Emerson DeltaV v13 distributed control system

Emerson Process Management has released version 13 (v13) of the DeltaV distributed control system (DCS) to deliver greater efficiency and performance for process control applications. Features focus on integration, advanced alarm management and security with an overarching design that improves ease of use and minimises the need for specialised expertise.

The product brings all the disparate subsystems in a plant together for easy operator access and use. It features an ethernet I/O card (EIOC) for added flexibility and capacity for integrating ethernet-based subsystems and devices, including a direct interface with smart motor control centres and substations. Its technologies improve the factory acceptance testing (FAT) experience by providing enhanced safety instrumented system simulation capabilities and easy-to-use virtualisation environment.

The native support for discrete outputs over wireless provides opportunities to reduce project wiring and associated costs through wireless devices. Additionally, template-based Foundation fieldbus device configuration improves commissioning by eliminating steps and decreasing errors. Function blocks and redundant, high-density I/O provide opportunities for greater footprint savings and project efficiencies.

The DeltaV Alarm Mosaic has an intuitive alarm display that enables operators to quickly identify, analyse and respond correctly to the root cause of an abnormal process condition. Improvements in alarm-related information and alarm audit tools offer a better understanding of the plant’s current state. The release also provides trend display optimisations for better visibility of process changes, which also improves operator efficiency.

The system was built with security in mind and complies with national and international standards. Features include workstation hardening and an extension of DeltaV smart switch technology above the area control network to ensure up-to-date and effective response to cybersecurity threats.