Virtual look to Rockwell automation release

London - Current demands on operators to improve productivity and safety, and on engineers to streamline project implementations, have been the focus for Rockwell Automation in bringing out a new release of its PlantPAx process automation system .

Features include what Rockwell says is the industry’s first production-grade virtual image templates (see panel). These, it said, enable users to quickly deploy pre-installed system servers, operator workstations and engineering workstations on their virtualization infrastructure.

“These templates take the time required to install, update and activate a new system down to mere minutes,” said a Rockwell statement.

“By virtualising the automation system, users gain several advantages, including significantly simpler system backup and restoration, reduced risk associated with patches and upgrades, optimised computing resources, and reduced management and administration costs.”

PlantPAx now also features sizing tools to help system engineers fine-tune the loading and performance of their systems. The new release also accommodates 2.5 times more servers than the previous release, making real-time information available throughout the organisation through the EtherNet/IP network architecture.

The number of operator workstations supported per system has increased to 50: giving users more client/server options, including the ability to segregate the system by plant area for simplified operations and maintenance.

Combined with its extensive controller and I/O portfolio, these improvements help solidify the PlantPAx system as the most distributed process control system on the market.

Features to improve operator effectiveness, meanwhile, include a new sequencer tool, an improved state model for alarm systems, simpler faceplates for common control objects, and new trending tools for improved navigation.

The sequencer tool helps users to sequence actions, such as startups, major changes in operating parameters, and transitioning products or grades.

A new state model helps enable more effective runtime management of alarms to reduce downtime and prevent incidents. HMI faceplate enhancements present the appropriate information based on the role of the logged-in user, enabling quick and effective decisions.

In the area of project Implementation, new implementation tools document common tasks and include pre-configured controller and HMI content. This means that system diagnostics are prebuilt, and common HMI components, such as alarming setup and navigation, can be easily configured from the provided templates.