Field Device Configuration via Flow Repository
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring field devices for industrial process control systems, such as multi-variable transmitters, is complex due to the need for extensive data entry and requires high skill levels, especially when calculating flow rates of process fluids, which involves various equations and parameters like fluid density and primary element characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A flow repository system that stores data for fluid and primary element equations, allowing a flow application to generate a graphical user interface (GUI) for users to select options and configure field devices, separating the configuration data from the application to enable customization and use across multiple devices and fluids without recompiling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a technician manually enters configuration data for flow rate calculations, then the field device can be configured, but the configuration process requires high skill levels and significant time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing multiple flow rate calculation equations and parameters in the flow repository before the configuration process. The system automatically retrieves and applies the appropriate equations based on the selected primary element and fluid type, eliminating the need for technicians to manually enter complex configuration data and reducing both time and skill requirements.
2Measurement precision
If multiple flow rate calculation equations are stored in the field device, then accurate flow measurement is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary flow repository that stores multiple flow rate calculation equations and parameters. This intermediary layer allows the field device to access multiple equations for accurate flow measurement without increasing the device's internal complexity, as the repository acts as an external database that the device queries during configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the configuration system into distinct components: the flow repository storing multiple equations, the flow application providing the user interface, and the field device performing measurements. This segmentation allows multiple equations to be available for accurate measurement while distributing complexity across separate modular components rather than concentrating it within the field device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If configuration data is hard-coded in the application, then the application is self-contained, but customization requires recompiling the application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts configuration data from the hard-coded application and places it in an external flow repository. This extraction allows the application to remain self-contained and executable without modifying its core code, while enabling easy customization by simply adding or modifying entries in the external repository, eliminating the need to recompile the application.
4Reliability
If a technician with high skill level configures the field device, then proper configuration is achieved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing the flow application to automatically guide operators through the configuration process. The system presents a simplified interface where operators select from pre-defined options in the flow repository, and the application automatically retrieves and configures the appropriate equations and parameters, eliminating the need for operators to possess high skill levels while maintaining configuration correctness.
Data Source
AI summary
A system to configure a field device of the type used to calculate a flow of a process fluid. The system includes a flow repository comprising a list of process fluids with which the field device can be used, fluid equation data which provides information related to fluid equations for calculating fluid parameters of the process fluid, a list of primary elements, and primary element equation data which provides information related to primary element equations and fluid equations for calculating flow of the process fluid. The flow application is adapted to retrieve data from the flow repository and to generate information which is used by field device to calculate the flow of the process fluid.