Stepwise Migration: How to Replace a Process Control System

Related Vendors

Turck_Your_Global_Automation_Partner.jpg ()

Cht formed a team of experts to perform an in-depth evaluation of three different process control systems, as well as control and HMI solutions from two bidders, based on an exhaustive matrix of specific criteria. In the end, B&R came out on top.

“One of the decisive factors was that B&R’s process control system —in contrast to other systems— provides optimum support for stepwise migration. Aprol allowed us to move our production stations successively to the new process control system while keeping the old systems running in parallel.”

Process control migration at 2 locations

Migration at the Dusslingen site began in the spring of 2011. From the beginning, there was an emphasis on creating standardized procedures that could be repeated at other locations. “It was very important to us that we arrive at standardized control procedures that are consistent at all of our locations, and that they’re able to use the same code and the same hardware,” says Schätzle. This preparation made the migration of the Oyten site, which began in early 2013, much faster and more cost-effective to implement.

Today, changes to the Cht libraries are applied simultaneously at both sites, which simplifies the validation process considerably.

Via remote networks, programmers can access the controllers at the two locations from anywhere. While the Dusslingen site already has all the main systems integrated in the process control solution, Oyten is still working on migration of special-purpose systems, with the ultimate goal of controlling the entire plant with Aprol.

B&R hardware perfectly scaled to the system structure

B&R’s finely graduated selection of control and HMI products has allowed Cht to match the performance of each system’s PLC to its requirements, as well as equip each system with a unique lineup of I/O modules and its own HMI unit. It was this flexibility that led the chemical producer to rely on B&R for control and HMI in addition to the process control system.

(ID:44099487)