Print page

Yokogawa Claims First with Multi-Vendor PST

ControlGlobal.com
12/02/2009

By Andrew Bond, Industrial Automation Insider

New software introduced by Yokogawa as an optional extension to its Plant Resource Manager (PRM) device asset management package creates what it claims is the world's first multi-vendor Partial-Stroke Test (PST) solution for Emergency ShutDown (ESD) valves.

Partial-stroke testing verifies the correct operation of ESD valves which normally remain fully open, but are required to respond instantly in emergency situations. By slightly closing the valve, the PST can diagnose potential problems without disrupting the process, allowing longer intervals between full-stroke tests which require the plant to be shut down.

The new PST Scheduler is used in conjunction with PRM collectively to manage and perform PSTs to determine whether ESD valves are in good working order and will respond properly when needed. PRM can in turn be connected with Yokogawa's ProSafe-RS Safety Instrumented System to provide an integrated safety solution.

PST Scheduler was developed in collaboration with four of the world's leading valve suppliers―Dresser-Masoneilan, Flowserve, Metso, and Samson AG―under Yokogawa's Vigilant Integration Partners (VIP) initiative, thereby ensuring interoperability of ESD valves from all four vendors. VIP is an open, non-exclusive, standards-based partnership which allows Yokogawa customers to integrate devices from VIP members with Centum series DCSs and with PRM and ProSafe-RS.PST Scheduler makes it possible to schedule the automatic or semi-automatic implementation of a PST. However, the test date can be readily revised and PSTs can be performed manually, if necessary.

Multi-vendor valve management

Previously companies using ESD valves from more than one vendor have had to plan and conduct separate PSTs for each valve type. Now however, provided that the valves are from the four companies participating in the VIP Initiative, multi-vendor valve PST management makes it possible collectively to schedule and implement all PSTs.

The PST schedule and implementation status is displayed in a simple Gantt chart in a PST Scheduler window which can be viewed from any PC running PRM or from any Centum operator station.