Abstract: A control system has a master controller having a control program with a primary cause-and-effect matrix defining cause-and-effect relationships between a set of inputs and a set of outputs to control its operation. A number of secondary controllers communicate with the master controller via a network. Each secondary controller has a control program with a secondary cause-and-effect matrix defining cause-and-effect relationships between a set of inputs and a set of outputs to control its operation. Selected inputs/outputs of the cause-and-effect matrices are communicated over the network and linked between the primary and secondary cause-and-effect matrices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamic reconfiguration of an application of a programmable process controller are provided. According to one embodiment, a configuration device reads a new configuration file, which contains information regarding a desired number of instances and desired configurations of modules of the process control application, from its local memory. The configuration device then causes the application to instantiate the desired number of instances with the desired configurations by replacing an existing configuration file of the programmable process controller with the new configuration file. In another embodiment, a process control application of a programmable process controller dynamically configures its structure and memory allocation usage. During startup of the application, a configuration file is read that defines a number of instances and configurations of modules for the application.

Abstract: A local operator interface provides a graphical user interface to a programmable process controller (PPC) for oil and gas wellhead equipment. Configuration data reflecting the configuration of the wellhead equipment is stored by the PPC and used in controlling the operation of the wellhead equipment. A local operator interface unit retrieves the configuration data from the PPC and generates a graphical user interface on its display based on the configuration data. The operator can then selectively control operation and interact with the PPC and wellhead equipment via the graphical user interface. The local operator interface unit can be an Android-based system that also includes database management software to provide data storage and reporting capabilities.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamic reconfiguration of an application of a programmable process controller are provided. According to one embodiment, a configuration device reads a new configuration file, which contains information regarding a desired number of instances and desired configurations of modules of the process control application, from its local memory. The configuration device then causes the application to instantiate the desired number of instances with the desired configurations by replacing an existing configuration file of the programmable process controller with the new configuration file. In another embodiment, a process control application of a programmable process controller dynamically configures its structure and memory allocation usage. During startup of the application, a configuration file is read that defines a number of instances and configurations of modules for the application.