SETTING UP A PCS7 PROJECT WITH IMPORT/EXPORT ASSISTANT (IEA)

WHAT IS IMPORT/EXPORT ASSISTANT (IEA)?

The Import/Export Assistant tool in PCS 7 is used to deploy and populate multiple continuous function charts (CFCs), called process tags, from a standard template CFC, called a process tag type, by using a user-defined import file.

WHy WOUld THIS TOOl bENEfIT

My APPlICATION?

Some advantages of using this tool:

•Create consistency among control modules of the same type•Provide for efficient, bulk creation•Allow for one-time approval of a type template•Accommodate bulk modifications of process tag charts

The alternative to using the IEA tool is to manually create each and every control module. This method would undoubtedly require more engineering time, while creating more room for error, and a lack of consistency.

While using IEA will take more upfront planning and consideration, it saves time in creating, testing, and modifying the individual charts.

HOW dOES IMPORT/EXPORT ASSISTANT WORk?

A user creates a process tag type chart for any control module that will have multiple instances. Some common examples are control modules created to control valves or motors, or to monitor process values or alarms. The process tag type provides a standard template by which all similar control modules will follow.

When defining a chart as a process tag type, the user can specify parameters that will differ between modules of that type, such as limits, alarming, units, and block comments. The user can also specify signal inputs or outputs that will be specific to each control module. These are the parameters and signals that will be available for population in the import file.

SETTING UP A PCS7 PROJECT WITH IMPORT/EXPORT ASSISTANT (IEA)SETTING UP A PCS7 PROJECT WITH IMPORT/EXPORT ASSISTANT (IEA)

An import file is made up of rows and columns. The rows of the import file denote an instance, or process tag, and each variable defined in the process tag type is shown as a column header. Each row of the file can be populated with its individual parameter values, as well as signal connections to I/O. Given the proper planning, one can even create pre-determined connections to other charts.

Once the process tag type is defined and the import file is created and assigned to the type, the IEA tool can be run as an import. The result is a process tag for each entry in the import file, where the data from the import file are written to the corresponding parameters, signals, or blocks.

After creation of process tags, there is a continued benefit available if modifications are to be made to some or all process tags of a certain type. By viewing a project in Process Object View, the process tag type can be used as a filter to display only the charts created from that process tag type.

IEA also has an export feature that allows exporting of chart information from the project back into the corresponding import files. This can be used as a backup or as documentation of any modifications made to process tags.

EXAMPlE APPlICATION Of

IMPORT/EXPORT ASSISTANT

The following example will show the creation of process tags deployed from an analog monitoring process tag type:

First, insert a CFC in the library of the project under Charts and include in the chart any blocks and connections that are common to all desired instances. This simple example shown in Fig.1 will monitor an analog value.

Fig.1 Creating a Process Tag Type

Second, in Plant View, right-click on this CFC and under Process Tags, select “Create/Change Process Tag Type”. Here, select from the left-hand list and move any inputs or outputs to the right-hand list that should be included in the import file (i.e. to specify the differences between process tags). In this application, I selected input signal, range, scale, and alarm limits, displayed in Fig.2.

Fig.2 Assigning I/O to the Process Tag Type

When the process tag type is complete, assign it an import file (new or existing) by a right-click on the type and selecting “Assign/Create Import File” under Process Tags. Here is a new import file, shown in Fig.3, with each process tag row populated with instance-specific information.

Lastly, right-click on the type and, under Process Tags, select “Import”. IEA will produce a notification if it either encounters an error or completes successfully. Now view the process tags created where specified, with their unique characteristics populated.

dECIdING TO USE IMPORT/EXPORT ASSISTANT

Like any other tool, expertise in Import/Export Assistant comes from use and practice. The more familiar one becomes with IEA, the more one can recognize how to utilize it to its full potential. Additional experience increases the ability to foresee the upfront planning and decisions that promote optimal results with minimal engineering.

Innovative Controls has been utilizing Import/Export Assistant over the past few years with notably effective results. Our engineers have taken the time to get to know the “ins and outs” of this tool to fully realize its power. Whether working on a new process or a migration, we work with our customers to develop their vision and use our experience to help guide the process. The IEA tool has proven to be a valuable component in this process that helps us produce systems with top-notch customer satisfaction.

Fig.3 Populating an Import File

AbOUT lINdSEy ClARk, INNOvATIvE CONTROlS SySTEMS INTEGRATION ENGINEER

Lindsey Clark is a Systems Integration Engineer with Innovative Controls – a Cross Company Integrated Systems Group. Lindsey has been working in System Integration for the past four years, after graduating Summa Cum Laude from Virginia Tech with a degree in Chemical Engineering.

Lindsey has gained experience among multiple controls platforms and HMI packages, but specializes in Siemens PCS7. Lindsey has been

trained in PCS7 System Engineering I & II and PCS7 SIMATIC Batch. In 2011, she became certified in PCS7 Best Practices methods.

To visit Innovative Controls’ website go to: innovativecontrols.com

To Contact Lindsey Clark: Phone. 865-671-7700 or Fax. 865-671-1920 To View Lindsey Clark’s profile: www.linkedin.com/pub/lindsey-clark/12/816/5a6

4400 Piedmont Parkway | Greensboro, NC 27410

Phone. 336.856.6000 | Fax. 336.856.6999

624 Reliability Circle | Knoxville, TN 37932

Phone. 865.671.7700 | Fax. 865.671.1920