Lima, O.— To apply a "control in the field" concept using FOUNDATION fieldbus, BP Chemicals Inc. on May 8 commissioned Emerson Process Management's (Austin, Tex.) PlantWeb field-based automation architecture for its new $100-million chemical plant here. The new plant produces 1,4-butanediol (BDO), a chemical compound used in specialized fibers, plastics and adhesives.

Emerson's architecture brings to BP Chemical's project what is believed to be the most extensive use to date of distributed automation control using FOUNDATION fieldbus standards. Developed by the Fieldbus Foundation (Austin, Tex.), the standards provide for interoperability of instrumentation in process systems. The project's use of FOUNDATION fieldbus includes control algorithms—mathematical logic on which the automation system is based—that operate in 83 of the system's 85 Fisher Fieldvue digital valve controllers. Another 71 fieldbus segments serve 350 Rosemount, Rosemount Analytical, Micro Motion, and Fisher instruments and valves.

PlantWeb's installation at Lima distributes process-control logic to the plant's field devices, rather than centralizing control in traditional computer control systems. The resulting benefits include cost savings from design flexibility due to the open, standards-based technology and broad functionality of field devices, as well as greater system reliability without the need for costly redundant components.

For more information, Circle 349 or visit www.emersonprocess.com or www.controleng.com/freeinfo.