Abstract: A process control system simulation technique performs real-time simulation of an actual process control network as that network is running within a process plant in a manner that is synchronized with the operation of the actual process control network. This real-time, synchronized simulation system includes a simulation process control network and a process model which are automatically updated periodically during the operation of the actual process control network to reflect changes made to the process control network, as well as to account for changes in the plant itself, i.e., changes which require an updated process model. The simulation system provides for more readily accessible and usable simulation activities, as the process control network and the process models used within the simulation system are synchronized with and up-to-date with respect to the current process operating conditions.

Abstract: A process control system simulation technique performs real-time simulation of an actual process control network as that network is running within a process plant in a manner that is synchronized with the operation of the actual process control network. This real-time, synchronized simulation system includes a simulation process control network and a process model which are automatically updated periodically during the operation of the actual process control network to reflect changes made to the process control network, as well as to account for changes in the plant itself, i.e., changes which require an updated process model. The disclosed simulation system provides for more readily accessible and usable simulation activities, as the process control network and the process models used within the simulation system are synchronized with and up-to-date with respect to the current process operating conditions.

Abstract: A distributed process control system drop for controlling the operation of an industrial process includes a first workstation or personal computer running industrial continuous process control software on an open architecture operating system and operable to analyze input information provided from the industrial process according to a predetermined set of rules and generate output information provided to the industrial process to control the operation thereof. A second workstation or personal computer connected with the first workstation via a non vendor-specific, international standards-based data highway normally runs in a backup mode and also runs the industrial process control software on an open architecture operating system to perform the same analysis as the first workstation and generate backup output information.