Invensys Announces Comprehensive Process Control Loop Management Services

Business Wire, Oct 7, 2004

HOUSTON -- New Loop Management Services include comprehensive on-line control loop and valve diagnostics and reporting, expert loop tuning, plus continuous remote monitoring to help ensure maximal control loop performance over time

Invensys Process Systems today introduced comprehensive Loop Management Services. The services are available for the I/A Series automation system from Foxboro as well as many other vendors' process control systems. This new service offering represents an important component within Invensys' expanding suite of LifeTime Performance Improvement Services, which now also includes Alarm Management and Network Security services. These services work together to help customers maximize the performance of their installed automation assets.

Invensys' new Loop Management Services begin with a thorough evaluation of all current plant or unit control loops utilizing best-in-class diagnostic software tools. This includes comprehensive on-line diagnostics of all control valves. Loop and valve diagnostics are performed utilizing models created from a combination of real-time data and historical information (collected via OPC). This important service is available for virtually all process control systems and all field devices. FOUNDATION fieldbus or other digital field protocols are not required.

Critical under-performing loops are prioritized for remediation, and if desired, Invensys process control experts can perform the actual loop tuning and recommend appropriate valve maintenance activities. Following remediation, Invensys provides a report documenting the loop performance improvements that were achieved. Ongoing remote monitoring, reporting, prioritization and on-site remediation services are available to help ensure optimal loop performance over time.

"These new services fill a critical gap created when many process manufacturers made the decision to downsize their engineering, maintenance, and operations staffs in response to business pressures, said Harris Kagan, director of technology marketing at Invensys Process Systems. "As a result of this downsizing, many process loops - including critical "money" loops - are often operating sub-optimally, resulting in decreased product quality, increased raw material and energy usage, or the need for frequent operator intervention. Poorly performing control loops, and particularly oscillating loops, also often result in excessive valve wear, thus increasing maintenance requirements. By off-loading day-to-day loop management to Invensys, process manufacturers can realize optimal control loop performance, while freeing typically overworked plant personnel to perform other critical plant tasks."

For more information about Loop Management, or any other Invensys LifeTime Performance Improvement Services, readers should contact the Invensys Customer Satisfaction Center toll-free at 866-746-6477 (508-549-2424 outside of the US and Canada) or via e-mail at csc@invensys.ips.com.

About Invensys Process Systems

Process Systems, a business unit of Invensys plc, provides products, services and solutions for the automation and optimization of industrial process plants. Invensys Process Systems includes industry-leading brands such as Foxboro, Triconex, SimSci-Esscor, Wonderware, and Avantis, whose products are installed in more than 100,000 plants across the world. These range from small hybrid and batch plants to the world's largest refineries, gas plants, petrochemicals plants, power plants, and pulp and paper mills.

The Invensys Group (www.invensys.com) is headquartered in the UK and listed on the London Stock Exchange. With 35,000 employees operating in 60 countries, Invensys helps customers to improve their performance and profitability, building value for end users and shareholders alike.

Avantis, Foxboro, I/A Series, InTouch, SimSci-Esscor, Triconex, and Wonderware are trademarks of Invensys plc, its subsidiaries, or affiliates. LifeTime is a service mark of Invensys plc. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.