Marine automation and control systems built around the application
The real question is what the vessel or equipment needs to measure, decide, control and communicate. WTM works across the control layers between field equipment and operator to build systems around the application.
A PLC, HMI or I/O system is only part of the answer.
The real question is what the vessel or equipment needs to measure, decide, control and communicate.
WTM works across the control layers between field equipment and the operator to help create systems around the application rather than around a particular piece of hardware.
When standard control isn't enough
When requirements grow to include more sensors, equipment, communication and operator visibility, the challenge moves from hardware selection to system structure.
- Another machine needs to communicate.
- Equipment moves away from the main panel.
- A new function is introduced.
- Or an existing controller reaches its limit.
At that point, the challenge is deciding how the system should be structured.
Many applications begin simply.
- Then another sensor is added.
- Another machine needs to communicate.
- The operator needs better visibility.
- Equipment is moved away from the main panel.
- A new function is introduced.
- Or an existing controller reaches the limit of what it was designed to do.
At that point, the challenge is no longer choosing a PLC.
It is deciding how the system should be structured.
Start with what the system needs to achieve
What information is available?
Which sensors, instruments and devices are providing information to the system?
Where is the equipment located?
The physical vessel layout can determine whether central or distributed control makes more sense.
What decisions need to happen automatically?
Good control logic reflects the operating requirement rather than simply automating every available signal.
What does the operator need to see?
Too little information creates uncertainty. Too much creates noise.
What needs to communicate?
Control systems often need to exchange information with third-party equipment rather than operate alone.
From field signal to vessel function
A control system is a chain. The quality of the result depends on each layer and the interfaces between them.
A control system is a chain. The quality of the result depends on each layer doing its job and the interfaces between those layers being understood.
Technical Architecture
From field signal to vessel function.
A fault or design issue at any one of these points can affect the way the entire application behaves. That is why WTM approaches control systems as connected layers rather than isolated products.
Five layers. One connected system.
WTM works across all five of the layers that typically sit between field equipment and the vessel operator. Each layer has a distinct role. Each interface between them needs to be understood.
The controller is only useful if the logic matches the application
PLC control can coordinate machinery, signals, interlocks and operating sequences, but the controller is only one part of the system. I/O, field equipment, communications and operator requirements all influence how the control needs to behave.
PLC control can coordinate machinery, signals, interlocks and operating sequences, but the controller is only one part of the system. I/O, field equipment, communications and operator requirements all influence how the control needs to behave.
Put the I/O where the signals are
Where equipment is spread around a vessel or machine, distributed I/O can reduce long cable runs and create a more practical architecture. The right approach depends on the application, environment, communications and service requirements.
Where equipment is spread around a vessel or machine, distributed I/O can reduce long cable runs and create a more practical architecture. The right approach depends on the application, environment, communications and service requirements.
A measurement only matters if the system can use it
Sensors and instruments may be working correctly, but their information still has to reach the controller, be interpreted correctly and produce the expected response. WTM can work across the interfaces between instrumentation, I/O and control.
Sensors and instruments may be working correctly, but their information still has to reach the controller, be interpreted correctly and produce the expected response. WTM can work across the interfaces between instrumentation, I/O and control.
Different equipment still has to speak to the same system
Modern vessel equipment may use Industrial Ethernet, fieldbus or equipment-specific communications. WTM can support the control-side integration where different systems need to exchange information reliably.
Modern vessel equipment may use Industrial Ethernet, fieldbus or equipment-specific communications. WTM can support the control-side integration where different systems need to exchange information reliably.
Know what changed before guessing what went wrong
Monitoring and alarm systems should make it clear what is happening, what has changed and what needs attention. WTM can support HMIs, operator panels and monitoring systems that turn system information into something useful.
Monitoring and alarm systems should make it clear what is happening, what has changed and what needs attention. WTM can support HMIs, operator panels and monitoring systems that turn system information into something useful.
The value is not the PLC. It is what the system does.
Speak to WTM about the application first. The hardware should follow the requirement.
Discuss a Control Requirement