Emerson is further expanding the DeltaV™ Automation Platform with the DeltaV Version 15 Feature Pack 2 update for its distributed control system (DCS). This feature pack release empowers users to easily transition to a DeltaV DCS from more third-party control systems, expands support for data-rich Ethernet device networks and reduces the complexity of state-based control implementations.

As plants try to capture the most elusive performance gains to meet today’s ever-increasing efficiency and sustainability goals, they are looking for technologies that modernize control without excessive engineering risk, overhead and downtime. The latest release of the DeltaV control system continues the regular cadence between major DeltaV releases to help users more quickly realize the project savings and operational efficiencies that come with new features for their control system software.

“DeltaV Version 15 Feature Pack 2 provides users new functionality, capabilities and enhancements to further expand seamless data and I/O integration as well as applications to more easily modernize their operations, improve connectivity and collaboration, and lock in operational excellence,” said Claudio Fayad, vice president of technology for Emerson’s process systems and solutions business.

Today’s plants need to reap the benefits of modern, digital technologies that optimize operations and improve sustainability. However, one of the most common barriers to control system modernization is the high cost and labor requirements of transitioning I/O. DeltaV IO.Connect, which lets users replace legacy control systems with modern DeltaV software and controllers while leaving legacy I/O infrastructure in place, now supports multiple third-party control systems.

Plants can now transition to a modern DeltaV control system from the most common third-party systems right away—immediately reaping the benefits of modern control—and transition their I/O infrastructure gradually, on their own schedule, to minimize downtime and risks.

Ethernet-based, high speed, data rich device networks continue to gain popularity across the automation landscape and will only accelerate as Advanced Physical Layer extends the application range in process and hybrid industries. With this latest release, the DeltaV control system has increased the types of data as well as the diagnostic capabilities of the wide range of supported Ethernet-based communication protocols including PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, OPC UA, and Modbus TCP. These enhancements advance the solid foundation of DeltaV automation to exchange increasing volume and variety of data from the next generation of field device networks.

State-based control is a key enabler as many plants drive toward autonomous and semi-autonomous operations to reduce downtime and minimize safety risk. With DeltaV Version 15 Feature Pack 2, engineering and operations teams now have more options for how state-based control sequences execute when operations dictate a change in logic. This optional behavior enables safe and reliable operations while improving the flexibility and maintainability of state-based logic. To improve operator situational awareness the watch area capability of DeltaV Live has also been enhanced to persist as operators navigate between displays.

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