Preventing Configuration Mistakes with a DTM

In today's plant environment, maintenance personnel are stretched to their limits as more tasks need to be completed with fewer and fewer individuals. However, there is relief! With the majority of facilities turning to newer and smarter technologies, device integration, maintenance and troubleshooting have become easier with the availability of FDT Technology, an IEC 624593 standard providing open access to device intelligence.

Let's focus on how FDT can improve one of the largest time-consuming job functions for maintenance engineers—device configuration mistakes. Using an integrated FDT Frame and device specific DTM, users can configure and verify device settings directly from the control room without going to the individual unit. Let's see just how easy it is to prevent device configuration errors utilizing a Flowserve Logix 3200MD DTM.

See also: Wireless Device Configuration Made Easy Using FDT Technology

One feature of the Logix 3200MD DTM allows verification of the device configuration dip switches from the DTM. Air-action, Signal at Closed, Positioner Characterization, Auto Tune, Valve Stability and Quick Calibration can be set via the dip switches. These dip switches are the minimum settings necessary for the device to operate correctly. With these switches set correctly, and a calibration completed, the positioner is ready for operation.

The Logix 3200 DTM has built-in diagnostics that capture any changes to the dip switch settings. Launch the Frame used in your DCS or laptop. Establish communications with the Logix 3200MD. Double-click on the LGX 32MD listed in the network tree on the left side of the panel. This will launch the 3200MD DTM and display the 3200MD dashboard with the associated DTM options on the left side of the dashboard. See Figure 1 to see the screen tha will appear.

Notice the circled area on the dashboard. This area shows the dip switch settings on the positioner. If there has been a change since the last calibration, the box to the right will have an "X" in it.

See Also: FDT--Your APP for Smart Device Information Integration!

The circled areas indicate that there is a mismatch between the physical switch settings and the actual settings the positioner is using. Notice that Signal at Closed has an "X" in the box next to it. The positioner is using 4mA for the closed position. However, the dip switches have been configured so that a Signal at Closed of 20mA is expected at the closed position. This mismatch causes confusion when trying to diagnose how the positioner is actually operating. In this specific case, the positioner will respond to an increasing signal by opening the valve. However, the switches are set so that the user may think the valve should be closing on an increasing signal. The diagnostics tool catches this discrepancy immediately and alerts the user to the problem.
Notifying the user of a mismatch between dip switch and software settings gives instant recognition of a potential time-consuming problem. Costly troubleshooting of incorrect operation is eliminated with a simple, easily recognizable diagnostic function built in to the Logix 3200MD and its associated DTM.

Smart instrumentation is a benefit of this technical generation. Take advantage of those diagnostics capabilities and save time and money with the use of device DTMs provided by FDT Technology. Check with your suppliers today to see if there is a DTM for your smart device today.

For more information on FDT, please visit: www.fdtgroup.org.