Enhancements to small-scale control system simplify installation

Improvements to Honeywell’s HC900 standalone process control system promise less startup time and fewer operator errors.

July 15, 2010

Honeywell has announced new features for its 900 Control Station touch screen operator interface, part of the HC900 Control System, used in industrial facilities to control standalone processes and SCADA applications. The company says its new features allow engineers to configure the system more quickly and allows operators to monitor their processes more efficiently while reducing data entry error.

“Many plants today need smaller and contained control systems for standalone or SCADA applications where a distributed control system would be overkill for these applications,” says Henri Tausch, VP and general manager for Honeywell Process Solutions’ (HPS) Field Solutions group. “Additionally, more of our customers need to handle batch applications that don’t require complex recipe or procedure management. The enhancements we’ve made to the HC900 Control System will make it easier for those plants to deploy the solution they need for these challenges in a more-efficient manner.”

Honeywell recommends this hybrid control solution for processes such as thermal control in boilers, furnaces, kilns, and dryers. It is also ideal for small-unit processing in pharmaceutical, chemical, bio-fuel, and pilot-plant applications. Its newly enhanced features include thermal batch management and reporting, expanded remote access, improved alarm monitoring, and security for standalone and small process control applications.

Process alarming from the HC900 controller, for instance, is now integrated into the operator interface, which means plants save installation time by not having to set up separate display alarming. Additionally, the system features automated barcode data entry, which Honeywell says can help operators enter required batch identification data quickly with less chance for human error. Operators can also access data from the interface via cell phone to remotely monitor the system.

The HC900 Control System is available through Honeywell’s network of distributors and system integrators, and represents another element of a larger program to reach into new market areas. “We are increasing our focus on non-traditional verticals,” Tausch adds. “HPS has traditionally focused on refining, chemicals, petrochemicals, and so forth. There are a lot of other verticals where there are smaller projects and those are implemented through system integrators. We came out with a range of products that we call our SIMS (system integrator and modular system) program, including the Experion LS, HC900, and Master Logic. We have a program for system integrators where they can implement these systems in smaller verticals such as food and beverage, fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and so on. Of course, in the Field Solutions division, we also have our traditional products: pressure, temperature, level, and flow, and we have a distributor channel for these. What system integrators like about Honeywell is that we offer them Experion LS which is a true DCS, which they don’t have access to through our other programs.”

Edited by Peter Welander, pwelander@cfemedia.com
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