GE launches enhanced Proficy Process Systems

A GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms UK product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Aug 7, 2009

GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, a unit of GE Enterprise Solutions, has released Version 1.6 of Proficy Process Systems, its process control system.

Proficy Process Systems is a fully integrated process control system that, based on its flexible configuration, architecture and controller platforms, can provide customers in different industries with an advanced DCS or hybrid process control system to meet their specific needs.

The company claims that these systems will improve operational performance and productivity and provide customers with a sustainable advantage for their business.

Proficy Process Systems 1.6 adds the support of the PAC8000 process controllers and the Pacsystems redundant Rx3i controllers.

Customers in industries such as oil and gas are likely to benefit from GE Fanuc's Proficy Process Systems with the PAC8000 family of controllers.

PAC8000 controllers incorporate optional intrinsic safety for hazardous-area applications and they can be field mounted and subjected to extreme temperatures and corrosive atmospheres when required.

Features of the PAC8000 include: a -40C to +70C operating range; ISA Level G3 corrosion; 30G shock and 5G vibration; and operation in Class I, Division 2 and Zone 2 hazardous areas with field wiring extending into Division 1 and Zone 1/0 areas.

PAC8000 controllers can pass HART information from smart field devices to a computer running device asset management software, allowing for remote maintenance and calibration.

HART data and diagnostics can also be used directly in control applications, reducing commissioning time, process downtime and loop maintenance costs.

With the support of Pacsystems Redundant Rx3i controllers, Proficy Process Systems provides a high-availability architecture for customers in industries such as food and beverage, who are said to benefit from the discrete, batch and process capabilities that the Pacsystems controllers provide.

Kam Yuen, GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms' product manager for Proficy Process Systems, said: 'GE Fanuc continues to provide advanced technology platforms that give our customers the freedom and flexibility to choose their visualisation technology - Ifix or Cimplicity - and their controller platform - PAC8000 or Pacsystems.

'This flexibility is very attractive to companies in oil and gas, water/wastewater, power and utilities, mining, ethanol, food and beverage, boilers, data centres and chemicals,' he added.

Proficy Process Systems is available in three levels: Premier, Standard and Process Edition.

Included with Proficy Process Systems 1.6 is the Proficy Alarm Viewer that provides advanced alarm line formatting, filtering and sorting capabilities.

It also has an audible alarm capability that annunciates alarms based on the user's configured rules.

Proficy Process Systems 1.6 also includes new process control function blocks, enhanced visualisation faceplates and features that enhance the overall usability of the system.