Automated C&I System Interconnection Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Determining control and instrumentation system interconnections in industrial facilities is manually time-consuming and error-prone, especially when dealing with multiple systems from different vendors, and lacks up-to-date documentation, impacting maintenance and troubleshooting efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An automated data collection system using a data collection algorithm and data agents to gather engineering configuration data from various C&I systems, converting it into a common format, and providing graphical and tabular views to visualize connections and interconnections, enabling efficient maintenance and troubleshooting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual determination of C&I system interconnections is performed, then system documentation can be generated, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes of determining interconnections with an automated computer-based system that uses data collection algorithms and data agents to automatically extract, convert, and analyze engineering configuration data from multiple C&I systems, eliminating human error and significantly reducing documentation time
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing C&I systems to automatically provide their own configuration data through data agents that collect and export engineering data in standard formats, which are then automatically processed to generate interconnection documentation without requiring manual data gathering or system configuration
2Loss of information
If consolidation of information from multiple C&I systems is performed to establish connectivity, then comprehensive interconnection data is obtained, but the process becomes more complex due to different data formats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal data conversion layer that handles multiple C&I system vendors and data formats through a standardized conversion process. The system uses vendor-specific data agents that export data in universal formats (XML, CSV, JSON), which are then processed by a common data collection algorithm, allowing the system to work with diverse C&I systems without increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary data conversion layer between diverse C&I systems and the analysis engine. Data agents from different vendors convert their proprietary formats into standard formats (XML, CSV, JSON), which are then processed by a universal data collection algorithm, eliminating the need for complex direct integration between each system pair
3Ease of repair
If C&I devices are taken down for maintenance, then maintenance and replacement can be performed, but process outages may occur due to unknown interdependencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary identification of all interconnections and dependencies involving a C&I device before maintenance is performed. The system automatically determines and documents all connections to the target device, allowing maintenance personnel to plan maintenance activities in advance with full knowledge of potential impacts, thereby preventing unexpected process outages
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback about interconnections and dependencies to maintenance personnel before and during maintenance activities. By automatically determining and displaying all connections to a C&I device, the system enables informed decision-making about maintenance timing and procedures, allowing operators to take corrective actions if potential outages are predicted
Data Source
AI summary
A method of automatically determining interconnections between control and instrumentation (C&I) systems within an industrial facility (IF). A data collection system including a data collection algorithm that provides a data collection block and a data agents block is coupled to the IF which has C&I systems collectively utilizing different data formats each including C&I devices, where the C&I systems are coupled to field devices coupled to processing equipment configured for implementing an industrial process. A data collection process is initiated using respective data formats for obtaining engineering configuration data used in the C&I systems stored therein. The engineering configuration data from each C&I system is used to determine connections within and interconnections between the C&I systems. The format of the engineering configuration data can be converted to common format engineering configuration data and then be stored.