There are many possible reasons why a plant operator may decide to modernise:
• The plant that has grown over the years can no longer be extended in the same way as before due to the system architecture.
• Spare parts are becoming prohibitively expensive.
• User know-how for the legacy systems is disappearing.
• Process control systems of different generations or by different manufacturers are being used.
Remote I/O systems from Pepperl+Fuchs
For end users deciding to modernise a process control system, the question is always which infrastructure to use. When modernising and expanding existing plants, remote I/O systems from Pepperl+Fuchs are a good choice because they reduce the number of wiring points compared with a conventional signal modification and thus result in wiring costs that are significantly lower. At the same time, the installed field level technologies can still be used because the existing field devices and wiring remain, while the remotely installed I/O system is connected via a bus line.
Facilitate work processes and save costs
The use of remote I/O to modernise process technology enables the work processes to become more transparent. Field devices are configured and parameterised conveniently via remote access, and more control and diagnostic functions can be generated through status LEDs on the remote systems.
In addition, plant operators save on the project planning and assembly costs resulting from reduced wiring, as well as the subsequent process reliability since the plant was already working before the conversion. The accelerated conversion also saves on man days and thus on any unnecessarily long plant downtime. Remote I/O from Pepperl+Fuchs combines the best features of conventional point-to-point wiring and fieldbus technology and can be adapted to most available control technology.
These modular systems reduce the number of control cabinets required, which is also a cost saver and is ideal if the space available for modernisation is limited.
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