filter process control system alarms based on alarm source type and/or alarm purpose

Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture to filter process control system alarms based on alarm source type and/or alarm purpose are disclosed. An example method includes assigning a first subset of the process control alarms in a process control system to a first source type of the process control alarms. The first source type is associated with a first subset of user roles. The example method also includes assigning a second subset of the process control alarms to a second source type of the process control alarms. The second source type is associated with a second subset of the user roles. The example method further includes displaying alarm information associated with the process control alarms. The alarm information identifies the first source type of the first subset of the process control alarms and the second source type of the second subset of the process control alarms.

Methods and Apparatus to Provide a Role-Based User Interface

Methods and apparatus to provide a role-based user interface are disclosed herein. An example system disclosed includes a display device to depict a user interface. The example system also includes a processor. The example processor is to receive object information for an object in a process control system during a session, determine a user role based on the session, determine whether the object information is qualifying information based on the user role, and display the object information via the user interface when the object information is qualifying information.

Distributed industrial performance monitoring and analytics platform

A system for monitoring and analyzing data in a distributed process control system is provided. The system includes a user interface having a set of user controls for selecting and configuring data blocks to create a data diagram representing a data model. The data blocks are associated with data operations, such as data analytics functions, and may be configured by the user for particular instances of general blocks. The data blocks are interconnected by wires conveying outputs or inputs of the blocks, which may also connect data sources to the data blocks. The data sources may include on-line data (i.e., data streams) or off-line data (i.e., stored data) from the process control system. Additional user controls may be used to evaluate the data diagram or convert the data diagram from an off-line to an on-line version.

Distributed industrial performance monitoring and analytics

A technique is provided for providing early fault detection using process control data generated by control devices in a process plant. The technique determines a leading indicator of a condition within the process plant, such as a fault, abnormality, or decrease in performance. The leading indicator may be determined using principal component analysis. A process signal indicating a process variable corresponding to the leading indicator is then obtained and analyzed. A rolling fast Fourier transform (FFT) may be performed on the process signal to generate time-series data with which to monitor the process plant. When the presence of the leading indicator is detected in the time-series data, an alert or other prediction of the condition may be generated. Thus, process faults may be identified using fluctuations and abnormalities as leading predictors.

Quality review system with metadata collection

A quality review system may be used to analyze the operation of manufacturing processes within a plant based on data collected by various data sources in the plant, such as batch executive applications, to automatically detect, store, and display exceptions within those processes for use by a quality review engineer to determine if the process operation meets certain quality standards. The quality review system includes a configuration application that enables a user to create one or more exception rules, an exception engine that analyses process data using the rules to detect one or more exceptions within the process, and a review application that enables quality review personnel to review each determined exception for resolution purposes. Moreover, the quality review system collects metadata about the process plant for or after detecting an exception and stores the metadata along with an exception record for use by a reviewer. This system thus provides the reviewer with contextual information regarding the detected exception which, in turn, enables the reviewer to better understand and process the exception.

Systems and Methods for Multi-Site Performance Monitoring of Process Control Systems

A performance monitoring system enables users of computing devices to easily view performance indicators for any of a number of different process control sites. A computing device displays a graphical user interface (GUI) that enables a user to identity one or more process control sites he or she is interested in monitoring. The computing device communicates with one or more servers associated with the process control site(s) to receive and display a set of performance indicators tailored to the selected process control sites and to the user's interests. In some instances, the user selects multiple sites and the system acts as an aggregator that selects, prioritizes, and/or categorizes (based on any of a number of different factors) performance indicators to be provided to the user for the multiple sites. 1. A system for monitoring performance of process control systems , the system comprising:(A) a computing device including: (i) a user interface, and (ii) a processor that, in response to the computing device receiving via the user interface an input representing a request to view performance monitoring information pertaining to a set of process control sites, causes the computing device to transmit a message including a request for performance indicators;(B) one or more memory devices storing: (i) a plurality of site profiles for a plurality of process control sites, wherein each site profile includes a record of performance indicators selected for a one of the plurality of process control sites; and (ii) a plurality of user profiles for a plurality of users, wherein each user profile includes a record of performance indicators selected for a one of the plurality of users; and(C) one or more servers that, in response to receiving the message from the computing device, transmit to the computing device a set of performance indicators tailored to the set of process control sites and to a user of the computing device based on an analysis of: (i) a set of site profiles ...

Systems and methods for configuring and presenting a display navigation hierarchy in a process plant

Techniques for configuring layouts and display view hierarchies and presenting display views in an operating environment of a process plant according to the layouts and display view hierarchies include providing graphical user controls at a graphical display configuration application for defining a layout. The layouts indicate a manner in which divide one or several display screens into one or several display regions, where each display region presents a display view that includes indications of process control elements. The graphical display configuration application also includes graphical user controls for defining a display view hierarchy of the display views by assigning levels of detail to the display views and designating some of the display views as subviews of other display views. An operator application obtains the defined layout and display view hierarchy and presents the display views at an operator workstation according to the obtained layout and/or display view hierarchy.

Poisoning Protection for Process Control Switches

A smart process control switch can implement a lockdown routine to lockdown its communication ports exclusively for use by devices having known physical addresses, enabling the smart process control switch to prevent new, potentially hostile, devices from communicating with other devices to which the smart process control switch is connected. Further, the smart process control switch can implement an address mapping routine to identify “known pairs” of physical and network addresses for each device communicating via a port of the smart process control switch. Thus, even if a new hostile device is able to spoof a known physical address in an attempt to bypass locked ports, the smart process control switch can detect the hostile device by checking the network address of the hostile device against the expected network address for the “known pair.” 1. A method of improving security of a process control system within a process plant , the process control system comprising process control switches connected to devices via communication ports of the process control switches , the method comprising:initiating a lockdown of a set of communication ports of a process control switch; obtaining, by the process control switch, a set of network addresses of a set of devices connected to at least a portion of the set of communication ports, and', 'generating an address matching table for the process control switch, wherein the address matching table matches a set of physical addresses of the set of devices to the set of network addresses of the set of devices; and', receiving, via one of the set of communication ports, a data packet from a device, the data packet indicating (i) a network address of the device and (ii) a physical address of the device,', 'determining that the network address of the device and the physical address of the device are not included in the address matching table, and', 'in response to the determining, generating an alert., 'after the lockdown of the set ...

Enhanced Smart Process Control Switch Port Lockdown

A smart process control switch can implement a lockdown routine to lockdown its communication ports exclusively for use by devices having known physical addresses, enabling the smart process control switch to prevent new, potentially hostile, devices from communicating with other devices to which the smart process control switch is connected. Further, the smart process control switch can implement an address mapping routine to identify “known pairs” of physical and network addresses for each device communicating via a port of the smart process control switch. Thus, even if a new hostile device is able to spoof a known physical address in an attempt to bypass locked ports, the smart process control switch can detect the hostile device by checking the network address of the hostile device against the expected network address for the “known pair.” 1. A process control switch comprising:a plurality of ports; and produce a static address table (i) that maps known physical addresses for devices in a process control environment to one or more of the plurality of ports to which the devices are connected and (ii) that is not updated with new known physical addresses while the plurality of ports are locked, wherein the static address table maps a plurality of known physical addresses to a single port that is connected to an unlockable switch or to a daisy chain of devices; and', (a) analyze the message to identify a source physical address included in the message;', '(b) when the static address table lists the source physical address as a known physical address mapped to the single port, forward the message via a one of the plurality of ports; and', '(c) when the static address table does not list the source physical address as a known physical address mapped to the single port, drop the message., 'limit traffic at each of the plurality of ports, wherein the set of circuits: (i) control the number of messages forwarded at each port to comply with a traffic threshold, and (ii) ...

Field maintenance tool for device commissioning

A method of testing a configuration of a field device is provided. The method includes moving a handheld field maintenance tool into proximity of the field device and generating a simulated process control signal configured to cause the field device to change state. The method also includes performing a digital check, with a remote system, to confirm that the field device is communicably coupled to a process control loop and obtaining a result, from an operator of the handheld field maintenance tool. The result is received by the handheld field maintenance tool through the user interface and includes an indication of a response of the field device to the simulated process control signal.

Methods and Systems for Streaming Non-Process Event Data to Computing Devices

Systems and methods for streaming non-process event data to computing devices include identifying non-process event data values based on non-process events. A non-process event may refer to an event associated with the process plant but not caused or generated within the process plant. The systems and methods further include generating one or more alarms or alerts corresponding to the non-process event data values. The systems and methods further include displaying the one or more alarms or alerts or the corresponding non-process event data values at an operator device in accordance with a display object governing a manner in which the one or more alarms or alerts or the corresponding non-process event data values are to be displayed on an operator interface.

Methods and apparatus to monitor tasks in a process system enterprise

Methods and apparatus to monitor tasks in a process system enterprise are disclosed. In one example, a method is disclosed that comprises analyzing, using a processor, tasks in an enterprise to determine a criticality of each task and an actionability of each task, ordering, using the processor, the tasks based on the criticality and the actionability of each of the tasks, and rendering, via a display, a first graphic representative of at least a portion of the ordered tasks.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO MONITOR OPERATING PROCESSES

Example methods, systems, and computer readable media are provided for monitoring operating processes. An example method includes monitoring an equipment parameter associated with an asset in an operating process unit and monitoring a process parameter associated with the asset. The example method includes determining an asset health corresponding to the asset. The asset health is determined based on a potential state of corrosion associated with the asset by comparing a corrosivity index to a corrosion threshold. The corrosivity index is a function of at least one of current values or changes in the monitored equipment parameter or the monitored process parameter over time. 1. A method comprising:monitoring an equipment parameter associated with an asset in an operating process unit;monitoring a process parameter associated with the asset; anddetermining an asset health value corresponding to the asset, the asset health value being determined based on a potential state of corrosion associated with the asset by comparing a corrosivity index to a corrosion threshold, the corrosivity index being a function of at least one of current values or changes in the monitored equipment parameter or the monitored process parameter over time.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the corrosivity index is determined based on an asset type of the asset.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the asset type is at least one of a liquid hydrocarbon unit claim 2 , a gaseous hydrocarbon unit claim 2 , or an aqueous unit.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining the potential state of corrosion includes weighting the monitored equipment parameter or the monitored process parameter based on impact on corrosion.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the corrosion threshold specifies limits on the equipment parameter or the process parameter.6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising creating an alarm associated with the potential state of corrosion claim 1 , wherein the alarm is to be ...

Process plant network with secured external access

A process control system having an external data server that provides process control data to external networks via one or more firewalls implements a cost-effective security mechanism that reduces or eliminates the ability of the external data server to be compromised by viruses or other security attacks. The security mechanism includes a DMZ gateway disposed outside of the process control network that connects to an external data server located within the process control network. A configuration engine is located within the process control network and configures the external data server to publish one or more preset or pre-established data views to the DMZ gateway, which then receives the data/events/alarms as defined by the data views from the control system automatically, without performing read and write requests to the external data server. The DMZ gateway then republishes the data within the data views on an external network to make the process control data within the published data views available to one or more client applications connected to the external network. Because this security mechanism does not support client read, write, or configuration access to the external data server within the control system, this security mechanism limits the opportunity of viruses to use the structure in the DMZ gateway device to access the process control network.

PROCESS MODEL INDENTIFICATION IN A PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEM

A method of controlling and managing a process control system having a plurality of control loops includes implementing a plurality of control routines to control operation of the plurality of control loops, respectively, wherein the control routines may include at least one non-adaptive control routine. The method then collects operating condition data in connection with the operation of each control loop, and identifies a respective process model for each control loop from the respective operating condition data collected for each control loop. The identification of the respective process models may be automatic as a result of a detected process change or may be on-demand as a result of an injected parameter change. The process models are then analyzed to measure or determine the operation of the process control loops. 1. A method of implementing a process control system having a process control loop , the method comprising:implementing a control routine to control operation of the control loop;collecting operating condition data indicative of the operation of the control loop in response to a trigger event;identifying a process model for the control loop based on the operating condition data; andanalyzing the process model to evaluate the operation of the control loop.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the analyzing the process model comprises diagnosing a control problem based on the process model.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the analyzing the process model comprises identifying a process change based on the process model.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein analyzing the process model further comprises determining a controller tuning change.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein determining a controller tuning change comprises generating a recommendation to implement an adaptive control scheme.6. The method of claim 4 , wherein the determining a controller tuning change comprises generating a recommendation to change the control loop from an adaptive control ...

USE OF PREDICTORS IN PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS WITH WIRELESS OR INTERMITTENT PROCESS MEASUREMENTS

A control technique that enables the use of slow or intermittently received process variable values in a predictor based control scheme without the need to change the control algorithm includes a controller, such as a PID controller, and a predictor, such as a model based predictor, coupled to receive intermittent feedback in the form of, for example, process variable measurement signals from a process. The predictor, which may be an observer like a Kalman filter, or which may be a Smith predictor, is configured to produce an estimate of the process variable value from the intermittent or slow process feedback signals while providing a new process variable estimate to the controller during each of the controller execution cycles to enable the controller to produce a control signal used to control the process. 1. A control system for use in controlling a process , the control system comprising:a control unit including a process variable input and a control routine unit communicatively coupled to the process variable input, wherein the control routine unit generates a control signal for use in controlling the process based on a process variable value received at the process variable input; a control signal input coupled to receive the control signal produced by the control routine unit,', 'an interface including a process variable feedback input that receives a process variable measurement signal less frequently than once per the execution cycle time of the predictor unit,', 'a process model coupled to receive the control signal at the control signal input to produce an initial process variable estimate,', 'a correction unit coupled to use the process variable measurement signal received via the process variable feedback input to produce a correction signal,', 'a combiner coupled to the process model and to the correction unit to combine the initial process variable estimate with the correction signal to produce the process variable estimate, and', 'a switch unit that ...

KALMAN FILTERS IN PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS

A control technique that enables the use of received process variable values in a Kalman filter based control scheme without the need to change the control algorithm includes a controller, such as a PID controller, and a Kalman filter, coupled to receive feedback in the form of, for example, process variable measurement signals from a process. The Kalman filter is configured to produce an estimate of the process variable value from slow or intermittent process feedback signals while providing a new process variable estimate to the controller during each of the controller execution cycles to enable the controller to produce a control signal used to control the process. The Kalman filter is also configured to compensate the process variable estimate for process noise with non-zero mean value that may be present in the process. The Kalman filter may apply this compensation to both continuously and intermittently received process variable values. 1. A control system for use in controlling a process , the control system comprising:a control unit including a process variable input and a control routine unit communicatively coupled to the process variable input, wherein the control routine unit generates a control signal for use in controlling the process based on a process variable value received at the process variable input; a control signal input coupled to receive the control signal produced by the control routine unit,', 'an interface including a process variable feedback input that receives a process variable measurement signal less frequently than once per the execution cycle time of the Kalman filter unit,', 'a process model coupled to receive the control signal at the control signal input to produce an initial process variable estimate,', 'a correction unit coupled to use the process variable measurement signal received via the process variable feedback input to produce a correction signal from a residual, wherein the correction unit includes a first combiner, a ...

BIG DATA IN PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS

A big data network or system for a process control system or plant includes a big data apparatus including a data storage area configured to store, using a common data schema, multiple types of process data and/or plant data (such as configuration and real-time data) that is used in, generated by or received by the process control system, and one or more data receiver computing devices to receive the data from multiple nodes or devices. The data may be cached and time-stamped at the nodes and streamed to the big data apparatus for storage. The process control system big data system provides services and/or data analyses to automatically or manually discover prescriptive and/or predictive knowledge, and to determine, based on the discovered knowledge, changes and/or additions to the process control system and to the set of services and/or analyses to optimize the process control system or plant. 1. A system for supporting big data in a process control plant , comprising:a unitary, logical data storage area including one or more data storage devices configured to store, using a common format, data corresponding to at least one of the process plant or a process that is controlled in the process plant, the data including multiple types of data, and a set of types of data including configuration data, continuous data, and event data corresponding to the process; andone or more data receiver computing devices configured to receive the data from one or more other devices and to cause the data to be stored in the unitary, logical data storage area.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the data includes time series data.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein a data entry of the time series data stored in the unitary claim 2 , logical data storage area includes a content and a timestamp claim 2 , the timestamp being indicative of a time of generation of the content of the data entry.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the unitary claim 1 , logical data storage area is further ...

BACKGROUND COLLECTION OF DIAGNOSTIC DATA FROM FIELD INSTRUMENTATION DEVICES

In a method and system, a device tag allows automatic configuration of a process control system to download and cache device diagnostic data associated with one or more process control field devices. The device diagnostic data are downloaded and cached using bandwidth not otherwise required for real-time process control communications. The device diagnostic data may be polled asynchronously and/or according to a low priority, background task. The device diagnostic data include one or more non-static parameter values. The cached parameter values may be used in display routines, control routines, or any routine for which the update frequency is sufficient. Each cached parameter value may also have associated with it a status.

CONTEXT SENSITIVE MOBILE CONTROL IN A PROCESS PLANT

A mobile device for context-sensitive operation in a process control environment, and a system including such a device, includes a first circuit for acquiring information associated with a process entity in the process control environment. The mobile device also includes a processor, communicatively coupled to the first circuit, for identifying the process entity based on the acquired information. Further, the mobile device includes a network interface, communicatively connected to the processor, for receiving work item data associated with a process entity. The work item data indicates a target function associated with the process entity. The processor triggers an event to facilitate implementing the target function associated with the process entity in response to the proximity of the mobile device to the process entity and the work item data. 1. A method for contextual operation of a mobile device in a process control environment , the method including:acquiring at the mobile device information to identify a process entity in the process control environment;determining a proximity of the mobile device to the process entity;identifying at the mobile device work item data associated with the process entity, the work item data including information regarding a target function associated with the process entity; andautomatically triggering an event at the mobile device to facilitate implementing the target function associated with the process entity in response to the acquired information and the identified work item data.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the process entity is (i) a process control device claim 1 , or (ii) an area in the process control environment.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the target function associated with the process entity is a scheduled task associated with the process entity.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein triggering an event at the mobile device to facilitate implementing the target function associated with the process entity ...

MOBILE CONTROL ROOM WITH REAL-TIME ENVIRONMENT AWARENESS

A method and apparatus track the location of a mobile device within a process plant and display present information about the location of the mobile device in the process plant relative to equipment of the process plant. A location awareness component generates information pertaining to the location of the mobile control room device. A first routine interprets information generated by the location awareness component according to information stored in a database to determine a relationship between the location of the device and a layout of the process plant. A second routine generates a graphic for depiction on the display according to the determined relationship between the location of the device and the layout of the plant. 1. A mobile control room device for use in process plant , the device comprising:a processor;a memory device communicatively coupled to the processor;a display communicatively coupled to the processor;a location awareness component operable to generate information pertaining to the location of the mobile control room device;a database stored on the memory device and storing layout information of the process plant;a first routine stored on the memory device and operable to interpret information generated by the location awareness component according to information stored in the database to determine a relationship between the location of the mobile control device and the layout of the process plant; anda second routine stored on the memory device and operable to generate a graphic for depiction on the display according to the determined relationship between the location of the mobile control device and the layout of the process plant.2. A mobile control device according to claim 1 , wherein the database stores layout information for presenting the process plant from an overhead perspective.3. A mobile control device according to claim 1 , wherein the database stores layout information for presenting the process plant from an eye-level ...

SUPERVISOR ENGINE FOR PROCESS CONTROL

A supervisor engine cooperates with an expert system in a process control environment to automatically generate, assign, track, and manage work items. The supervisor engine creates work items according to data received from the expert system, selects available personnel to execute work items, sends work items to the selected personnel, schedules the execution of the work items, and creates and stores permissions that allow the assigned personnel to complete a target function of the work item at an assigned time. The supervisor engine determines required skill sets, roles, certifications, and/or credentials associated with a work item, and selects personnel to perform the work item according to a personnel profile specifying a skill set, a role, certifications, and/or credentials associated with the personnel. Alternatively or additionally, the supervisor engine assigns a work item according to the presence of personnel at or near the target equipment. 1. A computer-implemented , automated method of assigning tasks to personnel in a process plant , the method executed by a supervisor module and comprising:receiving data from an expert system;creating a work item specifying a task according to the data received from the expert system;selecting a person to execute the task specified in the work item;sending the work item to a device associated with the selected person; andreceiving an indication that the selected person has accepted the work item.2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein receiving data from an expert system comprises receiving data indicating a trend associated with a process parameter.3. A method according to claim 1 , wherein receiving data from an expert system comprises receiving data indicating a predicted problem in the process plant.4. A method according to claim 1 , wherein receiving data from an expert system comprises receiving a request to provide the expert system with a parameter value.5. A method according to claim 4 , wherein creating a ...

Method and apparatus for seamless state transfer between user interface devices in a mobile control room

Methods, apparatus, and systems for operating a process plant include multiple user interface devices, each accessing process control data for display in dynamically generated user interfaces, and each operable to transfer device state directly to another device. A first user interface device stores instructions operable to cause a processor of the first user interface device to dynamically generate a user interface for displaying process data. Process data are provided to the first user interface device by a server coupled to a unitary, logical data storage area. When a second user interface device receives from a first user interface device data indicative of the state of the first user interface device, the second user interface device dynamically generates a user interface for displaying data on the second user interface device according to the received data indicative of the state of the first user interface device.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SEAMLESS STATE TRANSFER BETWEEN USER INTERFACE DEVICES IN A MOBILE CONTROL ROOM

Methods and systems for operating a process plant include multiple user interface devices, each operating a plurality of applications, and operable to pass device state from device to device. A first user interface device is communicatively coupled to a unitary, logical data storage area, and executes one or more first routines for performing a function. A second user interface device is communicatively coupled via a network to the unitary, logical data storage area and executes one or more stored routines each corresponding to one of the first routines. The first user interface device passes to the second user interface device state information indicative of one or more first routines operating on the first user interface device such that the second user interface device, upon receiving the state information, executes one or more of the second routines corresponding to one or more of the first routines. 1. A system for operating a process control plant , the system comprising:a unitary, logical data storage area including one or more data storage devices configured to store, using a common format, process data corresponding to the process plant, the process data including multiple types of process data selected from configuration data, measurement data, batch data, continuous data, and event data;a first user interface device communicatively coupled via a network to the unitary, logical data storage area and operable to execute one or more first routines, each first routine for performing a control function, an operation function, a configuration function, a maintenance function, a data analysis function, a management function, a quality control function, or a security function; anda second user interface device communicatively coupled via the network to the unitary, logical data storage area and operable to execute one or more second routines, each second routine corresponding to one of the first routines;wherein the first user interface device is operable to pass ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGING A WORK FLOW IN A PROCESS PLANT

An automated method for managing a work flow in a process plant includes determining the steps of performing a work item and generating associated displays for an operator or other personnel to perform the steps of the work item. A work item is created specifying a task to be performed in the process plant and determining from the specified task a set of procedures for execution of the work item. For each procedure, an associated display is generated and the associated displays are displayed on a mobile user interface device sequentially in an order in which the set of procedures are to be performed. 1. A computer-implemented , automated method of managing a work flow in a process plant , the method comprising:creating a work item specifying a task to be performed in the process plant;determining from the specified task a set of procedures for execution of the work item;generating for each of the procedures in the set of procedures an associated display; anddisplaying on a mobile user interface device the set of associated displays sequentially in an order in which the set of procedures are to be performed.2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein creating a work item comprises receiving data from an expert system and specifying a task according to the data received from the expert system.3. A method according to claim 2 , wherein receiving data from an expert system comprises receiving an instruction to perform a particular action with respect to a process control device.4. A method according to claim 1 , wherein creating a work item specifying a task to be performed in the process plant comprises specifying a maintenance task claim 1 , a calibration task claim 1 , a replacement task claim 1 , an inspection task claim 1 , or a repair task.5. A method according to claim 1 , wherein creating a work item specifying a task to be performed in the process plant comprises specifying a task that requires a safety lockout procedure.6. A method according to claim 1 , ...

DISTRIBUTED BIG DATA IN A PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEM

A distributed big data device in a process plant includes an embedded big data appliance configured to locally stream and store, as big data, data that is generated, received, or observed by the device, and to perform one or more learning analyses on at least a portion of the stored data. The embedded big data appliance generates or creates learned knowledge based on a result of the learning analysis, which the device may use to modify its operation to control a process in real-time in the process plant, and/or which the device may transmit to other devices in the process plant. The distributed big data device may be a field device, a controller, an input/output device, or other process plant device, and may utilize learned knowledge created by other devices when performing its learning analysis. 1. A process control device for supporting distributed big data in a process plant , the process control device comprising:a processor; generating process data used to control the at least the portion of the process, or', 'operating on received process data to control the at least the portion of the process,', 'the generated process data and the received process data being process data that is generated from real-time control of the process;, 'one or more tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable storage media having stored thereon a set of computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the process control device to operate to control, in real-time, at least a portion of a process executed by the process plant by at least one ofan indication of a type of the process control device, the type corresponding to one of a field device, a controller, or an input/output (I/O) device disposed between and connected to the field device and the controller; and store the generated process data and the received process data;', 'perform a learning analysis on at least a part of the stored process data;', 'create learned knowledge based on a result of the ...

MOBILE ANALYSIS OF PHYSICAL PHENOMENA IN A PROCESS PLANT

In a process plant, a mobile device detects a physical phenomenon and converts the detected physical phenomenon to digital data representative of the physical phenomenon. The data are transmitted to an expert system and analyzed by the expert system to determine a state of one or more process elements. Abnormal conditions associated with the process elements may be detected, and a cause of the abnormal condition may be determined from the digital data. Process control parameters may be automatically changed to correct the abnormal condition, work items may be created to cause personnel to take action to correct the abnormal condition, and/or an operator may be prompted to take a corrective action to resolve the abnormal condition. 1. A method for analyzing physical phenomena in a process plant , the method including:detecting, in a mobile device, a physical phenomenon in the process plant;converting, in the mobile device, the detected physical phenomenon to digital data representative of the physical phenomenon;transmitting the digital data to an expert system; andanalyzing the digital data in the expert system to determine a state of one or more process elements.2. A method according to claim 1 , further comprising detecting an abnormal condition associated with the one or more process elements.3. A method according to claim 2 , further comprising determining from the digital data a cause of the abnormal condition.4. A method according to claim 3 , further comprising automatically initiating a change to one or more process control parameters to correct the abnormal condition.5. A method according to claim 3 , further comprising automatically creating a work item to cause personnel to take action to correct the abnormal condition.6. A method according to claim 3 , further comprising providing to an operator an indication of a corrective action to be taken to resolve the abnormal condition.7. A method according to claim 1 , wherein detecting the physical phenomenon ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING THE POSITION OF A MOBILE CONTROL DEVICE IN A PROCESS PLANT

Methods, systems, and apparatus for determining with dead reckoning the position, relative to an anchor point, of a mobile device. Data indicating an anchor position within a process plant is acquired and an anchor position is determined according to the acquired data. Data indicative of acceleration and orientation of the mobile device are received from circuitry of the mobile device. A position of the mobile device is determined according to the received data and the anchor position. 1. A method for determining a position of a mobile device within a process control environment , the method including:acquiring data indicating an anchor position within a process plant;determining the anchor position according to the acquired data;receiving, from circuitry of the mobile device, data indicative of acceleration and orientation of the mobile device; anddetermining a position of the mobile device according to the received data and the anchor position.2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein acquiring data indicating an anchor position comprises determining a position of the mobile device using a global satellite positioning system.3. A method according to claim 1 , wherein acquiring data indicating an anchor position comprises acquiring an image.4. A method according to claim 3 , wherein acquiring an image comprises acquiring an image of a bar code.5. A method according to claim 3 , wherein acquiring an image comprises acquiring an image of a portion of the process plant and wherein determining from the image a position of the mobile device comprises comparing the image of the portion of the process plant with a database of images associated with locations in the process plant to determine the position of the mobile device.6. A method according to claim 1 , wherein acquiring data indicating an anchor position comprises acquiring data of one or more wireless signals.7. A method according to claim 6 , wherein acquiring data of one or more wireless signals comprises ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SEAMLESS STATE TRANSFER BETWEEN USER INTERFACE DEVICES IN A MOBILE CONTROL ROOM

Methods and systems for operating a process plant include multiple user interface (UI) devices, each accessing a plurality of applications on a server, and operable to store device state on the server and receive device state from the server. The server is coupled to a unitary, logical data storage area and provides functions related to the process data stored in the data storage areas via one or more user interfaces. A first UI device coupled to the server accesses the process data and maintains on the server state information indicative of a state of the user interface executing on the first UI device. A second UI device coupled to the server accesses the process data and the state information to execute a user interface on the second UI device in accordance with the state information indicative of the state of the user interface executing on the first UI device. 1. A system for operating a process control plant , the system comprising:a unitary, logical data storage area including one or more data storage devices configured to store, using a common format, process data corresponding to the process plant, the process data including multiple types of process data selected from configuration data, measurement data, batch data, continuous data, and event data;a server coupled to the unitary, logical data storage area and operable to provide one or more functions related to the process data stored on the data storage area through one or more user interfaces;a first user interface device communicatively coupled to the server and operable, via the server, to access the process data, the first user interface maintaining on the server state information indicative of a state of the user interface executing on the first user interface device; anda second user interface device communicatively coupled to the server and operable, via the server, to access the process data and the state information and to execute a user interface on the second user interface device in ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SEAMLESS STATE TRANSFER BETWEEN USER INTERFACE DEVICES IN A MOBILE CONTROL ROOM

Methods and apparatus for operating a process plant include a server providing display information to a first user interface (UI) device, storing state information, and providing display information to a second user interface device according to the stored state data. A processor is coupled to a unitary, logical data storage area and to a memory device that stores machine-readable instructions executable by the processor. The instructions cause the processor to retrieve process data for display on a first UI device, transmit to the first UI device the retrieved process data, store state information associated with the display of the process data on the first UI device, retrieve process data for display on a second UI device according to the stored state information, and transmit to the second UI device the process data retrieved according to the stored state information. 1. A server for facilitating mobile control of a process plant , the server comprising:a processor communicatively coupled via a network to a unitary, logical data storage area including one or more data storage devices configured to store, using a common format, process data corresponding to the process plant, the process data including multiple types of process data selected from configuration data, measurement data, batch data, continuous data, and event data; and retrieve process data for display on a first user interface device;', 'transmit to the first user interface device the retrieved process data;', 'store state information associated with the display of the process data on the first user interface device;', 'retrieve process data for display on a second user interface device according to the stored state information; and', 'transmit to the second user interface device the process data retrieved according to the stored state information., 'a memory device communicatively coupled to the processor and storing machine-readable instructions, executable by the processor to cause the processor ...

METHOD FOR INITIATING OR RESUMING A MOBILE CONTROL SESSION IN A PROCESS PLANT

User interface sessions in a user interface device are initiated or resumed according to stored state data. A session request is received from a first client device. A user profile associated with the session request is identified and a determination made as to whether a previous session exists. If no previous session exists, a new session is instantiated using a default session configuration. If a previous session exists, a new session is instantiated according to the previous session. 1. A method of initiating a user interface session on a first client device for controlling a process plant , the method comprising:receiving from the first client device a session request;identifying a user profile associated with the session request;determining whether a previous session exists; andif no previous session exists, instantiating a new session using a default session configuration; orif a previous session exists, instantiating a new session according to the previous session.2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein identifying a user profile associated with the session request comprises receiving from the first client device a user identifier associated with the user profile claim 1 , the user identifier currently logged into the first client device.3. A method according to claim 1 , wherein identifying a user profile associated with the session request comprises receiving from the first client device a user identifier associated with the user profile claim 1 , the user identifier currently logged into a second client device.4. A method according to claim 1 , further comprising:transmitting to the second client device a request to instantiate on the first client device a session according to the session operating on the second client device; andreceiving from the second client device a confirmation.5. A method according to claim 1 , wherein determining whether a previous session exists comprises requesting from the first client device a session identifier associated ...

Method for initiating or resuming a mobile control session in a process plant

User interface sessions in a user interface device are initiated or resumed according to a device type and a target session. A session request is received from a first client device. A device type associated with the session request is determined, and a graphical user interface configuration is identified according to the device type. A target session associated with the session request is identified and a new session is configured for the first client device according to the identified graphical user interface configuration and the identified target session. Data associated with the new session are transmitted to the first client device.

GRAPHICAL PROCESS VARIABLE TREND MONITORING IN A PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEM USING A NAVIGATION PANE

A process control monitoring system for a process control plant uses graphic trend symbols to assist in detecting and monitoring trends of process variables within the process control plant. A graphic display application within the process control monitoring system may implement and display each graphic trend symbol to graphically indicate or encapsulate current trend and value information of a process variable within the process control plant. The graphic display application may display the graphic trend symbol in a spatially realistic location within a graphical representation of the process control plant while maintaining the hierarchical structure or each hierarchical level of the process plant. The graphic display application may also include a navigation pane and a zoom feature that enable a user to quickly drill down through tend data to obtain more information and to support problem identification and diagnosis tasks. 1. A method in a computing device for providing an navigation pane for navigating within a graphical depiction of a process control plant , the method comprising:displaying, within a fixed and bounded area, the navigation pane that includes a unit selection area and an equipment selection area, wherein (i) the unit selection area includes one or more unit selector icons that correspond to one or more units in the graphical depiction of the process control plant and correspond to one or more units in the process control plant, (ii) the equipment selection area includes one or more equipment selector icons that correspond to one or more equipment in the graphical depiction of the process control plant and correspond to one or more equipment items in the process control plant, (iii) each unit in the process control plant includes one or more equipment in the process control plant, and (iv) each unit selector icon is associated with one or more equipment items selector icons based on the included one or more equipment in the process control plant ...

GRAPHICAL PROCESS VARIABLE TREND MONITORING WITH ZOOM FEATURES FOR USE IN A PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEM

A process control monitoring system for a process control plant uses graphic trend symbols to assist in detecting and monitoring trends of process variables within the process control plant. A graphic display application within the process control monitoring system may implement and display each graphic trend symbol to graphically indicate or encapsulate current trend and value information of a process variable within the process control plant. The graphic display application may display the graphic trend symbol in a spatially realistic location within a graphical representation of the process control plant while maintaining the hierarchical structure or each hierarchical level of the process plant. The graphic display application may also include a zoom feature that enables a user to quickly drill down through tend data to obtain more information and to support problem identification and diagnosis tasks. 1. A method in a computing device for providing a process variable pane for monitoring process variables within a graphical depiction of a process control plant , the method comprising:displaying a graphical depiction of a process control plant that includes one or more graphic trend symbols, each graphic trend symbol (i) associated with a process variable within the graphical depiction of the process control plant and (ii) graphically representing process control information related to the associated process variable;displaying one or more process variable panes associated with the displayed graphical depiction of the process control plant, each process variable pane including one or more process variable selector icons that correspond to the one or more process variables displayed within the graphical depiction of the process control plant, each process variable selector icon including a graphic trend symbol that corresponds to one of the graphic trend symbols displayed within the graphical depiction of the process plant;receiving a selection of one of the ...

COLLECTING AND DELIVERING DATA TO A BIG DATA MACHINE IN A PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEM

A device supporting big data in a process plant includes an interface to a communications network, a cache configured to store data observed by the device, and a multi-processing element processor to cause the data to be cached and transmitted (e.g., streamed) for historization at a unitary, logical centralized data storage area. The data storage area stores multiple types of process control or plant data using a common format. The device time-stamps the cached data, and, in some cases, all data that is generated or created by or received at the device may be cached and/or streamed. The device may be a field device, a controller, an input/output device, a network management device, a user interface device, or a historian device, and the device may be a node of a network supporting big data in the process plant. Multiple devices in the network may support layered or leveled caching of data. 1. A method of delivering data using a device communicatively coupled to a communications network of a process plant , the process plant having equipment configured to control one or more processes , and the method comprising: the data including at least one of: (i) data that is generated by the device, (ii) data that is created by the device, or (iii) data that is received at the device,', 'the data corresponding to at least one of the process plant or a process controlled by the process plant, and', 'a type of the device is included in a set of device types, the set of device types including a field device and a controller;, 'collecting data at the device,'}storing, in a cache of the device, the collected data; and the unitary, logical data storage area being configured to store, using a common format, multiple types of data from a set of types of data corresponding to at least one of the process plant or the process controlled by the process plant, and', 'the set of types of data including continuous data, event data, measurement data, batch data, calculated data, and ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING A PROCESS PLANT WITH LOCATION AWARE MOBILE CONTROL DEVICES

A computer-readable storage medium for controlling a process plant includes instructions operable to determine the location of a device in the process plant and to display data related to proximate devices. The instructions cause a processor to transmit to a server a first request for first data from a data storage area and to receive from the server, in response to the first request, first data from the storage area. The instructions cause the processor to cause the display to display the first data received from the server and to receive an indication that the mobile user interface device is in proximity to an external device. The instructions cause the processor to transmit to the server a second request for second data according to the received indication and to receive second data from the server. 1. A computer-readable medium storing instructions , executable by a processor in a mobile user interface device for controlling a process plant , the instructions operable to cause the processor to:transmit to a server a first request for first data from a data storage area;receive from the server, in response to the first request, first data from the storage area;cause the display to display the first data received from the server;receive an indication that the mobile user interface device is in proximity to an external device;transmit to the server a second request for second data according to the received indication; andreceive from the server, in response to the second request, second data.2. A computer-readable medium according to claim 1 , wherein the instructions for causing the processor to receive an indication that the mobile user interface device is in proximity to an external device comprise instructions for causing the processor to receive an indication that the mobile user interface device is in proximity to an additional user interface device.3. A computer-readable medium according to claim 1 , wherein the instructions for causing the processor to ...

Collecting and delivering data to a big data machine in a process control system

A device supporting big data in a process plant includes an interface to a communications network, a cache configured to store data observed by the device, and a multi-processing element processor to cause the data to be cached and transmitted (e.g., streamed) for historization at a unitary, logical centralized data storage area. The data storage area stores multiple types of process control or plant data using a common format. The device time-stamps the cached data, and, in some cases, all data that is generated or created by or received at the device may be cached and/or streamed. The device may be a field device, a controller, an input/output device, a network management device, a user interface device, or a historian device, and the device may be a node of a network supporting big data in the process plant. Multiple devices in the network may support layered or leveled caching of data.

Method and apparatus for controlling a process plant with location aware mobile control devices

Methods and apparatus for operating a process plant include multiple user interface devices operable to determine the location of the device in the process plant and to display data related to proximate devices. A processor in a mobile user interface device transmits a first request for data and receives the requested data in response to the request. The processor causes a display to display the received data. The processor receives an indication that the mobile user interface device is in proximity to an external device the processors transmits a second request for data according to the received indication. The processor then receives data in response to the second request.

Graphical Process Variable Trend Monitoring for a Process Control System

A process control monitoring system for a process control plant uses graphic trend symbols to assist in detecting and monitoring trends of process variables within the process control plant. A graphic display application within the process control monitoring system may implement and display each graphic trend symbol to graphically indicate or encapsulate current trend and value information of a process variable within the process control plant. The graphic display application may display the graphic trend symbol in a spatially realistic location within a graphical representation of the process control plant while maintaining the hierarchical structure or each hierarchical level of the process plant. The graphic display application may also include a zoom feature that enables a user to quickly drill down through tend data to obtain more information and to support problem identification and diagnosis tasks. 1. A method of generating and displaying , via a computing device having a user interface , a graphic trend symbol that identifies trends of a process variable in a process control system of a process control plant , the method comprising:receiving an update of a process variable value from an element in the process control system, the element communicatively coupled to the computing device;generating, using at least the update of the process variable value, process variable data that indicates one or more process variable attributes, the process variable data including process variable trend data that indicates one or more process variable trend attributes;generating, using the process variable data, one or more graphic elements, each graphic element associated with a corresponding one of the process variable attributes;generating, using the process variable trend data, one or more graphic trend elements, each graphic trend element associated with a corresponding one of the process variable trend attributes; anddisplaying the graphic trend symbol on the user ...

DATA MODELING STUDIO

A data modeling studio provides a structured environment for graphically creating and executing models which may be configured for diagnosis, prognosis, analysis, identifying relationships, etc., within a process plant. The data modeling studio includes a configuration engine for generating user interface elements to facilitate graphical construction of a model and a runtime engine for executing data models in, for example, an offline or an on-line environment. The configuration engine includes an interface routine that generates user interface elements, a plurality of templates stored in memory that serve as the building blocks of the model and a model compiler that converts the graphical model into a data format executable by the run-time engine. The run time engine executes the model to produce the desired output and may include a retrieval routine for retrieving data corresponding to the templates from memory and a modeling routine for executing the executable model. 1a non-transitory computer readable memory that stores a plurality of data model templates including one or more data source templates defining data sources within the process plant, one or more functional templates defining data processing routines to be performed on data retrieved from the data sources and one or more data output templates indicating processing to be performed on outputs of the data processing routine; [ a library region that displays graphical depictions of the plurality of data model templates including the data source templates, the functional templates and the data output templates; and', 'a canvas region that receives and displays user selections of the graphical depictions of one or more data model templates and one or more interconnections defining the connections between the selected and displayed data model templates;, 'an interface routine that generates, via a user interface device, 'wherein the configuration engine further operates to execute a software routine to ...

GENERATING CHECKLISTS IN A PROCESS CONTROL ENVIRONMENT

A method executed in a process control environment automatically generates, displays, and tracks check lists according to assigned work items. The work items include information such as required equipment, required safety equipment, required tools, target function, and target equipment. The target function and/or target equipment information can be associated, together or separately, with the required equipment, required safety equipment, and required tools if the required equipment and tools are not specifically included in the work items. The check lists indicate the required equipment, tools, devices, parts, maintenance materials, manuals, and/or documents, that are necessary to perform the target function on the target equipment. A check list is displayed on a user interface device, which tracks, internally or in cooperation with a supervisor engine, whether a user of the user interface device has checked off the items on the check list. 1. A computer implemented method for facilitating task completion in a process plant , the method comprising:receiving a selection of a work item from a plurality of work items stored in a database of work items;determining from the selected work item one or more items required for the execution of the work item;generating a checklist of the one or more items for display to a person executing the work item; anddisplaying the checklist to the person executing the work item.2. A computer implemented method according to claim 1 , wherein determining from the selected work item one or more items required for the execution of the work item comprises reading one or more fields of the work item.3. A computer implemented method according to claim 2 , wherein reading one or more fields of the work item comprises one or more of: reading a required equipment field claim 2 , reading a required safety equipment field claim 2 , reading a required tool field claim 2 , and reading a field indicating a location of a target piece of equipment ...

Managing Big Data In Process Control Systems

A big data network or system for a process control system or plant includes a data storage device configured to receive process control data from control system devices and store the process control data. The big data network or system identifies various parameters or attributes from the process control data, and creates and uses rowkeys to store the parameters according to various combinations, such as combinations using timestamps. The big data network or system may also store certain aggregate data analyses associated with time periods specified by the timestamps. Accordingly, the big data network or system efficiently stores real-time data having measurements within a database schema, and users or administrators can leverage the aggregate data to analyze certain data associated with certain time periods. 1. A system for storing process control data associated with a process control plant , comprising:a data storage device configured to store process control data corresponding to at least one process that is controlled by a plurality of devices in the process control plant; anda data receiver configured to receive the process control data from the plurality of devices, the process control data including a plurality of portions each associated with a respective process variable; and identify (1) the respective process variable, (2) a timestamp associated with the respective portion of the data, the timestamp including a first timestamp portion and a second timestamp portion, and (3) a measurement value associated with the respective process variable,', 'identify a rowkey stored in the data storage device and based on the respective process variable and the first timestamp portion, and', 'store, within a portion of the data storage device associated with the rowkey, the second timestamp portion and the measurement value., 'a processor adapted to interface with the data storage device and the data receiver and configured to, for each respective portion of the data2. ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO GRAPHICALLY DISPLAY PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEM INFORMATION

Systems and methods to graphically display process control system information are disclosed. Some example methods include monitoring process variables in a process control system, determining a current state of a first one of the process variables, and determining a trend associated with the first process variable. Some such examples further include generating a first graphic representative of information associated with the first process variable, the information comprising the current state of the first process variable and the trend of the first process variable. Some example methods also include rendering the first graphic via a display. 1. A method , comprising:monitoring process variables in a process control system;determining a current state of a first one of the process variables;determining a trend associated with the first process variable;generating a first graphic representative of information associated with the first process variable, the information comprising the current state of the first process variable and the trend of the first process variable; andrendering the first graphic via a display.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the information represented by the first graphic further comprises at least one of a direction of the first process variable.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the information represented by the first graphic further comprises a rate of change of the first process variable.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the information represented by the first graphic further comprises a projected state of the first process variable.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the information represented by the first graphic further comprises any of a relative position of the first process variable with respect to a set point claim 1 , a relative distance of the first process variable with respect to an alarm limit claim 1 , or a relative deviation of the first process variable from the set point with respect to a range of operational values.6. ...

Configuration in Process Plant Using I/O-Abstracted Field Device Configurations

An I/O-abstracted configuration is defined for a field device that has not yet been assigned or allocated to communicate via a particular I/O device or I/O network within a plant, and this configuration is stored in a device placeholder object in a back-end environment of the plant. Thereafter other objects, modules, applications, user interfaces, etc., that are to execute in the back-end environment of the plant to communicate with the field device during on-line operation of the plant may be designed, built, configured, and tested using the device placeholder object without any actual communications with the field device and without assigning the device placeholder object to a particular I/O channel or I/O network. A commissioning system which may create and store one or more device placeholder objects in a database within the back-end environment of the plant includes an execution engine that executes one or more other back-end environment objects to be commissioned and tested, and a communication interface that determines, from the device placeholder object if a field device is in an I/O-unallocated device state. If so, the communication interface uses the configuration data stored in the device placeholder object to verify that the form, format, and configuration of the object being tested is correct to properly communicate with the field device. Moreover, a simulation engine can generate simulated device signals to enable further testing of the object. 1. A method of commissioning a process plant that has a field environment and a back-end environment , the method comprising:configuring, using one or more computing devices disposed in the back-end environment of the process plant, an instance of a device placeholder object for a field device in the field environment, the configured device placeholder object instance defining an I/O-abstracted configuration for the field device;storing the instance of the device placeholder object in a computer memory in the ...

Detecting and Locating Process Control Communication Line Faults from a Handheld Maintenance Tool

A handheld maintenance tool operates to detect the existence of a fault in a communication line or bus, including detecting short circuit or other low impedance faults, open circuit or other high impedance faults, etc. Additionally, the handheld maintenance tool may operate to detect an approximate location of a fault within the communication line with respect to the handheld device, to thereby enable an operator or maintenance person to more easily find and repair a detected fault.

System and method for configuring seperated monitor and effect blocks of a process control system

A system and method for managing function blocks within a process control system for a process plant includes accessing an initial cause and effect matrix (CEM) having a set of causes and a set of effects. The system and method may then define a set of related groups within the initial CEM including: (i) accessing a set of rules associated with the set of related groups, (ii) identifying a portion of the set of causes that are related to a portion of the set of effects according to the set of rules and based on at least a portion of the corresponding cause-effect pairs, and (iii) rearranging the portion of the set of causes and the portion of the set of effects such that the portion of the corresponding cause-effect pairs are rearranged.

Inferential process modeling, quality prediction and fault detection using multi-stage data segregation

A process modeling technique uses a single statistical model, such as a PLS, PRC, MLR, etc. model, developed from historical data for a typical process and uses this model to perform quality prediction or fault detection for various different process states of a process. The modeling technique determines means (and possibly standard deviations) of process parameters for each of a set of product grades, throughputs, etc., compares on-line process parameter measurements to these means and uses these comparisons in a single process model to perform quality prediction or fault detection across the various states of the process. Because only the means and standard deviations of the process parameters of the process model are updated, a single process model can be used to perform quality prediction or fault detection while the process is operating in any of the defined process stages or states. Moreover, the sensitivity (robustness) of the process model may be manually or automatically adjusted for each process parameter to tune or adapt the model over time.

METHODS AND APPARATUS TO CONFIGURE PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS BASED ON GENERIC PROCESS SYSTEM LIBRARIES

Methods and apparatus to configure process control systems based on generic process system libraries are disclosed. An example method includes instantiating an instance of a generic process system library. The instance is associated with items of equipment and corresponding process signals of a process control system. The generic process system library comprises at least one of generic process graphic data or generic control strategy data corresponding to the items of equipment and the corresponding process signals of the process control system. The example method further includes configuring the instance of the generic process system library by incorporating process-specific data associated with the operation of the process control system with the at least one of the generic process graphic data or the generic control strategy data. 1. A method comprising:instantiating an instance of a generic process system library, the instance associated with items of equipment and corresponding process signals of a process control system, the generic process system library comprising at least one of generic process graphic data or generic control strategy data corresponding to the items of equipment and the corresponding process signals of the process control system; andconfiguring the instance of the generic process system library by incorporating process-specific data associated with the operation of the process control system with the at least one of the generic process graphic data or the generic control strategy data.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising configuring the instance by:defining tag names for the items of equipment and the process signals of the process control system based on generic tag names associated with the generic process system library, the generic tag names comprising one or more generic placeholders to be assigned a value by a user when instantiating the instance; andbinding the instance to the items of equipment and corresponding process ...

LOOP INTERFACE

The described methods and systems give users situational awareness regarding control loops in a process control system. The user can utilize the loop interface described herein to quickly understand how a given element (e.g., a device or function block) relates to other elements of the control loop. This enables the user to appreciate how modifying a parameter or device, for example, may impact control of the process. The user need not be intimately familiar with the logic associated with a control loop to understand the status of the control loop and its constituent elements. Further, in an embodiment, the user can easily correct certain statuses (e.g., unusual conditions) that arise with respect to the control loop. 1. A method comprising:displaying at a display a loop map for a control loop of a process plant, the loop map depicting a plurality of control loop elements of the control loop; anddisplaying at the display a control loop status associated with the loop map.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the depicted plurality of control loop elements comprises: a plurality of hardware elements of the control loop.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the depicted plurality of hardware elements comprises: a plurality of devices of the control loop and a communication link between at least two of the plurality of devices.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the depicted plurality of devices comprises:(i) a field device;(ii) an I/O device;(iii) a first communication link between the field device and the I/O device;(iv) a controller configured to transmit a control signal for controlling the field device or receive a measurement obtained by the field device;(v) a second communication link between the controller and the I/O device;(vi) an operator station configured to monitor or control the field device; and(vii) a third communication link between the operator station and the controller.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the depicted plurality of control loop elements ...

Enhanced Work Order Generation and Tracking System

A work order initiation and tracking system is coupled between various plant asset diagnostic systems and a work or business management system within a process plant. The work order initiation and tracking system includes a user interface that enables a user to review diagnostic data, recommendations, and other information from one or more of the diagnostic systems regarding potential or recommended changes to plant assets, and to initiate the generation of one or more work orders to implement the recommendations or corrections based on information from the diagnostic systems. The work order initiation and tracking system assists the user in generating work orders by tracking and viewing the created work orders associated with various assets in the plant based on previous diagnostic information or recommendations, by enabling the user to copy data or information from the asset diagnostic applications into the work order generation system, by translating or associating asset name and tag data from the diagnostic systems to the work order generation system to assure that the correct assets are identified in the work orders, and by tracking the progress of the work orders sent to and generated by the business and work management system to provide the user with information pertaining to previously ordered work within the plant.