SIS-Tech automated independent backup system meets SIL3

SIS-Tech Diamond-SIS system meets SIL3 requirements and is less costly than a safety PLC, company says.

February 7, 2010
Control Engineering :

– Safety PLCs ;
– Safety Sensors Rise to New Heights ;

– Safety Standards Maze ;

– Integrated Safety: Has its Time Arrived ?
– Improving Safety in Process Control

SIS-Tech Diamond-SIS automated independent backup (AIB) is a low-cost, standalone safety instrumented system (SIS) that backs up current process control trip logic and meets the requirements of IEC 61511. The system includes an IEC 61508 logic solver that is functionally independent from the process control system, supplements existing logic, and meets all appropriate safety standards. Diamond-SIS AIB provides high integrity and process reliability, the company says.

SIS-Tech automated independent backup system meets SIL3 requirements with less cost than a safety PLC.

It is available in single, dual, and triplicated channel configurations with on-line diagnostics, testing, and maintenance capabilities. Single and dual channel systems are acceptable for SIL 2, while the triplicated channel system is certified by Factory Mutual to SIL 3.

This means that Diamond-SIS can meet the fault tolerance and PFavg requirements of any application.

With its 5 A output rating, the system can de-energize multiple final elements including motor control circuits and/or solenoid operated valves. Local or remote manual reset ensures controlled process re-start after shutdown.

Diamond-SIS AIB is particularly useful with legacy control systems that do not meet current SIS standards, the company says. Typically, during the early days of digital control, users implemented safety logic within their process control systems. Today, they do not want to impose SIS requirements or management restrictions within the existing systems. Instead, they need an independent backup safety logic system that connects easily to existing plant equipment, meets all safety standards and requirements, and requires no reprogramming of process logic. Diamond-SIS AIB fulfills all of those requirements, SIS-Tech says.

Easier to install and maintain than a safety PLC
The one-channel system includes a pre-mounted and wired DIN-rail signal isolator, a Model 340 logic solver, a fuse block, and five terminals ready to accept existing wiring. All components are rated for -30 to 75 degrees C and Class I Div II operation, and meet the mechanical integrity requirements of IEC 61511.

The system can typically be mounted in an existing DCS marshalling cabinet, and the user wires the logic solver contacts in series with the DCS contacts. The logic solver then independently backs up the trip functionality of the DCS.

Each logic solver module can accept most analog inputs. Its two field adjustable trip points allow the process to be shut down on high and/or low process variables, or to detect an out of range signal fault. The number of inputs and the voting architecture-such as 1oo1, 1oo2, 2oo2 or 2oo3-can be adjusted to meet performance requirements. The process shut-down signal from the logic solver can be sent to both the DCS, and directly to a shut-down device such as a relay or solenoid.

The installation does not require any reprogramming of the existing DCS. In addition, the installation cost of a the unit is said to be 80% less than that of an equivalent Safety PLC with the same number of loops. Maintenance costs are also greatly reduced as it’s not necessary to purchase, implement and renew programming software.

Documentation

The Safety Requirements Specification, including Safety Integrity Level (SIL) verification documentation, can be supplied as an option. www.sis-tech.com/diamond_sis.html

– Edited by Mark T. Hoske, editor in chief, Control Engineering , www.controleng.com.