DYNAMIC RESPONSE OF FIELDBUS BASED PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEM

Abstract

FOUNDATIONTM Fieldbus is an all-digital, serial, two-way communication system, which interconnects "field" equipment such as sensors, actuators and controllers. Fieldbus has built-in capability to distribute the control application across the network along the field devices. The FOUNDATIONTM Fieldbus uses standard "Function Blocks" to implement the control strategy. Function Blocks are standardized automation functions. The microprocessor-based Fieldbus devices have self-testing and communication capabilities, which help in reducing downtime and improving plant safety. FOUNDATIONTM Fieldbus is also an open protocol, meaning that the FOUNDATIONTM Fieldbus certified manufacturers are able to supply devices that will work together with devices from others certified manufacturers. With the latest developments in HSE (High Speed Ethernet) Fieldbus technology is coming as a replacement for DCS with more distribution of control. The objective of this thesis work is to setup different control loops in the FOUNDATIONTM Fieldbus based process system. For this purpose the Foundation Fieldbus Pilot Plant from SMAR is used. The Fieldbus devices are studied first to know how they can be configured. The configuration of the Fieldbus network and devices are carried out using the software SYSCON. All the devices are configured using the function blocks and these function blocks are configured by giving different data to the parameters. Then the control . strategy is implemented by interlinking these function blocks as per the control strategy which is The GraphWorX software is used for development of the Human Machine Interface. For each control strategy a separate Display is developed. After completing this much the system and device configuration including the control strategy is downloaded to the devices and the dynamic response of the different control loops under different disturbing conditions are studied.