ABB Freelance 800F: Compact Process Control System
I recently had the opportunity to review the newest hardware and features of the ABB Freelance control system and it is an impressive Micro DCS product. The ABB Freelance control system meets the needs of small to midrange process applications where a large DCS is not required. The Freelance system has its roots on the original Hartmann & Braun Freelance product, but with significant ABB investments to improve the system. ABB is committed to continuously improving and enhancing Freelance to meet user's changing needs.
Engineers evaluating possible solutions for small to midrange applications will do well to consider the Freelance system. The Freelance system combines easy engineering with open system architecture. ABB describes Freelance as a small footprint DCS for small to medium sized plants in the process industry and for applications requiring DCS functionality in a compact system with intuitive and efficient engineering tools.
Freelance is scalable from small to large system (click images below to enlarge them).
Freelance system enhancements have embraced open architecture with a fieldbus centered architecture supporting PROFIBUS PA, PROFIBUS DP, HART, and Foundation Field bus. Using the AC800 controllers systems can be configured for full redundancy.
Freelance conforms to the IEC 61131-3 programming standard for controls programming. An integrated systems approach is used to configure control and process automaton using a large library of over 200 predefined functions to save engineering time and improve quality. ABB indicates that the Freelance 800F controller is proven in more than 14,000 applications.
- Integrated Alarm and Message Handling
- Readymade Faceplates per Tag
- Integrated Configuration – Database
- Cross References
- Extended SFC-Control (Start, Resume, Monitor, Wait, …)
- Trending, Historian and Archiving
- Redundancy Option
- Integrated Control System Diagnostics
- System Level Diagnostics
- Easy Configuration, 3D Libraries & Pre-defined Displays
- Trend/Archive Analog and Digital Process Variables
- Historian
Freelance now has built-in Fieldbus management using the FDT standard for HART, PROFIBUS, and Foundation Fieldbus. These capabilities are built into the systems engineering tool for online and offline configuration, calibration, and parameter access.
Freelance has servers for open connectivity with OPC DA (Data Access) and OPC AE (Alarm & Events).
- Digital Inputs: 24 volt DC
- Digital Outputs: 24 volt DC
- Analog Inputs: Milliamp, Voltage, and RTD
- Analog Outputs: Milliamp and Voltage
Application Engineering Advantages
- Single database for all controllers
- Quickstart Computer Based Training on DVD
- S88 batch control only requires user to configure it for applications
- Diagnostics in DigiVis Monitor Field Equipment Health
- OPC Interface
- IEC 61131-3 Language Standard
- Control Builder supports FDT simplifying engineering and commissioning
- Time synchronization of nodes with master
- Pre-engineered displays
- SOE option card for rack based I/O with 2millisecond resolution
- Redundancy Options
Is it a PAC?
I asked ABB if the Freelance controllers are PACs and this is their view:
Gero Lustig, Gero Lustig, Freelance Business Development, Americas, ABB Inc.
Alicia DuBay, Director, Global Systems Marketing, ABB Inc.
