Q: What if the user employs several Basic/Enhanced Operator Stations as the primary operator interface? Will he still have multiple databases to maintain after migrating to Experion?A: The database management problems of the past are no longer an issue. Experion provides one, easy to manage database for all data types.
Q: Does Experion provide trending comparable to the existing BOS/EOS trending?A: Experion trending goes far beyond the limits of BOS/EOS trending and provides useful history information to the operator for analyzing and controlling the process. All trend data is presented to the operator with the capability to zoom, pan and select specific trend data in real time. Data points to be trended can also be selected and grouped together “on the fly” to facilitate real-time process analysis.
Q: What is the user needs to improve/automate his reporting to meet new requirements? Will the migration to Experion be helpful?A: In addition to providing a larger number and type of reports, Experion enables reports to be electronically transmitted via the plant network to all interested parties. No longer will you need to have an operator or engineer manually read the printed reports, perform additional calculations, and then create new reports that get passed along. Additionally, all data can be automatically populated to an Excel spreadsheet so that data manipulation, analysis and distribution can be automated.
Q: What kinds of totally new control capabilities will be available after migration to Experion?A: Experion provides a host of improved control functionalities, including model-based controls and an integrated loop and logic capability for improved process constraint control. Cross-unit controls are implemented in easy to use software versus the hard wiring between controllers that was required in the past.
Q: What if the user wants to simply “copy” existing control schemes over to Experion without making any changes? Is there a means to do this?A: Control Match services can simply duplicate the controls that were running in your existing system into Experion. All point types and standard algorithms of the Multifunction Controller can be easily migrated.
Q: How quickly can the physical migration to new controllers occur at the plant/mill site?A: The time typically required for physical migration is 2 to 4 hours. Much less time is needed if you are migrating a small system. There are two reasons for the short downtime: one, the migration kit is a plug-and-play design (just disconnect cables, remove a few screws per assembly, install new assemblies, and connect or reconnect cables); and two, I/O checkout can be quite efficient (all of the existing I/O and cables were operational and correct before the migration, and the new cables and assemblies are tested and verified in the factory before shipment).
Q: In a case where the user has limited free floor space, will additional cabinet space be needed for the new Experion controllers?A: In most cases, the new control system can be mounted into the existing TDC 2000 cabinets. No additional floor space may be needed.
Q: Are calibration and test points available on the migration kits for on going maintenance?A: Yes, calibration and test points are provided.
Q: Do the migration kits have any active components, such as CPUs, networking, etc.?A: No, all Signal Match migration hardware is created using passive components. This greatly increases reliability and longevity, and reduces the number of possible fault paths.
