The project is in the budgetary stage and I am working on the cost estimate. I have no experience with this DCS and the guys at the site don't know any more than they need to operate the plant. The project would be a lot simpler if we could somehow export the tag database and ideally some/all of the existing logic to the new DCS (brand and model TBD). I could use some advice on whether it can be done and if so, how.

 

It is possible to convert the Mod 300 data base to an MS Access database if you can then convert to the new DCS. Of course, that depends upon what the new DCS is.

Most likely, however, there will be an additional complexity of converting the control logic from the Taylor Mod 300 blocks and language to what ever form of software the new system uses. Although they may be similar, it is unlikely that the configuration and programming languages are close enough to be directly convertable without the help of a person who can understand what is being done in the Mod 300 and how to do the same thing in the new system.

Feel free to contact me at [email protected].

Regards,
John Shaw

 

PRIME Integration offers a software tool kit that exports Mod 300 configuration files to MS Access, Excel and Visio diagrams. This could then serve as a foundation for creating design documents to send out for competitive bids, or if you intend to do the work in-house, for creating a point-to-point map for each DCS parameter. We have tools for TCL sequences, recipes and graphics also.

For more information, visit our web site at http://www.prime-integration.com

 

Contact ABB and "request" that THEY do a site visit(with Project Data Manual of existing plant) to give you a CLEAR idea of cost to migrate from MOD 300 to ADVANT or ? Get their "budgetary quote" in writing. I've done this migration with 2 plants here(polyolefins unit and a CoGen).

Also ask the Delta V folks to visit and do the same. They are REALLY into sucessfully using existing marshalling and adapting hardware/software to replace obsolete/other manufacturer's systems.

References:
http://www.easydeltav.com/successstories/nexen.asp
http://www.easydeltav.com/solutions/dcs/index.asp
(Select "Taylor" on the index page)

Even if ABB does the software conversions there WILL be a good bit of "fixing" to do for everything to work right(no matter what the sales people tell you).

 

The ideal system for remote operation is Yokogawa's new Stardom system. It is a network control system, and current cofiguration will be able to be imported from Excel or Access without much hassle. Controllers can be installed remotely and accessed via TCP/IP using most SCADA or web packages. More info on http://www.yokogawa.com

 

Good news is that the MOD 300 database can be brought over to the new OPIT platform with no changes. And there should be NO problems with it. I have done this twice and am starting on third and have had 0 problems in this area. Ditto for TCL.

Graphics and reports are another matter. Not everything will transpose smoothly in the graphics end and there will be major clean up. Reports will have to be configured in Crystal Reports based on what you had. Many of the HMI features of the old system are not present in the new and have to be built, such as trend displays. But once built they are better than old version.