CHEMICAL ENGINEERING WWW.CHEMENGONLINE.COM MARCH 2015 31

way, the vEIOC is self-contained and does not need an external controller to process the data. Values can be read from another controllers control strat-egy via external references. Access to interface graphics, as well as alarming and history collection, is the same as any other module in the DeltaV DCS.

In addition to making it easier to get data from the devices into the system, the devices themselves are becoming easier to integrate. The ability to easily integrate is especially

important when it comes to safety integrity level (SIL)-rated equipment. Easy connection helps ensure that everything is working properly and meeting the safety regulations, as well as safety-related business goals, says Zachary Stank, prod-uct marketing specialist with Phoe-nix Contact (Harrisburg, Pa; www.phoenixcontact.com). Processors dont need or want to spend a lot of time putting safety products into the DCS, so they want something that

FIGURE 5. A cloud-based server will likely be the center of the industrial Internet of Things

Source: Skkynet

Industrial IoT

Corporate

Plant Device

Cloud

Remote

Outbound

connection

Two-way

data fl ow

Circle 3 on p. 82 or go to adlinks.che.com/56195-03

THE INTERNET OF THINGS MEETS PROCESS CONTROL

The Internet of Things (IoT) is defined as the interconnection of devices within the existing

Internet infrastructure. It is suggested that it will offer connectivity of devices, systems

and services operating on a multitude of protocols. How this may translate into the

future of process control is still up in the air. However, experts in control and computing have

some ideas.

Automation will look different in the future because we can push the intelligence of devices

further into the process, because smart devices are getting smaller and cheaper, says Don-

ald Clark with Schneider Electric. In the past, automation was stuck on, like an appendage

outside of the process, but with wireless and smart devices becoming smaller, we are able to

take a sensor or controller and put it inside a reactor, pipe or pump and allow the equipment

to not only report on temperature or pressure, but also provide diagnostics on itself, too. This

means a pump could report on and control the process, but also administrate itself and send

this information where someone can see it and act upon it.

Putting automation directly inside pieces of equipment and collecting those data is where

the Internet of Things is taking us, says Clark.

Already, some companies are taking steps that they say may redefine the future of process

control. Skkynet Cloud Systems (Mississauga, Ontario, Canada; skkynet.com) has partnered

with B+B SmartWorx (Ottawa, Ill.; www.bb-smartworx.com) to create intelligent networks that

can collect, manage and analyze data generated by billions of sensors, transforming those

data into actionable intelligence that lets companies make predictions and prescribe actions

to cut costs, increase productivity or increase revenue.

The partnership is being launched with a focus on the IoT. B+B SmartWorx will provide a

cellular router that collects raw data from devices and protocols and emits the data to Skky-

nets Secure Cloud Service via the cellular network. From the Cloud, users from operators

to plant engineers to managers, analysts and customers can access the information in a

secure manner (Figure 5). This is a more secure option than a VPN because the central plant

is not attached, so theres no opportunity to attack, says Andrew Thomas, CEO with Skkynet.

The service is capable of handling over 50,000 data changes per second per client, at speeds

just a few milliseconds over Internet latency. Secure by design, it requires no VPN, no open

firewall ports, no special programming, and no additional hardware.

GLOBAL EXPERTISE IN AUTOMATIONElectric actuators for industrial valve automationReliable, powerful, e cient. AUMA offer a large portfolio of actuator and gearbox type ranges.

Automating all types of industrial valves in all market segments

Integration into all commonly used control systems

High corrosion protection Service worldwide

Learn more about our automationsolutions

www.auma.com