Open interfaces and scalable systems as keys to control valve integration

Plant operators in the process industry expect three things from digitization to field devices: reduced life cycle cost, optimized product quality, and increased plant availability. As more and more microprocessor- based valve accessories found their way into control valve engineering, which was traditionally a field for by mechanics, the foundations were laid for comprehensive device communication, integration, and diagnostics. The complete integration of all functions and communication down to field device level have become established, making it possible to implement a comprehensive management of information. So far, however, it was necessary to observe certain system- and communication-specific conditions, which challenged the boundaries of the possible, particularly on field device level. In addition, the use of manufacturer-independent asset management systems makes it necessary in part to set up parallel communication paths. Current developments allow for complete device integration with system-independent device descriptions and an open data exchange across systems. In the future, it will even be possible to interconnect the devices themselves.