Field-Based Architectures for the Solution Centric DCS, 1998 Engineering Conference Proceedings

Improving process automation in the paper making process is one of the best methods to gain operating efficiencies and increase operating profits. Historically, the trend in process automation has progressed from mechanical feedback and operation in the field, to large scale DCS systems in centralized control rooms. Now advances in micro-electronics, hardware and software are fueling novel process control capabilities which allow control to once again migrate to the field, closer to the process. In the vanguard of this shift in direction are intelligent transmitters and control valves that offer a long list of new capabilities including expanded functionality, improved reliability, and diagnostic information. These new capabilities point to significant improvement potentials in mill predictive maintenance, unscheduled downtime and more.

The integration of digital fieldbus communications with intelligent field devices and new process automation technology has created the most revolutionary change in control systems since the introduction of DCS. This new automation approach revolves around a solution centric “field-based” system architecture which delivers dramatic improvements in functionality. This system architecture provides an internet-like structure that brings a step change in value and redefines process management, expanding process automation to more applications and areas of the mill than previously possible.