Process operators live under a constant challenge. They are expected to drive operational excellence over long periods of normal running, respond at the first sign of a fault situation, and stay in full control should that abnormal situation escalate. System 800xA Operations promotes fast and correct decision and action in every day challenges plus the unexpected, contributing to reduced downtime, energy consumption and maintenance costs.
Improved operator effectiveness through integrated information
Integrated operations mean unparalleled connectivity between DCS systems, third party systems and other plant systems. ABB control systems as well as other vendors control systems, power automation including electrical equipment, live video systems, CMMS, documentation systems etc all be consolidated into one common picture of the plant. Operators are given a brilliant overview of the process plus easy and fast access to relevant information.The result is increased quality of supervision and control, plant-wide collaboration, and at the end of the day, increased productivity.
- Integrated live video reduces the need for separate CCTV's and workstations which cuts down cost and footprint as well as improving the process overview and operator environment ergonomics.
- Integrated CMMS and documentation means that operators can submit work orders directly in the operator interface, staying focused at the process at all times. The solution promotes more frequent submission of work orders and since the equipment information is automatically filled in, errors are drastically reduced.
- Effective tools for management of information (view-handling and flexible and intuitive navigation) ensure that a large amount of information in the integrated operator environment is handled effective and safe.
High performance HMI design
- Brilliant graphic displays of process events help operators act with speed and confidence. The quality of the graphics is paramount to its efficient operation. System 800xA Operations graphics are based on .Net and WPF (Windows Presentation Foundation), which is the latest Microsoft graphics technology.
- Good alarm management practices are essential in a modern, proactive control environment. In System 800xA, alarm metrics are continuously calculated according to ISA 18.2 and EEMUA 191, allowing operators to analyze and optimize the system for best possible function. Pre-formed, easy-to-understand graphic elements visualize these calculations, boosting alarm evaluation and promoting speedy and correct response. The alarm management in System 800xA reuses the existing already configured alarm lists thereby dramatically reducing costs and start-up time.
Attention to human factors
System 800xA operations put the operator in focus including attention to human factors. The complete operator infrastructure, inside of the control room as well as outside, should promote better operator performance via good ergonomics, communication and collaboration.
- System 800xA with EOW-x is a top-of-the line Operator workstation that offers unparalleled ergonomics, visualization and communication solutions. It's a pre-integrated solution ready for use from day one that allows operators to supervise and control larger process areas.
- ABB has experience from control center projects world wide together with control room and ergonomics specialists CGM, and work with the latest interactive control room planning programs, ensuring that problems and challenges are solved before the control room is built. This reduces the number of supplier contacts and associated cost and time as well as ensuring a solution where everything works together perfectly for increased operator effectiveness. Operators stay alert and proactive and potentially dangerous fatigue and distractions are avoided.
Operator competency
800xA Simulator provides a safe and realistic environment where operators can learn to master the process, thereby reducing risks and the number of unplanned shutdowns. Additionally, 800xA Simulator is a powerful tool for optimization and engineering studies to improve productivity and energy savings.
- In the 800xA simulator a process model is connected to the control system, which gives a completely realistic control logic execution and environment for the operator, with possibilities to run different scenarios, stop, start, restart and so on.
- For new plants, the use of operator training simulators prior to plant start-up will typically contribute to shorter start-up times, enhanced operator performance, trip and incidence avoidance.