Yokogawa Electric Corporation has released an enhanced version of the STARDOM network-based control system that complies with US gas industry standards and provides a new data-logging function for the FCN/FCJ autonomous controllers.
These enhancements reduce costs by improving the efficiency of both operation and maintenance. Yokogawa will use the release of this enhanced version to strengthen its sales targeting the oil and gas upstream processes.
The enhanced STARDOM version supports the American Gas Association’s AGA3, AGA7, and AGA8 standards used in North America, South America, and Asia. This ensures correct flow measurement as gas is transported between drilling companies and distribution companies. STARDOM provides both gas metering and control functions.
The FCN/FCJ autonomous controllers have been enhanced with the introduction of a new data-logging function. The controllers can now store control data and data from field instruments and facilities for access from distant locations via the Web, enabling efficient remote monitoring.
The STARDOM engineering tool has been enhanced with network templates that improve the reusability of applications. At the end of May, Yokogawa will provide samples of these network templates. In addition, to keep pace with the latest advances in operating systems, the engineering tools for STARDOM’s FCN/FCJ autonomous controllers will support Windows Vista.
STARDOM is an open network-based control system that allows the construction of a supervisory control system from the combination of components that perform functions such as control, operation and monitoring. STARDOM employs the international standard IEC61131-3 programming environment and supports a wide range of communication protocols such as FOUNDATIONTM fieldbus, HART, Modbus, and DNP3.
STARDOM combines the high reliability of a Distributed Control System (DCS) with the universal and economical features of a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), and makes possible the low-cost construction of a full-scale instrumentation system with network functionality.
Major target markets include oil and gas exploration, petroleum and chemical processing, water disposal, gas supply, and co-generation fields where facilities are widely distributed; small- to medium-scale oil, chemical, iron and steel, paper and pulp, food and pharmaceutical plants; and electrical, mechanical and other assembly/processing facilities.
Applications include the monitoring and control of production facilities, the remote monitoring and control of district heating/cooling systems and co-generation systems, and the remote monitoring and control of semiconductor manufacturing equipment.