Diagnostics in a process control system which uses multi-variable control techniques
First Claim
1. A diagnostic tool for use in a process control system having a multiplicity of function blocks wherein one of the multiplicity of function blocks is a multi-variable function block, the diagnostic tool comprising:
- a data collection unit configured to communicate with each of the multiplicity of function blocks including the multi-variable function block to receive, on a regular basis during operation of the process control system, data pertaining to a function block operating parameter for each of the multiplicity of function blocks;
a data analyzer that determines a value for the function block operating parameter for each of a number of times during operation of the process control system based on the received function block operating parameter data;
a detector that detects a problem within the process control system based on the determined values of the function block operating parameter; and
an output generator that creates a report indicating the detected problem.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A diagnostic tool automatically collects and stores data indicative of a variability parameter, a mode parameter, a status parameter and a limit parameter for a multi-variable function block associated with one or more devices or loops within a process control system, processes the collected data to determine which devices, loops or function blocks have problems that result in reduced performance of the process control system, displays a list of detected problems to an operator and then suggests the use of other, more specific diagnostic tools to further pinpoint or correct the problems. When the diagnostic tool recommends and executes a data intensive application as the further diagnostic tool, it automatically configures a controller of the process control network to collect the data needed for such a tool.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A diagnostic tool for use in a process control system having a multiplicity of function blocks wherein one of the multiplicity of function blocks is a multi-variable function block, the diagnostic tool comprising:
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a data collection unit configured to communicate with each of the multiplicity of function blocks including the multi-variable function block to receive, on a regular basis during operation of the process control system, data pertaining to a function block operating parameter for each of the multiplicity of function blocks;
a data analyzer that determines a value for the function block operating parameter for each of a number of times during operation of the process control system based on the received function block operating parameter data;
a detector that detects a problem within the process control system based on the determined values of the function block operating parameter; and
an output generator that creates a report indicating the detected problem. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A diagnostic tool for use in a process control system that includes a processor and that uses a multiplicity of function blocks including at least one multi-variable function block to control a process, the diagnostic tool comprising:
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a computer readable memory; and
a routine stored on the computer readable memory and adapted to be implemented on the processor, wherein the routine;
collects data pertaining to a function block operating parameter for each of the multiplicity of function blocks including the multi-variable function block on a regular basis during operation of the process;
determines a value for the function block operating parameter for each of a number of times during the operation of the process control system based on the collected function block operating parameter data;
detects a problem within the process control system based on the determined values of the function block operating parameter; and
produces a report that lists the detected problem. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification