Honeywell TDC 3000 APM I/O Simulator
Dave Stevenson
As part of a small upgrade project, I am about to install a new
Honeywell TDC 3000 APM (R432). One of the main functions of this APM
will be the automatic sequence control (in CL) of a crude oil heating
skid. Since much of the field work is still to be completed, and
deadlines need to be met, I would like to get as much of the sequence
completed and tested as I can before all of the I/O is available. I
am thinking about purchasing the I/O simulator to develop / test as
much of the sequence as possible before the field devices are
connected. I think that this would also reduce the impact on
operations during development, and be a useful training tool for the
operators who have not operated such heating facilities in the past.
The questions then . . .
Has anyone used this product (the simulator that is) ?
How useful / flexible is it for the purposes described above ?
Any major drawbacks / problems ?
Any other comments appreciated . . .
regards
Dave
Jim
Dave
By "simulator", do you mean the simulation software offered by Honeywell?
I have used that. You load from the "NET" (HM) using a simulation load.
It works great. I used it to simulate inputs and outputs, to get rid of
the INIT error when the AO's are not hooked up - and other errors.
I assume you have the HPM delivered already and can load to it?
Jim
Walter Driedger
Why not just hook up some switches and lights? I've done
that lots of times and got excellent results. Some simple
techniquew:
1- Discrete inputs can be simulated by hooking up a bunch
of disconnect terminal blocks.
2- Outputs can be done by using indicating, fused, terminal
blocks with the fuses removed. It may be necessary to
install a 1 watt load resistor instead of a fuse in order
to provide a bit of load or the light is kept on by leackage.
3- 4-20 mAmp inputs are simulated by a variable resistor
adjusted to give the right value. If you are using smart
transmitters, borrow a few from site.
4- RTDs are easily simulated with a resistor variable over
the correct resistance range. (Typically 100 - 200 Ohm)
5- Analog outputs need a 250 Ohm resistor across each output.
This can then be measured with a simple 1 - 5 volt meter.
Kelvin Hales
Alternatively, you could check out 'Virtual Process' from Cape
Software: http://www.capesoftware.com
Kelvin B. Hales
Kelvin Hales Associates Limited - Consulting Process Control Engineers
Egham, Surrey, England, TW20 9NB
Tel/Fax: +44 (0)1784 473153; Email: khales:cix.compulink.co.uk
.
Dave Stevenson
The message <VVO7.254$VA1.1...@news3.voicenet.com>
from me...@techie.com (Melo) contains these words:
> The APM I/O simulator does nothing more than disconnect the real word I/O.
> One small limitation (at least when I last worked with it in 1975) was that
> it did not handle characterized analog outputs (like you might use when
> doing split range control).
mmm, 1975 ???
I think that you may have meant that the Basic Controller did not
handle characterised AO's in 1975 ? Certainly the PM/APM/HPM family
was not available then, all of which do this now.
Dave
Dave Stevenson
Jim,
Yes, that's right, it is the simulation software that I am considering.
The APM (not H) has been delivered, and will be available before we
get all of the FTAs etc. connected.
Dave
The message <345D5A...@hal-pc.org>
from Jim <j...@hal-pc.org> contains these words:
> By "simulator", do you mean the simulation software offered by Honeywell?
> I have used that. You load from the "NET" (HM) using a simulation load.
> It works great. I used it to simulate inputs and outputs, to get rid of
> the INIT error when the AO's are not hooked up - and other errors.
> I assume you have the HPM delivered already and can load to it?