PLANT MANAGEMENT
MDEVELOPMENTS IN
that is often overlooked is marshalling of electrical signals, but this is where huge improvements to operations and maintenance, and ultimately the bottom line, can be made. Marshalling can be defi ned as the
P
grouping of inputs and outputs (I/O). It enables diverse operating systems to interact, and it encompasses a wide range of requirements: including intrinsic safety (IS) isolation, signal conditioning, relay interfaces, surge protection and cable terminations, often including loop disconnects. However, marshalling is also a neglected area of system design that has historically lacked an overall
rocessing plants worldwide are under increased pressure to operate more effi ciently and make cost savings. One area
vision for future development. T is is a challenge that Eaton, as an expert in reliability, effi ciency and safety of electrical products, has been keen to address.
MARSHALLING CHALLENGES It can be a real challenge for process engineers to know what their exact marshalling requirements may be in a few years’ time: because the site grows, projects evolve and customer priorities change. Marshalling system fl exibility is therefore paramount to prevent delays from changes (and associated cost increases) in project specifi cation. Traditionally there may be up to
fi ve separate cabinets for the diff erent marshalling functions, with complex wiring between the marshalling
Roger Highton explains how a pioneering approach to marshalling can deliver big benefi ts in complex processing applications
ARSHALLING
components: up to eight interconnections per channel. T is creates a complex wiring structure and is a major source of faults and downtime. Another major source of complexity is multiple components from multiple suppliers. A traditional marshalling solution with IS typically involves 20 diff erent component types. During later design stages the component type often needs to be amended, which results in changes to the Bill of Materials that are long and complex. Additionally, late changes make it diffi cult for end users to maintain the marshalling system and control lifetime costs. Space requirements are also a key challenge – particularly in oil & gas processing – and marshalling systems can become increasingly unwieldy as
Marshalling of electrical signals needs an overall vision to enable it to keep pace with the challenges of modern processing environments
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