February 11, 2009 - Invensys Process Systems (IPS) successfully implemented the first MESH control network for Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore (APBS). IPS also provided operating system upgrades and optimization for batch control processes, with the entire project brought online with nearly zero production-line downtime. APBS is the first brewery in Southeast Asia to use this technology to substantially improve their automated production speed and efficiencies while improving their ability to control and monitor more simultaneous processes. "For many forward-looking producers such as APBS, MESH networks provide whole new levels of automating and controlling production and quality processes," said Mr. Tony Ho, vice president of sales for IPS, Asia Pacific.
"MESH networks bring high availability and fault tolerance to production lines. Their inherent configurability and adaptability allow APBS to bring to market new beer products faster, while maintaining high quality and consistent taste standards." The MESH control network has greatly improved the network process communication loading compared with previous ethernet copper cabled network. This is achieved with IPS Foxboro Field Control Processor 270 (FCP270) and Field Device System Integrator Module, 10/100 MBPS Ethernet, Single (FBM232). The installation of FCP 270, a distributed and field-mounted controller that performs and monitors process control according to the user-defined strategy, provides an additional 25 percent spare blocks and 40 percent more CPU loading.
Coupled with FBM232, this provides Ethernet Modbus communication that is many times faster than the previous serial Modbus. This allows for quicker response and provides APBS the flexibility to add on more I/O points in AB PLC side when required. "APBS is glad to work with IPS in the upgrade and replacement of our legacy systems and to take the lead in implementing the region's first MESH control network," said Mr. Juan Candau, technical manager, APBS.
"The increased capabilities and operation improvement powered by IPS systems are in line with APBS' modern product processes and methodology that deliver consistent, high-quality beverages to customers all over the world."
About IPS (Invensys Process Systems)
Invensys Process Systems (IPS), headquartered in Plano, Texas, is a global technology, software and consulting firm leading significant change in process manufacturing, plant optimization, business operations and enterprise performance. IPS clients are some of the world's most important industrial organizations - companies that operate large oil refineries; plants that process chemicals, gas, LNG, power, pharmaceutical and minerals; and pulp and paper mills. IPS solutions, used at over 50,000 locations around the globe, include field devices and controls from Foxboro and Triconex, advanced applications from SimSci-Esscor, operations management from Avantis, and the world's first truly open enterprise control system, InFusion.