EC: S88 Builder

Software - Control design: S88 Builder software configures devices—such as pumps, valves, mixers, etc.—into batch tasks such as blending, mixing, heating and pumping without programming. This is a Control Engineering 2014 Engineers’ Choice finalist.

October 17, 2013

S88 Builder is the first control system to enable users to pre-configure process devices such as valves, pumps, variable drives or tanks, then configures these devices into specific operating tasks such as mixing, flow control, heating, cleaning, etc. S88 Builder provides a configuration process that is easier, more accurate and faster than programming devices and tasks. In fact, the S88 Builder device/task configuration capability has proven to reduce project development by up to 90% compared to custom programming. This capability lowers the total cost of ownership for a process control system by minimizing initial development costs, reducing time-to-market for new products and reducing waste and downtime.

The S88 Builder configuration system is based on the ISA-S88 standard that defines best practices for control operations at batch processing plants. The goal of ISA-S88 is to provide standard terminology and consistent sets of concepts and models for batch manufacturing plants and batch control. These concepts and models are the foundation of the S88 Builder process. This process includes a Studio that contains various modules to configure devices and tasks on a PC and then loads those profiles onto a PLC/PAC. S88 Builder Engine provides the runtime execution of those profiles on the PLC/PAC. For easy-to-use operation, the S88 Builder incorporates Faceplates and Objects tools installed in an HMI to provide operator interface capabilities including task status, alarms and task management.

Today, the S88 Builder system is compatible with Rockwell Automation PLCs/PACs, HMIs and batch management and visualization software. Additional brands of hardware and software are under development.

www.ecssolutions.com 

https://s88builder.com

ECS Solutions Inc.