Speeding up system implementation at Western Platinum Refinery
February 2003
System Integration & Control Systems Design
ProDef, an application that provides a common development environment for the design, configuring, programming and documentation of control systems, has helped system integrator DW Controls to implement and commission a control system for 18 ovens at Western Platinum Refinery in four days.
ProDef, distributed in southern Africa by Futuristix Advanced Control Systems, allows process engineers and programmers to rapidly develop industrial applications that integrate their existing or new control system resources. ProDef is used to write device-independent functional specifications and control code as well as to configure HMIs such as Wonderware's InTouch and PLCs. ProDef is also used to integrate with batch controllers (eg, Wonderware's InBatch) and to automatically document projects with HTML using XML and XSL style sheets.
The 18 ovens at Western Platinum Refinery are used in the platinum purification process. Each has two set temperatures with probes on a Profibus SST and a thyristor drive controlled via a Devicenet/Modbus interface. The oven installation had to be integrated with the existing InTouch scada system via Ethernet - something that ProDef did automatically after compilation of the control code.
"It is the first time I have used ProDef and I found it extremely easy to use and very powerful," says Darryl Watridge of DW Controls. "Once a class is proven, for example, it is just a matter of drag and drop with the knowledge that the control code is not only bug-free but that, being device independent, it can be re-used in future projects thereby dramatically reducing implementation times to hours rather than days or weeks."
Although ProDef includes an extensive library of standard PLC function blocks and 'controllers' (eg, motors, transmitters and other devices), it was up to DW Controls to develop the code for the Device Net, Ethernet and Profibus SST communication cards for the AB Control Logix 5000 Series PLC.
"ProDef provides a structure and discipline lacking in conventional approaches," continues Watridge. "This is most apparent in the need to do a proper up-front system design in order to reduce development time and avoid repeated software compilation cycles. This approach also allows the system integrator to meet customer needs at the operational rather than at the coding level. The analysis of the design is done through off-line simulation in order to test proper system functionality. Needless to say, one of the most important benefits of a structured approach is the ease with which programs can be debugged. Another advantage is the immediate and automatic documentation of a project - something which many developers find tedious and that can minimise production downtimes if something goes wrong and someone else but the originator of the code has to pick up the pieces."
Watridge maintains that, with ProDef, companies that regularly use system integrators for existing system modifications or for new systems can now not only provide these contractors with the hardware to be controlled but the standardised and proven hardware-independent software function blocks as well. In this way, development time is kept to a minimum while quality is guaranteed and system integrators can focus on integrating systems at the application level rather than at the low level of PLC and HMI coding.
"We were very pleased with the project implementation," says Western Platinum Refinery instrumentation superintendent, Leon Meyer. "Everything went as smoothly as could be expected and the support from Neumaflo (the Australian authors of ProDef) and Futuristix was outstanding. All our questions were answered in a matter of hours."
For more information contact Mike le Plastrier, Futuristix Advanced Control Systems, 011 723 9900, [email protected], www.futuristix.co.za
Further reading:
Flotation system modernisation for a gold processing and mineral recovery plant.
Moore Process Controls
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Moore Process Controls has successfully modernised a gold processing plant's flotation control system, replacing obsolete I/O hardware with Schneider Electric's latest M580 X80 platform.
Read more...
Project and industry
Schneider Electric South Africa
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Transforming crushing plant operations through integrated automation.
Controlgear Instramac was engaged to deliver the electrical control and automation systems for a new crushing plant within the
...
Read more...
Project and industry
EXEL Electrical Engineering
System Integration & Control Systems Design
EXEL EE was contracted to deliver the complete electrical, control and instrumentation scope for the upgrade of a gold mine's water treatment facilities in Tanzania.
Read more...
Turning system integrators into trusted technology partners
Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing System Integration & Control Systems Design
Schneider Electric’s Alliance Partner Programme is repositioning system integrators from hardware suppliers into lifecycle-value partners. Oriel Soupen explains the competency framework, certification model and real-world results that are already helping African system integrators win higher-value, longer-term engagements.
Read more...
When digital twins move from concept to critical tool
IT in Manufacturing System Integration & Control Systems Design Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Digital twins are moving out of the lab and onto the mine, the factory floor and the transport network where they predict failures before they happen. Amritesh Anand looks at where they earn their keep, the data and integration work behind them, and the security questions every organisation should ask before switching one on.
Read more...
Best practices for managing the MRO supply chain in Africa
RS South Africa
System Integration & Control Systems Design
RS South Africa outlines how strong data governance and digital tools can turn maintenance, repair and operations procurement into a strategic advantage across Africa.
Read more...
Containerised Solar Solution Accelerates Delivery of Riverside 3 MW Power Plant
Proconics
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Proconics was engaged by NewFields to deliver the electrical integration solution for the Riverside 3 MW Solar Power Plant in Zimbabwe. The project required a compact, modular approach that could simplify deployment, minimise site works, and support rapid commissioning in a remote location.
Read more...
Modern Energy Metering Solution Enhances Reliability and Reporting for Major Power Utility
SAM Systems Automation & Management
System Integration & Control Systems Design
This project involved the implementation of a modern energy metering system for a major power utility operating within the industrial automation and energy management sector. The objective was to improve the reliability, accessibility, and accuracy of energy data while simplifying infrastructure and reducing system complexity.
Read more...
PCS Global
PCS Global
System Integration & Control Systems Design
PCS Global led a digital infrastructure initiative in a southern African data centre setting, aiming to merge several essential operational systems into one cohesive platform. The objective was to break down silos, enable real-time decisions, and ensure seamless operation in a mission-critical environment.
Read more...
Seamless migration from ET 200M to ET 200SP HA for future-ready automation
Moore Process Controls
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Moore Process Controls undertook a modernisation initiative spanning the mining, petrochemical, and oil & gas sectors. This project involved upgrading legacy Siemens ET200M I/O systems to the advanced ET200SP HA platform.
Read more...
printer friendly version