Yokogawa Electric announced the release of an upgraded version of its STARDOM network-based control system that provides a number of functional enhancements.
The newly added enhancements improve STARDOM's competitiveness in the oil, natural gas, petrochemical, and other booming energy and raw material markets. Key features of the enhancements are an improved communication function for controlling widely-distributed production facilities and the capability to enhance control system reliability by using STARDOM in combination with other control devices in a large plant.
STARDOM is an open network-based control system comprising of function-specific control, operation and monitoring components that can be interconnected flexibly and on a scaleable basis using networking technology. The system features the same high reliability and supportability of a DCS while having the openness, versatility, and cost-effectiveness of systems that combine PCs and programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
As STARDOM is highly effective in controlling shared-use plant facilities, there is an increasing need to integrate it with Yokogawa's flagship CENTUM series integrated production control system, which is designed for main process control. When CENTUM is used in combination with STARDOM, the overall efficiency of oil refinery and petrochemical plants is significantly increased.
STARDOM's recent functional enhancements address these users' requirements.
Features include:
1. Improved communication function for wide-area distributed control. The DNP3 communication protocol is being increasingly employed in control systems for oil and natural gas extraction, pipelines, and other facilities that are dispersed over wide areas. In the previous revision, serial interfaces such as RS232C were prepared for DNP3. With this upgrade, Ethernet interface is provided. DNP3 refers to Distributed Network Protocol 3, a communication protocol that was originally developed for the electric utility industry in Europe. This protocol has recently been introduced in the wide-area distributed control of oil and gas drilling sites, pipelines, and water supply and sewerage systems.
2. Enhanced reliability for integrated control. When STARDOM is combined with other control devices to form a large-scale integrated control system, dual redundancy in the control network can be achieved. For instance, the integrated use of the CENTUM series control system for oil refinery facilities and STARDOM for shared-use facilities such as product storage tanks results in a more reliable control system.
The major target markets are the development of oilfields, gas fields, and other widely distributed facilities including water supply and sewerage systems. Also targeted are small to medium-scale process plants, including oil, chemical, iron and steel, and pulp and paper plants.
This product finds application in the overall operation, monitoring and control of facilities, and the remote control of production facilities.
How the DCS can step off the hardware obsolescence treadmill Schneider Electric South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Ageing servers and unsupported operating systems are quietly eroding the stability of process plants that rely on distributed control systems. Kobus Vermeulen of Schneider Electric explains how virtualising the DCS environment can break the hardware obsolescence cycle without disrupting operations.
Read more...Yokogawa digital plant to accelerate green hydrogen revolution Yokogawa South Africa
Editor's Choice Electrical Power & Protection IT in Manufacturing
Yokogawa explains how a digital plant approach and autonomous operations can integrate the full green hydrogen value chain, from renewable power generation to end-use applications, and why digitalisation and system integration are central to making green hydrogen viable in South Africa.
Read more...Flow imaging microscopy for the early detection of harmful algal blooms Yokogawa South Africa
Flow Measurement & Control
Yokogawa’s advanced flow imaging microscopy technology, FlowCam is helping utilities move from reactive treatment to proactive prevention of harmful algal blooms in reservoirs, dams and freshwater sources.
Read more...Centralised control rooms where growth is elastic, not physical Schneider Electric South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Modernised control rooms feature distributed control system architecture consolidated into centralised compute environments. replacing traditional PCs with thin clients.
Read more...Yokogawa’s free chlorine analyser is gold standard for water treatment utilities Yokogawa South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
One of the key factors in ensuring safe drinking water is the accurate monitoring of free chlorine residuals. This is where advanced online analysers, such as Yokogawa’s FC800 free chlorine analyser, are becoming increasingly valuable for water treatment operators and municipal utilities.
Read more...Siemens launches new generation of logic controller Siemens South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Siemens has launched the latest generation of its proven intelligent logic controller, LOGO! 9. This enables simple implementation of small automation projects.
Read more...DCS for maximum plant efficiency and reliability ABB South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ABB has introduced SPR2025, the latest Symphony Plus DCS package release to enable modernisation and efficient performance for the process and power industries.
Read more...Future-proof automation Vepac Electronics
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
The highly adaptable SALZ control system consists of open hardware, modular engineering software based on a virtualisation concept and an integrated app store.
Read more...Robust PLC for field applications ifm - South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ifm is a leading suppliers of robust control systems for mobile use. Its ecomat series comprises PLCs, I/O modules and sensors that can withstand the harsh environmental influences of mobile applications.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.