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Rockwell Automation Inc. has expanded its toolbox for companies looking to easily migrate from legacy DCS systems to the PlantPAx process automation system. These new offering include: Database conversion, cabling solution and I/O scanner for migrating a Siemens MOORE APACS system; cabling solution and improved database-conversion tool for migrating the Invensys Foxboro I/A system; I/O scanner for Allen-Bradley SMART I/O for migrating an Emerson Fisher PROVOX system; and universal Control Network interface for migrating the Honeywell TDC3000 system. According to the company, characteristics include:
- Unlike the rip-and-replace migration method, the company uses I/O scanners to shadow the existing system and pull data during runtime into the Allen-Bradley ControlLogix controller, which is at the heart of the PlantPAx system.
- This data is used to simulate and test the system to mitigate risk during the conversion.
- In addition, the company has developed custom field termination unit cable designs that allow the removal of legacy I/O without the need to remove field wires, significantly reducing installation costs and risks associated with I/O replacement.
- On one end, the custom cables plug directly into the legacy field termination unit, and on the other end, into the ControlLogix I/O module.
- The company also leverages database and configuration utilities that convert existing control strategies into information that the PlantPAx system can understand, rather than having to rewrite them from scratch.
