Yokogawa Electric Corporation announces the release of PST Scheduler, An Optional Feature of the Plant Resource Manager (PRM(R)) Device Management Package

Phil Black - PII Editor 24/08/2009

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PST Scheduler was developed through the Vigilant Integration Partners (VIP)

Initiative by Yokogawa and four world-leading valve suppliers:
Dresser-Masoneilan, Flowserve, Metso, and Samson AG. Interoperability with the emergency shutdown (ESD) valves manufactured by these companies is assured, making this the world”s first multi-vendor valve partial stroke test (PST) solution.

The Yokogawa VIP Initiative is an open, non-exclusive, standard-based, and interoperability-driven partnership. It enables customers to integrate best-in-class field devices supplied by VIP member companies with industry-leading CENTUM series production control systems, PRM and ProSafe-RS.

Partial stroke testing (PST) is a key technique for verifying the correct operation of ESD valves. As an ESD valve normally remains fully open, there is concern that a build-up of foreign substances may cause the valve to stick or inhibit the drive mechanism, and that the valve will not function correctly in an emergency situation. By slightly closing an ESD valve, the PST can diagnose such problems without disrupting the process. This allows longer intervals between full stroke tests (which require a plant to be shut
down), thereby reducing plant downtime.

PST Scheduler is used together with PRM to collectively manage and perform PSTs to determine whether ESD valves are in good working order and can respond properly when needed. PRM can be connected with Yokogawa”s ProSafe-RS Safety Instrumented System to provide an integrated plant safety solution.

This new solution makes it easier to schedule and conduct a PST, thereby contributing to plant safety and efficiency.

New product features include efficient PST scheduling and implementation. With PST Scheduler, it is now possible to schedule the automatic or semi-automatic implementation of a PST. The test date can be easily revised. PSTs can also be performed manually, if the need arises.

Another important feature is collective multi-vendor valve PST management. Companies that use ESD valves from more than one vendor have always had to plan and conduct separate PSTs for each valve type. Provided that the valves are from the four companies participating in the VIP Initiative, it is now possible with PST Scheduler to collectively schedule and implement all PSTs,
thereby enhancing efficiency.

Easy visualisation of schedule and status is ensured by showing the PST schedule and implementation status in a simple Gantt chart. This PST Scheduler window can be viewed from any PC running the PRM package or from any operator station for the CENTUM series of integrated production control systems.

Major target markets include process industries such as oil and gas, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals

Comments from the VIP member companies

Dresser Masoneilan
Dresser Masoneilan”s SVI II ESD technology is the first truly integrated SMART PST device to be integrated with Yokogawa”s ProSafe-RS Safety Instrumented System using a SIL certified analogue output, allowing the SVI II ESD to capture the ESD shutdown event. This PST Scheduler by Yokogawa raises the value proposition for end users in providing a ubiquitous
management for the execution of partial stroke tests. To set the PST settings of the SVI II ESD, the end user can seamlessly connect using Dresser Masoneilan”s DTM software of ValVue ESD Plug-In application. The ValVue ESD Plug-In also provides a means for automatically archiving PST signatures and their analysis. The combination of VIP”s PST Scheduler and Dresser Masoneilan”s integration provides the end user with a complete solution for managing the health of emergency shutdown valves.

Flowserve
Flowserve”s Logix MD positioners and DTM software integrate seamlessly into Yokogawa”s PRM. Used in conjunction with PRM”s PST Scheduler, customers are automatically alerted in the unlikely event that an ESD valve fails to operate within the PST limits set for the valve assembly. In normal operation, Logix MD positioners, together with the ValveSight Diagnostic Management Software, are truly predictive tools. The four elements of the valve assembly: the valve, actuator, positioner, and its control – are
monitored continuously and without any process interruptions. ValveSight will alert a customer through PRM well before the valve response may affect the process. This is done without any human intervention or subjective interpretation.

Metso
Metso”s Neles ValvGuard, the automated PST solution with Metso”s DTM software, is integrated in Yokogawa”s PRM. During the PST, Neles ValvGuard can analyse the performance of ESD valves and give an automatic alert of potential problems in a valve. When it is used with PST Scheduler, customers are able to perform effective partial stroke testing that increases the reliability of ESD valves and improves the overall safety of their plants. The information collected during the partial stroke testing by Neles
ValvGuard can be further used in maintenance planning for ESD valves.

Samson AG
The SAMSON Series 3730 Positioners can be used for all ESD valve control tasks. They feature comprehensive diagnostics, which also include partial stroke testing. Providing both local intelligence and diagnostic power, the positioners can be programmed locally or through PRM. Diagnostics can also be done by either means. For those functions performed at the valve, online
communication is not required for performing diagnoses, taking measurements, evaluating signals, or creating alarms. All parameters and diagnostic results are available in PRM and can be integrated into an asset management concept. SAMSON positioners can be mounted on SAMSON valves with an integral attachment; however, they can also be used with standard mounting kits on any valve, always providing superior control and in-depth diagnostics.

About the VIP Member Companies
As of August 2009, the following industry-leading suppliers of control valves (listed in alphabetical order) are official members of the Yokogawa VIP Initiative:

Dresser Masoneilan, an industry-leading supplier of control valves and digital positioners, offers a wide variety of flow control valve solutions and services for oil refining and power generation applications. Founded in 1882, Dresser-Masoneilan has a long tradition of innovation and technology leadership. Today, the company has 25 manufacturing units around the world and is supported by an integrated network of sales offices.

Flowserve Corporation is one of the world”s leading providers of fluid motion, control products and services to the global infrastructure markets. Operating in 55 countries, the company produces engineered and industrial pumps, valves and seals, as well as a range of related flow management services. More information about Flowserve can be obtained by visiting the
company”s web site at www.flowserve.com.

Metso”s automation business line is a part of Metso”s Energy and Environmental Technology. It specialises in process industry flow control solutions, automation and information management application networks and systems as well as life-cycle performance services. Its main customers are the energy, power, and oil and gas industries as well as the pulp and paper industry. Neles product line”s control, on-off and ESD valves, accessories, intelligent devices, and software products offer innovative yet
fundamentally simple construction, operation, and maintenance features to optimise process performance at the lowest cost.

Samson AG is recognised worldwide as a synonym for high-quality work, entrepreneurial spirit, and innovative strength. The company is known for a complete product line of valves and accessories. The comprehensive portfolio of valves such as globe valves, ball valves, segmented ball valves and butterfly valves, as well as accessories such as positioners, boosters, solenoid valves and limit switches, allows the company to act as a main valve vendor. The field of expertise covers all applications of process
valves, such as chemical plants, refineries, and power plants as well as the food and beverage industry. Customers not only receive products: they also get extensive application knowhow, valve sizing expertise, and comprehensive after-sales services. Samson operates wherever there is controlled flow of vapours, gases or liquids.

For further information please contact:

Yokogawa UK Limited
Stuart Road
Manor Park
Runcorn
CHESHIRE
WA7 1TR

Tel: +44 (0) 1928 597100
Fax: +44 (0) 1928 597101

E-mail: info@yokogawa.co.uk
Web; www.yokogawa.com/eu