A letter from the president The company that evolved into Synergy Software began in 1983 on the wild frontier of the computer industry, and I, fortunately, was there to watch. Our business actually started as peripherals, computers and supplies, slightly ahead of the whirlwind in computer software.
We were quickly drawn into the vortex and changed our name to Synergy Software. That choice of names always reflected our gratitude for the internal synergy of our talents, but also our thanks for the interest and input from our users.
We have always really enjoyed opportunities to talk to our customers about what they do and how we can help. We are very proud of the important work that we assist. Whether you found us, or we found you, we are eternally grateful for your contributions to our products, and for your continued support.
International chemical and plastics maker Solvay, headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, has selected Emerson Process Management’s DeltaV™ digital automation system Version 11 with electronic marshalling and Characterization Modules (CHARMS) to improve control of a strategic PVC polymerisation process at its plant in Tavaux, France. Create closing binder in pdf. The selection reflects Solvay’s success in putting the DeltaV system to work on other critical control processes. “Based on our recent positive experience with the DeltaV system’s electronic marshalling, we know we can rely on Emerson to deploy this game-changing functionality on our PVC project.
This innovative technology will streamline our project implementation, minimise I/O footprint, and reduce downtime,” said Franck Jouault, system manager for Solvay Tavaux. The Tavaux plant, which is Solvay’s largest, faces the task of managing a diverse and aging collection of installed control systems from multiple suppliers. This includes conventional DCSs, PLCs, relay-based systems, pneumatic systems, and legacy emergency shutdown systems (ESD). Modernising and integrating the plant’s 45,000 I/O concurrent with expansion projects is an ongoing and costly challenge. Solvay found that Emerson could address these project and lifecycle challenges with the completely redesigned hardware architecture of the DeltaV system Version 11.
The electronic marshalling offered in Version 11, eliminates the need for terminal blocks and much of the additional wiring and cabinet space associated with conventional DCSs − a substantial cost saving. Start-up time also improves due to the reduced hardware content and workload. Selection of the DeltaV technology for the PVC polymerisation process followed a previous Solvay test programme to verify that the new I/O system would be compatible with existing field devices and wiring requirements. Solvay had also successfully implemented the DeltaV system with electronic marshalling on two other projects of increasing size and complexity.
“The new project will automate 2600 I/O,” said Frederic Puissegur, system project manager for PVC at the Tavaux plant. “In addition to the DeltaV system with intrinsically safe CHARM I/O, it will include a redundant batch server, Batch Campaign Manager and Audit Trail software, a DeltaV SIS process safety system, AMS Suite predictive maintenance software, engineering services, and on-site training.” Solvay personnel noted that the DeltaV Version 11 system simplifies project engineering and execution, particularly the electrical and wiring studies, compared to a DCS with its traditional I/O cards. Solvay has been able to eliminate the marshalling cabinet and the associated wiring and design − a huge benefit, given the plant’s space constraints. This reduced engineering effort also means faster project execution, so that the process can come back on-line sooner. The new system also helps reduce project cost and schedule risks. In past projects, Solvay noted that five per cent had to be added to any project time and cost estimates because of change orders, incorrect estimates, and other problems.
Solvas Software
With CHARMS, I/O definition and late changes are easily accommodated during project implementation. Solvay now has the flexibility to assign any I/O point to any controller for optimum use of controller processing resources. Solvay Tavaux also anticipates that the DeltaV system will provide higher availability while avoiding unplanned downtime, because problems can be isolated to a single I/O channel – minimising impact on the system. About Emerson Process Management Emerson Process Management ( ), an Emerson business, is a leader in helping businesses automate their production, processing and distribution in the chemical, oil and gas, refining, pulp and paper, power, water and wastewater treatment, metals and mining, food and beverage, life sciences and other industries.
The company combines superior products and technology with industry-specific engineering, consulting, project management and maintenance services. Its brands include PlantWeb™, Syncade™, DeltaV™, Fisher®, Micro Motion®, Rosemount®, Daniel®, Ovation™ and AMS Suite. About Emerson Emerson, based in St.
Louis, Missouri, USA, is a global leader in bringing technology and engineering together to provide innovative solutions for customers in industrial, commercial, and consumer markets through its network power, process management, industrial automation, climate technologies, and tools and storage businesses. Sales in fiscal 2010 were $21 billion. For more information, visit DeltaV is a mark of Emerson Process Management. Other marks are property of their respective owners.