Industrial information infrastructure and intelligent instrumentation-the options

The technical development in the area of field instrumentation devices is characterised by the introduction of intelligent instruments (microprocessor-based) which immediately created the possibility of intelligent communication and exchange of information between sensors, actuators and control equipment in industrial plants. Bi-directional communication between the control room environment and the process level has become a reality and has revolutionised the way in which plant engineering, commissioning, operation, supervision and maintenance are approached, Tasks, which were traditionally performed in the field, can now be performed from the engineer´s console. The increased functionality of modern field devices is enhanced through the use of digital communication systems, which now can provide more precise and selective process parameters and status and diagnostic information. The latter facility makes computer aided maintenance a reality. This paper addresses the integration of the field devices into the plant information and control system, facilitating the effective utilisation of their capabilities. To achieve this goal it is also necessary to consider the digital information infrastructure at the field level, known as the field bus. The various options available are covered, concentrating on important factors which should be taken into account before applying these emerging technologies