cpp – Process technology for the chemical industry 02.2020

cpp FOCUS SAFETY AND SECURITY
I/O system extended to include modules for the Ex i zone
Reliable implementation of
the NOA concept
The NOA concept enables data already available in process engineering systems to
be used to optimise processes. This is why Phoenix Contact has developed an I/O
solution for intrinsically safe applications, which enables the relevant information to
be easily read out. In combination with the PLCnext Technology ecosystem, the Ex i
modules are ideal for NOA applications such as detecting leaks in pipelines, gas
warning systems, and monitoring tanks, valve positions, pumps or motors.
Apply new concepts to improve monitoring
of existing plants and detect malfunctions
before they occur. When these stand -
ards are met, the efficiency and availability
of machines and plants increase. In this context,
the NOA concept provides a side channel
for chemical and pharmaceutical industry
applications that is used to acquire additional
data from the application to improve
maintenance and achieve more cost-efficient
operation. Side channels also enable new
technologies that do not have a negative effect
on ongoing plant operation to be used.
Further, important plant components can be
continuously checked with the help of
modern solutions such as cloud connection.
To ensure greater user benefits, special
requirements such as industrial compatibility,
robustness, and reliability must also be
implemented. Comprehensive data security
is also a significant factor in both existing
and new plants. If these general conditions
do not exist, users will not be able to install
the technology in their plants.
The Ex i modules of the Axioline F I/O system are ideal for NOA applications such as
detecting leaks in pipelines, gas warning systems, and monitoring tanks, valve positions,
pumps or motors
Picture: Oil and Gas Photographer – shutterstock.com
Acquiring additional data
The NOA concept was introduced at the
Namur general meeting in November 2016.
As mentioned above, a side channel was
created to enable access to all key data of the
device and provide infrastructure that satisfies
the wish of operators to gain a deeper
insight and a higher degree of plant openness.
What makes this solution special is that
it is impact-free and critical processes can
continue to run without interruption. Since
then new approaches and (further) developments
have been presented in November
every year. They practically demonstrate
how manufacturers and service providers in
the industry have understood the requirements
of operators and implemented them
as products and solutions.
With the NOA concept, additional data can
be acquired from field devices, the majority
of which currently support the proven
4…20 mA current loop and some of them
also have a Hart interface. The information
can be immediately used as part of the
maintenance and monitoring strategy. When
it comes to monitoring and operation, in
addition to important 4…20 mA measuring
42 cpp 02-2020