Foundation Fieldbus training in South Africa
March 2011
Training & Education
Foundation Fieldbus (FF) allows digital communication over existing two-wire architectures and fulfils all the requirements that are placed on a modern bus system. The advantages being: easy access to all device measurement and diagnostic data, interoperability of all certified FF devices and flexibility in production through improved plant productivity. The FF standard provides a full, open, manufacturer independent and stable basis for fieldbus investments, provided this includes investment in personnel so that full benefit of this digital communication bus can be achieved.
In the latter half of 2010, the Fieldbus Foundation South Africa Marketing Committee (FFSAMC) assisted the official FF training partner STC-SA (with STC-Brielle Europe) to conduct a certified Foundation Fieldbus training for selected candidates in the SA processing industry.
The success of the course depended on a high level of combination of theory and practical. This required a certified FF trainer capable of ensuring that both elements combined to form part of the specialist training. Apart from a certified technical trainer from STC-Brielle in Europe, it also meant the importation and return of 250 kg of training equipment and technical material.
This intensive 5-day programme was successfully implemented by STC-SA and STC-Brielle and all attendees were found competent and subsequently certified. The course was also attended by experienced local instructor, Eric Carter, as a potential future train-the-trainer programme.
The training activities in this highly specialised course included the following topics:
* The theory of FF technology.
* Electrical segment measurements and calculations.
* Building segments and configuration of FF instruments.
* Use of National Instruments’ bus monitor and configurator.
* Building single loop, cascade and on/off control strategies.
* Use of the SMAR 302 host system.
* Segment diagnostics with various tools.
* Replacing devices with different types or supplier.
* Trouble shooting.
* Commissioning.
* Practical and theoretical assessment certified by the Foundation.
An introduction to Foundation Fieldbus by a guest lecturer from STC-Brielle will be held during the Process Expo at Nasrec 17-20 from May. Pay the Foundation Fieldbus stand (O3) a visit.
Future courses will be held by STC-SA at its Woodmead offices on the following dates:
30 May–3 June.
6-10 June
13-17 June
Course duration is five days limited to eight attendees.
For more information contact Mornay Beck, STC-SA, +27 (0)11 656 6338, [email protected], www.stc-sa.co.za
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