Ethernet Direct Penetrates Process Automation in Oil & Gas Refinery

In the refinery network, custom built SCADA network are used for gas network management. A local network utilizing TCP/IP network standards serve the requirements. Gas network management is realized by Gigabit Ethernet network backbone and integrated to control networks by Ethernet. To monitor the various devices connected, IntraVUE network management software is installed for easy troubleshooting in case any downtime is encountered within the system.

The first phase of the project involves off sites automation with 15 remote terminal units. Among which include Oil movements Control, Ships loading control, Fire alarm, Reverse Osmosis unit, HDS Unit, Wastewater treatment etc. The reason for installing Industrial Ethernet devices is to control the entire system since most of the off sites were detached from the main Supervisory system. In some cases, some RTU runs on Ethernet with office rated hubs and causing the LAN to be often down due to malfunction.

The goal of the project is to significantly identify the entire network and connected to the main system. At the same time, to improve the system and prevent unexpected reduction in performance. The devices installed should be easy to use so that operating personnel would be able to use it after a short period of familiarization.

Ethernet Direct has established years of experience in the Industrial Automation market and know what is required for plant floor applications. A reliable and fault-tolerant solution is proposed by replacing all existing hubs with Industrial Managed Ethernet switches, HME-621. These switches are connected to all RTUs then to the existing fibre optic backbone network. Redundant ring technologies are adopted in all the control networks. For the non Ethernet RTU, connection to the backbone network is made via BMS-136, a 1-port serial device server.

For bandwidth management, VLAN configuration makes it easy to separate control network from the refinery office network to minimize too much traffic in the entire system. For overall system monitoring, scalable solution IntraVUE network management software is installed to solve the difficulties of supporting Ethernet networks.

The Global Ethernet Direct team is rapidly gaining momentum in the Industrial Ethernet field with the teamwork formed by industry experts and professionals with proven experiences.