Abstract: In a Boundaryless Control High Availability (“BCHA”) system (e.g., industrial control system) comprising multiple computing resources (or computational engines) running on multiple machines, technology for computing in real time the overall system availability based upon the capabilities/characteristics of the available computing resources, applications to execute and the distribution of the applications across those resources is disclosed. In some embodiments, the disclosed technology can dynamically manage, coordinate recommend certain actions to system operators to maintain availability of the overall system at a desired level. High Availability features may be implemented across a variety of different computing resources distributed across various aspects of a BCHA system and/or computing resources. Two example implementations of BCHA systems described involve an M:N working configuration and M:N+R working configuration.

Abstract: Methods and Systems are described for control at/of a network node. The network node can include a control module and first and second modules coupled to the control module. The first module can be configured to select first input/output (I/O) types of a field device coupled at an I/O interface of the network node. The second module can be configured to select a second I/O types of the field device. The first and second modules can be coupled to the I/O interface through a field device coupler.

Abstract: Controlling and communicating with separate sets of industrial process control devices via separate data protocols simultaneously with a single processing device that utilizes redundancy and task-splitting to increase availability. An exemplary system includes a device integrator processor configured to receive and transmit electronic data via a plurality of protocols simultaneously. In one form, the device integrator processor includes a primary module that primarily controls communications and synchronizes itself with a shadow module of the processor. In another form, the processor includes multiple cores that each control a set of devices. Moreover, the cores implement a redundancy scheme.

Abstract: High availability and data migration in a distributed process control computing environment. Allocation algorithms distribute data and applications among available compute nodes, such as controllers in a process control system. In the process control system, an input/output device, such as a fieldbus module, can be used by any controller. Databases store critical execution information for immediate takeover by a backup compute element. The compute nodes are configured to execute algorithms for mitigating dead time in the distributed computing environment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for testing petroleum wells utilize a fluidic system to receive multiphase fluid output from the wells. A metering system measures the flow rate of oil, water, and gas through the fluidic system. The metering system can be operated in a first mode in which the metering system provides time-varying measurements of the flow rates and a second mode in which the metering system measures the flow rates over longer intervals of time, for example, providing measurements of the total flow or average flow rate over certain time intervals. A control system selectively and sequentially routes the output of the wells to perform a series of well tests on the wells and causes the metering system to switch between the first and second modes in response to a change in operating conditions.

Abstract: Automated hardware device engineering and design by representing hardware engineering requirements via a wiring typical schema. An engineering workbench application executing on a computing device utilizes a wiring typical schema representing generic and project-specific requirements to automate hardware device engineering and design tasks in real time.

Abstract: A field device for use in a process control system having embedded firmware stored in a a nonvolatile memory. The firmware includes computer-executable instructions for performing fixed behaviors and/or standard measurements as well as a runtime interpreter. The interpreter executes application specific code downloaded to the field device. When executed, the application specific code performs custom field device functions.

Abstract: In a Boundaryless Control High Availability (“BCHA”) system (e.g., industrial control system) comprising multiple computing resources (or computational engines) running on multiple machines, technology for computing in real time the overall system availability based upon the capabilities/characteristics of the available computing resources, applications to execute and the distribution of the applications across those resources is disclosed. In some embodiments, the disclosed technology can dynamically manage, coordinate recommend certain actions to system operators to maintain availability of the overall system at a desired level. High Availability features may be implemented across a variety of different computing resources distributed across various aspects of a BCHA system and/or computing resources. Two example implementations of BCHA systems described involve an M:N working configuration and M:N+R working configuration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus capable of monitoring performance of a process and of the condition of equipment units effecting such process is disclosed. A process model predicated upon mass and energy balancing is developed on the basis of a plurality of generally nonlinear models of the equipment units. At least one or more of such equipment models are characterized by one or more adjustable maintenance parameters. Data relating to mass and energy transfer within the process is collected and is reconciled with the mass and energy characteristics of the process predicted by the model. The condition of the equipment units and process performance may then be inferred by monitoring the values of the maintenance parameters over successive data reconciliation operations.

Abstract: A method of assessing flow from an individual well in a set of oil and gas wells includes flowing output from a first subset of the wells collectively to a first flow measurement system through a first conduit while flowing output from a second subset of the wells collectively to a second flow measurement system through a second conduit different from the first conduit. Total flow through the first flow measurement system and total flow through the second measurement system are measured. Output from said individual well is rerouted from one of said first and second measurement systems to the other of said first and second measurement systems. Total flow through at least one of the first and second measurement systems is measured after the re-routing. A difference between the total flow rate before the re-routing and after the re-routing is used to assess flow rate from said individual well.

Abstract: Providing a fast response to a process step while allowing a sensor response to remain relatively slow. A mechanical component generates a response to a step change in a physical property and an electrical component generates an analog electrical signal indicative of the response generated by the mechanical component over a period of time. The analog electrical signal is converted into digital values and the digital values are used to indicate the final value of the step change in the physical property before the period of time has elapsed.

Abstract: A method of making a sensor assembly for a vortex flowmeter includes securing a vortex sensor to a vortex sensor housing. The vortex sensor housing is secured to a sensor body that is configured to seal a process penetration opening to limit flow of process fluid out of the flowmeter through the process penetration opening. A pair of pressure-responsive diaphragms is secured to the vortex sensor housing such that the pressure-responsive diaphragms face outwardly from opposite sides of the housing and such that the vortex sensor is positioned to detect motion of at least one of the pressure-responsive diaphragms. A mounting hole is made in the sensor body spaced apart from the vortex sensor housing. A temperature sensor housing is secured to the sensor body through the mounting hole. A temperature sensor is inserted in the temperature sensor housing for sensing a temperature of the process fluid.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to access real time information from a sensor system in an augmented reality environment. The system and method involve capturing images of an area including a beacon for a sensor system and a pattern outputted by the beacon. The pattern corresponds to information including real time sensor data of one or more conditions monitored by the sensor system in the area. The system and method further involve identifying the pattern from the images captured by the image sensing device; translating the pattern to obtain the sensor data; overlaying the sensor data over the captured images in relations to the beacon or sensor system in the captured images; and displaying the overlaid images with the sensor data on a display device.

Abstract: In a network coupling redundant controllers to a control system, an electronic device is provided. The device comprises a first interface coupled to the control system addressed using a unique medium access control (MAC) address, a second interface coupled to a first redundant controller, and a third interface coupled to a second redundant controller. The device receives a first message via the first interface and transmits the first message via the second interface and via the third interface. The device receives a second message via the second interface and transmits the second message via the first interface. The device receives a third message via the third interface and transmits the third message via the first interface.

Abstract: Automated measurement of fluid solution capacitance in industrial processes to determine solution concentration. Industrial process control transmitters determine solution concentration directly from solution capacitance and confirm concentration determinations based on solution conductivity. The industrial process control transmitters include terminals embodied in wire coils and/or metallic plates, at least one processor, and at least one computer readable memory device.

Abstract: A vortex flowmeter for measuring a flow rate of a fluid has a flowtube and a bluff body positioned in the flowtube for shedding vortices in the fluid when the fluid flows through the flowtube. A sensor is positioned to detect the vortices. A cleaning port is positioned to allow a stream of fluid to be directed into the flowtube through the cleaning port toward the sensor for cleaning material away from the sensor. A method of cleaning the vortex flowmeter includes injecting a fluid into the vortex flowmeter toward the sensor through the cleaning port.

Abstract: An electromagnetic flowmeter has a flowtube configured to carry a conductive fluid. The flowtube has wall made of a conductive material. The wall has an inner surface surrounding a fluid flow path for the fluid. A non-conductive liner is positioned to electrically insulate the flowtube wall from the fluid. The flowtube and non-conductive liner define an electrode mounting hole. An electrode extends through the electrode mounting hole. The electrode and the non-conductive liner form a fluidic seal between the electrode mounting hole and the fluid flow path. At least a portion of the electrode is arranged in fluid communication with the flowtube within the electrode mounting hole. A short circuit detector can detect failure of the seal when conductive fluid that has leaked past the seal creates a short circuit as a result of the fluid communication between the flowtube and the electrode mounting hole.

Abstract: A sensor service prediction system and method are provided for a sensor. The system monitors sensor operations of the sensor, and provides a calendar age odometer which increments a calendar age of the sensor by a first time interval as the sensor operates. The system further provides an accelerated age odometer which increments an accelerated age of the sensor by a second time interval according to the increment of the calendar age and a sensor temperature or other measurable environmental condition associated therewith. The system obtains a value of a sensor property at different calendar ages or accelerated ages of the sensor over time, and predicts and outputs when the sensor property of the sensor is anticipated to reach a sensor property threshold based on the values of the sensor property in relations to the accelerated age.

Abstract: A multicore system controls devices in a process control system. A primary control processing device having a primary master core and a primary remote core is configured for controlling communications on a first network among a first plurality of devices. The primary remote core is configured for controlling communications on a second network among a second plurality of devices. A shadow control processing device is coupled to the first and second networks for processing redundant communications among the devices. The shadow control processing device comprises a shadow master core and a shadow remote core. The shadow master core is configured for controlling communications on the first network among the first plurality of devices. The shadow remote core is configured for controlling communications on the second network among the second plurality of devices.

Abstract: A magnetic flowmeter has a transmitter module that generates a drive signal for driving a magnetic field in a flowing fluid. A flowtube module samples a voltage induced in the fluid by the magnetic field and generates a measurement signal. A single communication path carries the drive signal from the transmitter module to the flowtube module and the measurement signal from the flowtube module to the transmitter module. The flowtube module generates a digital measurement signal. The flowtube module can include a processor for bundling the measurement signal with other information such as calibration data for the flowtube. In addition, the processor can control the timing of flowtube module operations so that the flowtube module samples the induced voltage and transmits the measurement signal to the transmitter module at different times.