Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a process collects process data within a process control plant and transmits the collected process data to a remote data processing facility. The remote data processing facility analyzes the process data using a process analysis tool such as a process monitoring tool, an equipment monitoring tool, a device monitoring tool, an index generation tool, a work order generation tool and/or an accounting tool to generate analysis data. The analysis data is then transmitted to the process control plant via a communication link such as the Internet.

Abstract: A system and method of collecting one of process control data and asset data from a plurality of data sources communicatively coupled to an open network stores location information associated with the plurality of data sources and periodically sends requests for process control information to each of the plurality of data sources by using the location information to communicate with each of the plurality of data sources via the open network. In addition, the system and method collects the process control data from messages received in response to the requests for process control information, aggregates the process control data to form aggregated process control data, and stores the aggregated process control data within a database. Additionally, the aggregated data is used in making decisions with regards to operation and maintenance of a process control system or a plant.

Abstract: A control system is provided for controlling a process for making paper or paper pulp. The process has a process product output at an end of the process. The controls include a process variable sensor input configured to receive a process variable related to the process. The controller is configured to provide a control signal to control the process. A process model has a model product output which is a model representation of the process product output. The model process output is a function of the sensed process variable and a product output setpoint representative of a desired process product output. The control signal is a function of the product output setpoint and the modeled product output.

Abstract: A process plant data collection and viewing system uses a common or integrated navigational tree structure and one or more common display formats to enable a user to view, in a similar and consistent manner, information obtained from different applications or data sources within a process plant at any desired level of integration, even though the actual data from the multiple different data applications or data sources may be collected and organized in different manners by different data sources. Because a common visualization of information is provided at different levels of data integration, a user can easily navigate through the data stored in the database or collected by the different data sources at higher or lower levels of data integration without having to contend with or encounter multiple different viewing formats for the same type of data.

Abstract: A process plant data collection and organization system uses a common or integrated navigational tree structure to organize and enable a user to view and access information obtained from different applications or data sources within a process plant, even when those different applications have different manners of organizing or enabling users thereof to view the collected information. The integrated navigational tree may be developed from and may use the navigational tree categories of the different applications or may map the data within different categories of the navigational trees of the different applications into categories within the integrated navigational tree. The integrated navigational tree enables a user to view and access plant data collected or developed by different applications within the process plant in a single place and in an organized manner so that the user can view data related to the plant from a higher point of view than provided by any of the individual applications.

Abstract: Diagnostic circuitry of a process device is used to detect degradation of a resistive element of the process device while the process device remains online, without the use of an additional power source. In addition, once degradation of the resistive element is detected, the diagnostic circuitry can be compensated for automatically. The diagnostic circuitry includes a testing circuit and a processing system. The testing circuit is coupled to the resistive element and is configured to apply a test signal to the resistive element. The test signal heats the resistive element and causes the resistive element to generate a response signal. The processing system compares a change in the response signal to a corresponding reference to detect degradation of the resistive element.

Abstract: A pressure transmitter with an output predicting the magnitude of error in the pressure transmitter's output. A pressure sensor is adapted to sense a process pressure. A controller coupled to the pressure sensor generates a transmitter output representing the process pressure. A memory stores predetermined data predicting magnitudes of transmitter output error as a function of cumulative excessive sensor output levels, and also stores a record of cumulative excessive sensor output levels. The controller calculates a predicted present magnitude of transmitter output error as a function of the accumulated record and the predetermined data, and generates the prediction output.

Abstract: A diagnostic device for use in a process control system receives a sensor signal related to a process variable of a process sensed by a process variable sensor. A signal preprocessor provides a sensor power signal output as a function of a frequency distribution of power in the sensor signal. A process condition is determined based upon the sensor power signal.

Abstract: A fluid flow meter diagnosing the condition of its primary element or impulse lines connecting to a differential pressure sensor. A difference circuit coupled to the differential pressure sensor has a difference output representing the sensed differential pressure minus a moving average. A calculate circuit receives the difference output and calculates a trained output of historical data obtained during an initial training time. The calculate circuit also calculates a monitor output of current data obtained during monitoring or normal operation of the fluid flow meter. A diagnostic circuit receives the trained output and the monitor put and generates a diagnostic output indicating a current condition of the primary element and impulse lines.

Abstract: A rotating equipment monitoring device includes a set of sensors, such as temperature, speed, pressure, and vibration sensors, locally connected to a diagnostic unit having a plant communication interface and a processor that implements one or more diagnostic routines. The diagnostic unit collects data from the sensors and performs diagnostics thereon to detect actual or potential problems with the rotating equipment on a continuous or semi-continuous basis. Using the communication interface, the diagnostic unit automatically sends signals indicating detected conditions of the rotating equipment to a maintenance system or a control system via standard or common communication network, such as a HART or Fieldbus network. The diagnostic unit may also be intermittently coupled to an off-line computer, such a one associated with a service provider, who may verify or further define the diagnostics provided by the diagnostic unit.

Abstract: Process device diagnostic is provided for diagnosing the condition of a process by receiving a process variable sensor signal. The process variable sensor senses vibration noise signals carried in a process fluid of the process. The vibration noise signals are generated by the process, such as by operation of process control elements. The diagnostics isolates the process noise signals in the process variable sensor signal and evaluates the isolated signal to diagnoses the process and the process devices.

Abstract: Diagnostic circuitry of a process device is used to detect degradation of a resistive element of the process device while the process device remains online and without an additional power source. The diagnostic circuitry includes a testing circuit and a processing system. The testing circuit is coupled to the resistive element and is configured to apply a test signal to the resistive element. The test signal heats the resistive element and causes the resistive element to generate a response signal. The processing system compares a time constant of the response signal to a corresponding reference to detect degradation of the resistive element.

Abstract: A process device couples to a process control loop. The process device receives process signals. A memory in the process device contains a nominal parameter value and a rule. Computing circuitry calculates a statistical parameter of the process signal and operates on the statistical parameter and the stored nominal value based upon the stored rule and responsively provides an event output based upon the operation. Output circuitry provides an output in response to the event output. The statistical parameter can be used in statistical process control systems.

Abstract: A process device couples to a process control loop. The process device receives a process signal. A memory in the process device contains a nominal parameter value. Computing circuitry provides an event output based upon the stored nominal value and the process signal. Output circuitry provides an output in response to the event output.

Abstract: A control system is provided for controlling a process for making paper or paper pulp. The process has a process product output at an end of the process. The controls include a process variable sensor input configured to receive a process variable related to the process. The controller is configured to provide a control signal to control the process. A process model has a model product output which is a model representation of the process product output. The model process output is a function of the sensed process variable and a product output setpoint representative of a desired process product output. The control signal is a function of the product output setpoint and the modeled product output.

Abstract: A transmitter in a process control system includes a resistance-based sensor sensing a process variable and providing a sensor output. Self heating circuitry coupled to the sensor provides a self heating signal related to the sensor. Analog-to-digital conversion circuitry coupled to the sensor output provides a digitized sensor output, and transmitter output diagnostic correction circuitry provides an auto corrected output as a function of the self heating signal output or in another embodiment, the transmitter outputs a residual life estimate of the sensor as a function of the self heating index. A novel method of calculating the self heating index is also disclosed, which is applicable to various methods for providing a diagnostic transmitter output.

Abstract: A process plant uses an asset utilization expert to collect data or information pertaining to the assets of the process plant from various sources or functional areas of the plant including, for example, the process control functional areas, the maintenance functional areas and the business systems functional areas. This data and information is stored in a database and is sent to and manipulated in a coordinated manner by tools, such as optimization and modeling tools. This data is also redistributed to other areas or tools where it is used to perform overall better or more optimal control, maintenance and business activities. Information or data may be collected by maintenance functions pertaining to the health, variability, performance or utilization of a device, loop, unit, etc. and this information may then be sent to and displayed to a process operator or maintenance person to inform that person of a current or future problem.

Abstract: A magnetic flowmeter for measuring flow of a conductive fluid includes a flow tube assembly adapted to receive a fluid flow and a coil configured to apply a magnetic field in the fluid flow through the flow tube. An EMF sensor coupled to the flow tube provides an EMF output related to an EMF generated in the fluid flow due to the applied magnetic field, velocity of the fluid and noise. A signal processor includes a wavelet transformer that performs a wavelet transformation on the EMF output and provides a decomposition signal related to velocity of the fluid.

Abstract: A process device is adapted to couple to a process control loop and communicate on the process control loop. Communication on the process control loop is effected in accordance with an internet protocol. A process communication device is also provided which couples to the process control loop, and an internet. The process communication device provides process control information received from the process control loop, to the internet. Conversely, the process communication device also provides information received from the internet to the process control loop.

Abstract: A process control system uses an asset utilization expert to collect data or information pertaining to the assets of a process plant from various sources or functional areas of the plant including, for example, the process control functional areas, the maintenance functional areas and the business systems functional areas. This data and information is manipulated in a coordinated manner by tools, such as optimization and modeling tools and is redistributed to other areas or tools where it is used to perform overall better or more optimal control, maintenance and business activities. Information or data may be collected by maintenance functions pertaining to the health, variability, performance or utilization of a device, loop, unit, etc. and this information may then be sent to and displayed to a process operator or maintenance person to inform that person of a current or future problem.