Preventing Configuration Mistakes with a DTM

FDT can Improve One of the Largest Time-Consuming Job Functions for Maintenance Engineers--Device Configuration Mistakes. Learn How

By Mike Bulow

Author

Mike Bulow, Logix Product Manager/Flowserve

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.

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.

Figure 1

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.

Figure 1

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.

More Voices

Preventing Configuration Mistakes with a DTM
03/04/2013
FDT can Improve One of the Largest Time-Consuming Job Functions for Maintenance Engineers--Device Configuration Mistakes. Learn How

Wireless Device Configuration Made Easy Using FDT Technology
01/14/2013
Learn How FDT Technology Is Used to Integrate an YTA Yokogawa Wireless Temperature Transmitter Based on ISA100 Wireless Technology

End-User Benefits of Certified FDT/DTMs
09/18/2012
What Is FDT Certification Testing? Find Out

Using a DTM to Simplify Joining a BULLET WirelessHART Adapter to a Wireless Network
08/23/2012
This Article Outlines the Steps Required to Add an Adapter and to Configure It to Join the Wireless Networking Using a Device Type Manager (DTM)

Commission and Diagnose a Device Communication Problem from the Comfort of the Control Room?
08/01/2012
FDT Can Reduce the Start-Up Node Commission Time by Up to 80%

How FDT Can Be Integrated into Plant Asset Management
06/28/2012
Integrated Asset Management Tools Can Help You Operate and Maintain Processes

Human-Centered Design (HCD) in an FDT/DTM Environment
06/04/2012
We Need a New Way to Interface With Field Devices That Increases Productivity, Reduces Training Needs, and Reduces Human Error

Trebing + Himstedt and FDT Combine to Provide Complete Network Visibility
05/03/2012
The THLink Network Adapter Himstedt Provides Visibility to Not Only Network Health, But Also Gives Operators the Ability to Troubleshoot Device Alarms from the Control Room

Using FDT Technology for Improved Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
03/14/2012
With FDT You Can Reduce Downtime, Engineering Costs, Improve Data Accuracy, Monitor Field Devices Across Multiple Protocols and Set Up Vendor's Devices Using One Software Environment

FDT--Your APP for Smart Device Information Integration!
08/15/2011
See How FDT Provides the "Enabling" Features for Process Automation the Same Way the "App" Does for "Smart Phones"

FDT "Enabling Technology"
05/17/2011
It Is Getting Hard to Differentiate the Cell Phones From Our Computers!

iDTM Builds a Bridge Between FDT and EDDL Device Integration Technologies
04/15/2010
End Users, Engineering Firms and System Integrators Had a Tough Time Deciding Whether to Standardize on EDDL or FDT. The Don't Anymore. Here's Why

The Road Ahead for FDT Technology
02/08/2010
FDT Is Now An Internationally Recognized Standard in the Form of IEC 62453. What Is Next on the "To Do" List for the FDT Group?

FDT Technology Provides Valuable Information on the Desktop
11/17/2009
End Users Benefit from Trend in Increased Visibility of Diagnostic Information

Using FDT Technology to Expedite Fieldbus Commissioning
10/20/2009
Users Embrace Advancements to Installation and Commissioning Practices with FDT Technology

Quality Assurance of FDT Technology with Testing and Certification
09/09/2009
Costs and Resources Associated with Familiarization, Training and Re-Training of Engineers or Maintenance Personnel Has Risen Disproportionately Higher Compared to the Facility Size and Device Count

WIB Evaluates Smart Device Integration Technologies for Asset Management Using Foundation Fieldbus Technology
08/07/2009
FDT and EDDL, Have Been Standardized to Manage Data Flow from the Device to the Hosting Application

FDT Technology Achieves IEC Global Standard Approval
07/09/2009
FDT Technology Gains International Standard Approval

FDT Frame Applications Standardize Smart Device Integration and Management
06/22/2009
End Users Request A Technology that Provides One Software Tool, Integrating Device Assets

FDT Technology—What Are DTMs?
05/07/2009
What’s the Scoop on DTMs?

FDT for Your Factory
04/29/2009
FDT Technology Standardizes the Communication Interface between Field Devices and Systems

FDT Group Evolves Its Technology to Meet End Users Needs
04/28/2009
The FDT2.0 Project Will Incorporate Increasing Device Capabilities with Latest Advances in Technology

The Components of FDT Technology: A Basic Introduction to DTMs and the FDT Frame
04/02/2009
DTMs and the FDT Frame, How Do They Work?

FDT Technology – Delivers a Hole In One!
03/09/2009
Implementing Best-in-Class Devices for Control and Monitoring Applications

Voices: FDT Connections

Preventing Configuration Mistakes with a DTM

Author

Figure 1

Figure 1

Sponsored Links

Control Digital Edition

ControlGlobal.com E-Newsletters