Efficient Plant Nov./Dec. 2022 - 10

feature | digital transformation
ment is the Ethernet-APL
physical transport layer. It
provides the ability to transmit
digital data via industrial
Ethernet protocols using a
single two-wired shielded
cable per instrument. With
the same cable requirements
as HART-though markedly
diff erent gateway and
termination specifi cations-
Ethernet-APL can simplify
retrofi ts by eliminating the
need to pull new wires to
instruments.
Th e Ethernet-APL physical layer is protocol agnostic and supports
for many modern smart instruments
is also recorded.
As a foundational transport layer, Ethernet-APL is capable of carrying any
industrial Ethernet protocol. Endress+Hauser Ethernet-APL instrumentation
currently supports PROFINET traffi c, with plans to carry EtherNet/IP, Modbus
TCP, and additional protocols in the near future.
CLOUD-BASED
ADD-ONS
Plant managers can extend digital
instrument insights even further
by leveraging cloud connectivity
and computing to perform
advanced analysis, data storage,
archival, and retrieval functions.
Comprehensive insights help
develop maintenance plans to
organize shutdowns and evolve
maintenance procedures from
industrial protocols such as PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP,
HART-IP, OPC UA, and other higher-level network protocols.
Ethernet-APL provides high-speed data transmission at a 10Mbit/
sec. data rate, making it possible to send and receive more data than
can be transmitted with older digital methods. Th is provides a robust
basis for continuous diagnostics, monitoring, industrial internet of
things (IIoT) connectivity, and remote instrumentation verifi cation.
Because communication is handled with standard Ethernet
protocols, instrument data routing among process-control systems
and asset-management tools is highly effi cient in modern control
environments already using these protocols.
DATA AND OPERATIONAL OPTIMIZATION
Control systems regularly use fl ow, pressure, temperature, level, and
other measured values to monitor and control processes, but they
oſt en discard or lack access to status and diagnostic data. By not
using this supplementary information, facilities miss out on opportunities
to optimize, simplify, and safeguard their plant operations.
Instead, if this data can be ingested by intelligent plant-analysis
systems, facilities are able to increase their ratio of proactive to
reactive maintenance, reduce unplanned downtime, and minimize
equipment and human safety hazards. For example, instead
of waiting for an alert indicating a high-temperature condition,
process data can be used to provide a preemptive notifi cation when
conditions are detected that would lead to this type of issue, if leſt
unmitigated.
Data can also be analyzed to provide advanced warning of instrument
failure or troubleshooting insight in the event of failure.
Additionally, tracking and managing assets becomes easier throughout
plant lifecycles because calibration and nameplate information
10 | EFFICIENTPLANTMAG.COM
corrective to predictive. Additional cloud-based tools can be used to
generate process optimization insights, identifying parameter changes
and strategy adjustments that can lead to improved operational
effi ciency.
DIGITAL ADVANCEMENTS
To optimize plant processes, implementing digital protocols and
smart instrumentation provides indispensable data for host systems
that can be used to create operational and maintenance insights.
Two-way communication from smart instruments to host systems
provides multivariable process values and extensive diagnostic
information.
Insights derived in this manner help users improve process
effi ciency and assist in avoiding unplanned shutdowns by aiding
the development of proactive maintenance procedures. Data can be
reviewed locally at a facility and expanded to the cloud so insights
can be accessed remotely by external support personnel and process
experts. Th is can further increase an organization's productivity and
response speed when issues arise.
Whether an organization is well along on their digitalization journey
or just beginning, it's undeniable that industry reliance on digital
data and IIoT technology is becoming more pronounced. By deploying
network infrastructure and smart instrumentation throughout
their enterprises, companies are better prepared to continuously
optimize their processes and remain competitive. EP
Fabrício de Andrade is an IIoT Business Development Manager at
Endress+Hauser Digital Solutions in Switzerland. He is responsible for
IIoT in Latin America, Mexico, Spain, and Portugal. Andrade holds
degrees in business management and Process Automation and Telecommunication
and an MBA in Marketing and Digital Business.
NOV/DEC 2022
http://www.EFFICIENTPLANTMAG.COM
Efficient Plant Nov./Dec. 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Efficient Plant Nov./Dec. 2022
