Enhanced Version of Safety Instrumented System Includes New Modules for Large-scale Plant Applications

Yokogawa Electric Corporation (Netherlands) announces the release of ProSafe-RS R2.03.00, an enhanced version of the ProSafe-RS Safety Instrumented System. The enhancements include a new CPU module that is 3.5 to 4 times faster than the module used in the preceding version and a new digital output module that is intended for use with higher voltage devices. This new system satisfies users’ latest safety instrumentation requirements, improves efficiency, and ensures operational safety.

There is a growing emphasis on safety instrumented systems for operational safety in energy and basic materials industries such as oil, natural gas, petrochemicals, and iron & steel that is driven by the need to provide a safe workplace, protect the environment, and be a responsible corporate citizen. Moreover, as companies around the world seek to achieve economies of scale and enhance competitiveness by building ever larger plants, there is a corresponding need for increased plant availability, higher operating speeds, larger capacity, and enhanced maintenance efficiency.

Yokogawa has therefore developed this enhanced version of the ProSafe-RS Safety Instrumented System with features such as a high-speed CPU module and a strengthened online maintenance function, and is targeting its use mainly in those international markets where many large projects are planned.

The new CPU module has a processing speed that is 3.5 to 4 times faster than the module used in the preceding version. The number of I/O points has been increased to 1500, an increase of nearly 50%, and application capacity has been increased by 50%. These enhancements make the system ideal for use in large-scale plants.

A digital output module has been added that enables ProSafe-RS to be directly connected to 48 V DC field devices such as valves. This elimination of the need to supply power through a relay allows a simpler and more cost-effective system configuration that is easier to maintain.

A function has been added that allows the installation of I/O modules without disrupting input/output to or from any connected devices. The scan frequency can also be changed online. This ability to reconfigure the safety instrumented system without halting plant operations improves productivity.

Major target markets and applications include oil, natural gas, petrochemicals, and other process industries that use systems for emergency plant shutdown, fire prevention/fighting, and burner management.

Released in February 2005, the ProSafe-RS Safety Instrumented System helps to prevent accidents by detecting unusual conditions in plant operations and taking emergency actions such as shutting down the plant. Unlike conventional safety instrumented systems and distributed control systems (DCSs), which are regarded as having different roles and functions and operate separately, the operation of ProSafe-RS and Yokogawa’s CENTUM DCS Series can be fully integrated. An independent certification body has certified that ProSafe-RS conforms to the IEC61508 international safety standard and can be used in SIL3 applications. As a result, ProSafe-RS is highly regarded by users and has been installed in more than 500 projects worldwide since its release.

IEC61508 is a standard relating to the functional safety of electrical and electronic equipment that was established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Safety integrity levels (SIL) are defined by the IEC. 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.