Latest ECS/ControlCenter™ release makes plant operation control easier

The latest ECS/ControlCenter release, version 7.8, was recently introduced to the market. Developed by FLSmidth Automation to control plant operation systems, the newest version contains a number of key additions to make process control more flexible and operator-friendly.

The ECS (Expert Control and Supervision) platform is a scalable and configurable process control system. Developed by FLSmidth Automation to integrate a wide range of Programmable Logic Controllers and Motor Control Centers, the ECS/ControlCenter allows users to choose the hardware best suited to their needs. Extremely flexible, it can be configured to meet local regulations and standards, and can control a single department or an entire plant. Approximately 500 cement and mineral plants around the world already rely on the ECS/ControlCenter. With the release of the 7.8 version, even more users can take advantage of this superior control system technology. So just what does the ECS 7.8 upgrade have to offer?

Russian release
In previous versions of the ECS/ControlCenter, the documentation and user interface for setup, installation and configuration have always been in English. But at cement and mineral plants where English is not widely spoken, the operators’ user interface is normally translated into their own language to match local needs. With the release of the ECS/ControlCenter version 7.8, Russian is now the system’s second language.

Russia is becoming a more important market for FLSmidth. Generally, English is not widely spoken outside of large urban centers, and many Russian plant operators have no working knowledge of English. To accommodate the language needs of this rapidly growing customer base, the entire ECS/ControlCenter 7.8 platform, from documentation to user interface, is now available in a Russian language version. For Russian customers, this means the ECS/ControlCenter can be installed and up and running without translation delays.

Alarm analysis module
Dealing effectively with a constant stream of warnings and alarms is an area that concerns many customers. Plant operators are required to maintain an often hair-fine balance between maximising plant production and keeping the plant operating smoothly. A regular stream of warnings alerts the operators to potential mechanical, electrical or process related problems – and if overlooked, these warnings can develop into alarms, which can then lead to operational failure and plant downtime.

To help operators monitor warnings and alarms, FLSmidth Automation has incorporated a simple alarm analysis model into the ECS/ControlCenter. Jan Schilling, Global Product Manager for Process Control Systems: “The alarm analysis model gives operators dedicated views of the different process departments so they can find the source of excessive warnings and alarms. Operators can sort the warning and alarm information into different views, which makes analysis much easier. Reducing the number of warnings and alarms is a big help in stressful situations, and it helps the operators focus on the important alarms.” With this type of warning analysis system, potential threats can more easily be avoided and the plant can be tuned for maximum production.

Windows Vista compatible
To keep aligned with customer preferences, the version 7.8 can run on the latest Windows operating systems and is now Windows Server 2008 and Vista compatible.

The ECS/ControlCenter will continue to support Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP, but not earlier Windows operating systems such as Windows 2000 and Windows NT.

With version 7.8, FLSmidth Automation has simplified plant control, making it easier and more operator-friendly than ever before.

Related links:
Go to FLSmidth Automation