Foundation Fieldbus technology to be debated at BUSSTOP 2002
June 2002
News
One of the topics for debate at BUSSTOP 2002 (15 to 17 September, Dikhololo Lodge) is Foundation Fieldbus.
Foundation Fieldbus (FF) aims at a single, open, interoperable and international standard. This technology is being developed at different levels (indicated by H1 and HSE). The H1 technology is now available for project implementation. FF-H1 uses a low speed (31,25 Kbps) two-way, multidrop digital communication, which is very powerful for process control. The technical advantages include increased data from the field units and the operation, while more control functionality is moved to the field. The technology is, in particular, powerful for advanced diagnostics enabling preventive over and above corrective maintenance. These advantages will result in a lower total cost of ownership. As it is a new technology, the status of implementation has 'early adopter' risks. First FF devices have been approved by the Foundation in 1999 followed by host testing in 2001.
Shell Global Solutions International monitors the status of industrial developments at SRTCA (Shell Research and Technology Centre Amsterdam). A number of devices and three hosts (DCS systems from Honeywell, Yokogawa and Emerson) are being tested in a hydrocraking pilot plant. The trial objective is to assess the benefits of an early system implementation in a process control environment. The test results are used also as vendor independent input into actual projects. Furthermore, results are fed back to the Foundation and to vendors involved in further developments/improvements.
FF technology for project implementation is currently recommended as single vendor application. Multivendor implementation requires additional development by the manufacturers. It is anticipated that once the level of interoperability has been improved, multivendor implementation becomes feasible within the coming years.
Presenter: Bindert S. Douma obtained a PhD in Physics from the University of Leiden (The Netherlands) in 1979. At Shell Global Solutions International he is a specialist in sensor physics with emphasis on optics, fibre optics, NIR and Foundation Fieldbus technology. As part of a larger team he is responsible for the technical assessment of Foundation Fieldbus technology and contributes to the technology implementation in projects.
Hanli Nangle, élancommunications
012 244 3107
[email protected]
www.elancomm.com
Further reading:
Hitachi Energy ramps up global and African investments
News
Hitachi Energy ramps up global and African investments to support grid readiness for the AI era.
Read more...
Experience ICRA 2026 right here in Gqeberha, South Africa
News
The IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) is the largest robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, and manufacturing conference in the world. You can experience the premier keynote and plenary presentations in Gqeberha.
Read more...
What to expect at Africa Automation Indaba 2026: From AI readiness to bankable automation projects
RX Africa
News
Africa Automation Indaba 2026 will give delegates a practical view of what it takes to move automation from ambition to implementation with a two-day programme focused on industrial readiness, skills development, policy alignment, investment realities and the future of intelligent operations.
Read more...
SKF achieves SaiMechE CPD accreditation
SKF South Africa
News
SKF South Africa has achieved SaiMechE CPD accreditation, a decisive step that empowers the next generation of engineers.
Read more...
Elevating artisanal skills is key to revitalising South Africa’s economy
ACTOM Electrical Machines
News
We need to challenge the stigma attached to artisanal and technical careers, and we also need a mindset shift supported by the schooling system so that young people understand future career pathways, choose subjects accordingly, and recognise that artisanal and technical skills carry equal value in a modern economy.
Read more...
One visit, five shows: practical solutions for safer, smarter operations
News
Five co-located shows will bring together the full picture of how organisations manage risk, compliance, infrastructure and energy.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: A little bit of magic
Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
Whatever your view is of America today, the Artemis II mission showed the world that it can still deliver moments of wonder. For a few days, the chaotic headlines gave way to something more. Who could
...
Read more...
Electra Mining Africa 2026
News
Electra Mining Africa will take place at Nasrec, Johannesburg from 7 to 11 September 2026.
Read more...
Woman of Stature Awards South Africa
News
In a powerful recognition of excellence in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Thabisile Phumo won the Woman in Mining and Engineering award at the 2026 Woman of Stature Awards South Africa.
Read more...
AVEVA to spotlight industrial intelligence at AVEVA Day
News
AVEVA will host AVEVA Day South Africa 2026 on 22 April with the theme ‘Accelerating Africa’s Industrial Future: Harnessing AI, Digital Twins and Data-Driven Operations for Sustainable Growth’.
Read more...
printer friendly version