Yokogawa Releases New Version of ProSafe-RS and Enhances DPharp EJX for Oil and Natural Gas Facilities

Tokyo, Japan - September 18, 2013

Yokogawa Electric Corporation announces the September 30 release of an enhanced version of the ProSafe^®-RS safety instrumented system and the addition of a new function to the DPharp EJX multivariable transmitter. The new ProSafe-RS version, R3.02.10, offers improved functions for upstream oil and gas, which is one of Yokogawa's core markets. The DPharp EJX multivariable transmitter has been enhanced to improve connectivity with ProSafe-RS.

From left: ProSafe-RS R3.02.10, DPharp EJX

Development Background

In upstream oil and gas processes, there is an ever pressing need to prevent accidents and protect the environment. Accordingly, there is a growing demand for safety instrumented systems that can detect abnormal conditions and safely initiate emergency shutdowns. However, wells and pipelines are typically distributed over a wide area and often have limited space for the installation of equipment. To improve operational efficiency and reduce hardware costs, there is a need to consolidate the functions performed by control and safety instrumented systems. In response to these needs, Yokogawa is releasing a new version of the ProSafe-RS safety instrumented system and has enhanced the DPharp EJX multivariable transmitter.

Overview of Enhancements

1. AGA gas flow rate calculation
   To monitor and control gas wells and pipelines, gas flow rate compensation is required. The in-situ gas volume needs to be compensated to a standard volume because the gas volume rises or falls significantly depending on the process temperature and pressure. This compensation is usually carried out by a control device or dedicated flow computer. For our customers in regions such as the Americas and the Middle East who wish to eliminate the need for such dedicated devices, Yokogawa has incorporated a gas flow rate calculation function in ProSafe-RS R3.02.10. Thus ProSafe-RS, which is certified for use in SIL3^*1 applications, is now suitable for use both in safety instrumentation and monitoring & control.
2. Modbus^*2 communications between DPharp EJX and ProSafe-RS for gas flow rate calculation
   To compensate the gas flow rate, differential pressure, static pressure, and temperature must be measured. The DPharp EJX multivariable transmitter is a sensor that can measure all three of these variables. As the Modbus protocol is widely used in upstream oil and gas processes for communications between sensors and gas flow rate compensation devices, Yokogawa has added Modbus protocol support to the DPharp EJX multivariable transmitter. This sensor can thus be used together with ProSafe-RS to perform highly reliable and accurate gas flow rate calculations.
3. Support for the wide variety of networks used in oil and gas upstream
   A variety of networks are used to link ProSafe-RS at the site to the Yokogawa FAST/TOOLS SCADA system. Some networks use high-bandwidth optical fiber, while others rely on low-bandwidth wireless links. By optimizing the frequency of data collection and the volume of transmitted data, ProSafe-RS R3.02.10 can now link up with other systems using low-bandwidth media. This improves maintenance efficiency by enabling remote engineering. Essential data is stored on the ProSafe-RS controller, ensuring continuity in the event of a network failure.

Major Target Markets

Emergency shutdown and fire prevention/suppression, production, and other applications in process industries such as oil, natural gas, and petrochemicals

About ProSafe-RS

In the oil, natural gas, petrochemical, iron & steel, and other energy and basic materials industries, it is important to ensure the safety of plant operations and thereby fulfill our obligations to society by preventing accidents and protecting the environment. Released in February 2005, the ProSafe-RS safety instrumented system helps prevent accidents by detecting abnormal conditions in plant operations and initiating actions such as an emergency shutdown.

*1 Safety integrity levels (SIL) are defined by IEC61508, a standard relating to the functional safety of electrical and electronic equipment. At SIL3, the risk factor for a plant where safety measures are not in place has been reduced to a range from 1/1000 to 1/10000.

*2 An industrial communications protocol developed by the U.S. company Modicon (now owned by Schneider Electric).

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About Yokogawa

Yokogawa's global network of 88 companies spans 55 countries. Founded in 1915, the US$4 billion company conducts cutting-edge research and innovation. Yokogawa is engaged in the industrial automation and control (IA), test and measurement, and other businesses segments. The IA segment plays a vital role in a wide range of industries including oil, chemicals, natural gas, power, iron and steel, pulp and paper, pharmaceuticals, and food. For more information about Yokogawa, please visit the company's website www.yokogawa.com