Industry Sector / Industry Solutions Division
Reliable instrumentation communication within complex plant structures: Measuring and control systems from Siemens Water Technologies become fieldbus-capable
Erlangen, Germany, 2009-Jun-26
SFC, MFC and Depolox Pool measuring and control systems from Siemens Water Technologies can now be easily connected to plant level PLC systems via optional fieldbus modules. This reduces the overhead wiring considerably. Whereas data exchange from the instrumentation to plant level PLC systems has previously relied on available 4-20 mA outputs, the fieldbus modules expand this communication to a greater number of read and write functions.
The three connection types: Fieldbus module for SFC systems (A), external converter for wall mounting in the enclosure (B) and mounted on a DIN rail (control cabinet installation) (C).
The measuring and control devices currently support three of the standard fieldbus communication protocols. These are Profibus DP and Profinet IO, which are more common in Europe, and Modbus TCP, predominantly used in the USA. Implementation of the fieldbus connection varies according to the type of device.
For SFC systems, the optional fieldbus module is integrated inside the systems’ enclosure as a piggy-back electronic board or can be retrofitted later. For MFC and Depolox Pool systems fieldbus converters are available that can either be DIN rail mounted for incorporation in a control cabinet, or in a separate external enclosure. Retrofitting is also possible here at any time. The device connected to the fieldbus is detected automatically by “Plug & Play”. Fieldbus parameters can be assigned in the measuring and control system’s user menu. The parameters involved depend on the fieldbus system: for Profibus, it is the bus address, for Profinet, the device name.
In the past, measuring and control devices were always connected to a PLC via a 4-20-mA interface. This caused additional wiring and programming. Through the fieldbus communication, the PLC can access a larger number of process parameters, such as measured values with units of measure, dosing rate, flow rate and status of digital inputs and relay outputs. Setpoints, limit values and control parameters can also be read and written from the PLC.
Further information under: http://www.siemens.com/wallace-tiernan
The Siemens Industry Sector (Erlangen, Germany) is the world's leading supplier of production, transportation, building and lighting technologies. With integrated automation technologies as well as comprehensive industry-specific solutions, Siemens increases the productivity, efficiency and flexibility of its customers in the fields of industry and infrastructure. The Sector consists of six Divisions: Building Technologies, Drive Technologies, Industry Automation, Industry Solutions, Mobility and Osram. With around 222,000 employees worldwide Siemens Industry posted in fiscal year 2008 a profit of EUR3.86 billion with revenues totaling EUR38 billion. www.siemens.com/industry
With the business activities of Siemens VAI Metal Technologies, (Linz, Austria), Siemens Water Technologies (Warrendale, Pa., U.S.A.), and Industry Technologies, (Erlangen, Germany), the Siemens Industry Solutions Division (Erlangen, Germany) is one of the world's leading solution and service providers for industrial and infrastructure facilities. Using its own products, systems and process technologies, Industry Solutions develops and builds plants for end customers, commissions them and provides support during their entire life cycle. With around 31,000 employees worldwide Siemens Industry Solutions achieved an order intake of EUR 8.415 billon in fiscal year 2008.
Further information and downloads at:
http://www.siemens.com/industry-solutions
Reference Number: IIS200906720
Contact
Mr. Rainer Schulze
Industry Solutions Division
Siemens AG
Schuhstr. 60
91052 Erlangen
Germany
Tel: +49 (9131) 7-44544