RTU | Flow Computer
Leverage the power of automation and digital technology.
In practical terms, RTU/ PLCs help operators overcome a wide range of issues ranging from continuous monitoring and control of remote fixed assets, data logging meaning critical data from the field is not missed and is available for analysis through to managing complex remote automation and control applications from one central location.
Some of the specific issues that RTU and PLCs can help address include monitoring and control of flow, pressure, temperature; natural gas flow measurement; optimisation and secondary recovery; storage facilities and pressure monitoring.
An increased need for efficiency, environmental protection and safety is driving the market for data analysis and monitoring of assets. RTU/ PLCs facilitate these processes because they can be deployed on a vast range of assets. Once in place, the real value of an RTU/PLC is that it can perform autonomous control in real time and then report to SCADA that it has everything under control. Operators at the SCADA interface can ‘supervise’ the operations by setting new KPIs, set points or updating instructions open/close this, start/stop that, for example for RTU/PLCs to then act upon and manage locally.
This ability to provide accurate, real-time data enables management teams to make better, more informed decisions. In addition, because RTU/PLCs do everything locally, it means if communications break down, they continue to run, maintaining a historical log, and reporting back later. In remote locations, communications will fail regularly, although RTU/PLCs can manage this. For instance, the data that the RTU/PLC collects can be used to support maintenance decisions, and to verify that environmental obligations are being adhered to. As well as being used for operations, RTU/PLCs can support maintenance teams, health and safety initiatives and environmental management.
Centralian Controls is the representative for two RTU/PLC brands
Brodersen
Flexible Architecture Start with a CPU and power supply, then add I/O or system modules (4x serial, 4x Ethernet, VGA etc).
Powerful and ‘future proof’ CPU i.MX 200MHz-2GHz processors & top model with additional 1GHz AI processor
Distributed I/O in a fixed or segmented arrangement Create an RTU solution using up to 250 I/O modules, that can be distributed in multiple segments/blocks.
Smart Modules with ID, Data Quality and Timestamps Enhanced I/O processing. In addition to reporting of data values – modules also report data quality, firmware and hardware revision, status, timestamp of last change (1ms resolution) and serial numbers.
Compact Size – with front terminations Each module is only 110mmH x 25mmW x 95mmD.
Assembly is easy – connect the bus modules to form the backplane, then plug in the ‘hot swappable’ modules!
Brodersen RTU products are used in a wide range of applications around the world that include;
Energy – Substation Automation – Distribution Systems – Windfarms
Oil and Gas – Distribution – Metering
Communications – Protocol Gateways – Equipment Control – Network Management
Water and Wastewater – Storage and Distribution – Pump Stations and Treatment Plants
Rail and Road – Road and Tunnel Management (including the Eurotunnel) – Level Crossing Monitoring and Traction Control (trackside power systems)
Large Installed Base – Proven Design Experience Brodersen products are designed and built to last. The RTU32M CPU architecture and backplane interface to the I/O has changed considerably, but the I/O module signal interfaces are based on designs that are well proven in harsh industrial environments such as substations and wastewater pump stations.
Redundancy – add another P/S or CPU module Add another power supply to share the load and takeover if the other unit fails or add another CPU module to increase the system availability.
WiFi Support – RTU setup from a tablet/phone The option for WiFi allows secure access to the RTU web server using a browser to easily manage RTU configuration and view data values/graphics. Turn WIFI on/off with SCADA for increased safety.
Industrial Security Requirements Security of data, restriction of access to configuration setup and version control have all been enhanced to meet the latest industry requirements and expectations. Features include HTTPS, LDAP, VPN, signed certificates, firewall, whitelist/blacklist & naturally encrypted storage.
Network Redundancy Protocols – HSR and PRP The RTU32M includes HSR (High Availability Seamless Redundancy) and PRP (Parallel Redundancy Protocol) and Network Bonding. These interfaces are used in substation automation applications to provide ring and parallel network solutions.
PLC Functionality WorkSuite includes ‘wizards’ for creation of the I/O setup and program variables. Create and edit logic applications using IEC61131-3 function blocks, ladder logic and structured text programs.
Utility Industry Protocols Many products claim to have RTU functionality – but most do not have a full suite of protocols. RTU32M protocols include; MODBUS, IEC60870, DNP3, IEC61850, Ethernet/IP, Profinet, MQTT and SNMP.
The RTUs are designed for providing redundancy in the actual application meaning that one-point-of-failure will NOT cause the general functionality to be interrupted. At the same time it will provide status about the failure and report it via communication interface, physical actions via outputs etc.
The RTU32/RTU32R Series do also support functions available for handling more complex and advanced redundancy configuration with multiple drivers, advanced local control functions etc. • You can design your own redundancy application as you have access to both a wide range of status monitoring and to control functions in the PLC programming tool. Redundancy function is standard in ALL RTU32 / RTU32R Series products.
Emerson
FB3000 Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) is a powerful yet easy-to-use controller that offers the scalability and expanded data capacity to fulfill the demanding requirements of today’s oil and gas operations. This flexible device for ultra-reliable measurement and control of liquids and/or gas offers users the customized logic and control needed to meet application requirements. Industry-leading configurability and programmability fulfill standard to complex requirements while secure, built-in flow measurement calculations make it easier than ever to prove compliance. In addition, cloud-enabled functionality for licensing simplifies day-to-day operations. Digitally transform your operation by streamlining complex processes with the agile, intuitive FB3000 RTU. This new controller is also part of Emerson’s next-generation FB Series measurement and control platform that offers a common set of configuration tools, including FBxConnect™, to expedite setup and facilitate commonly performed tasks.
Meeting production and LOE targets long term requires a standardized approach to automation. Emerson’s FB3000 RTU is designed to ensure your operation achieves its full potential by providing accurate, reliable performance while reducing complexity. With our extensible automation platform, your operation will have the design flexibility to architect a measurement and control system within budget that is customized to your needs. Our next-generation automation platform offers multiple I/O options, an expansive metrology selection, and industry-standard communications to provide a complete yet flexible solution. In addition, taking a single vendor approach mitigates issues with third party support or other integration challenges that can lead to unnecessary complications, cause delays, and increase costs. Enable your operation to reach its full potential with the agile FB3000 RTU that can be configured to meet your specific architecture, information, operation, automation, and measurement needs.
The ROC800 combines the ruggedness and low power consumption of a RTU, the scalability, speed and control of a PLC, and the audit trails and historical data of a flow computer enabling you to measure, control and optimize your oil and gas operations using a single device. The ROC800-Series has built a reputation on being reliable and known to operate in the harshest remote climates. he Distributed RTU Network is a wireless distributed control solution that allows seamless integration of multiple field controllers. By integrating the FloBoss and the ROC800-Series with radio technology, operators get transparent data connectivity to enable shared, distributed control across a wide geographical area. Multiple RTUs can be placed near individual processing units while still permitting the RTUs to share data with each other and with the host SCADA system.
The FloBoss 107 is a single or multi-run flow computer that is the ideal measurement solution for many natural gas applications that monitor, measure, and control equipment in a remote environment. The FloBoss 107 provides the functions required for various field automation applications delivering accurate AGA calculations, data archival, broad communications support, low power consumption, PID loop control, FST control, and operation over extreme temperatures and many I/O points. The FloBoss™ 107 Flow Manager (FB107) is a microprocessor-based controller that monitors, measures, and controls equipment in a remote environment. Designed for expandability, the FB107 provides the functions required for a variety of field automation applications.
The ControlWave Micro is a highly programmable controller that combines the unique capabilities of a programmable logic controller (PLC) and a remote terminal unit (RTU) into a single hybrid controller. The ControlWave Micro specializes in oil and gas, water and wastewater, and industrial control applications that maximize the performance of a wide range of control systems with a design emphasis on low power consumption.
The FB1100 is a cost-effective, low-power explosion-proof flow computer that measures and monitors gas flow for a single differential pressure meter run. As well as bringing a new level of measurement confidence, it is able to run independently without external power, for up to one year, making the FB1100 an ideal replacement for chart recorders. Designed for simple configuration and ease of use, the cost effective FB1100 flow computer is focused on metering applications where control is not required. The FB1100 is part of Emerson’s new flow computer family that delivers a convenient approach to remote oil and gas sites by addressing challenges to power, safety, and measurement accuracy.
The FB1200 flow computer measures and controls gas flow for up to two differential pressure or linear meter runs. With a rugged housing and multiple I/O, communications, and power options, the FB1200 provides accurate and reliable flow measurement in the harshest conditions. Designed for simplified configuration and ease of use, the FB1200 is also highly configurable and supports multiple flow and fluid property calculations right out of the box. The flexible design provides exactly what is required for each application. The FB12000 can also be equipped with FBxWifi™ allowing you to configure the flow computer and retrieve site data more safely than before.
