Yokogawa Selected as System Integrator for Open Process Automation Field Trial

Rhea-AI Summary

Yokogawa Electric Corporation has been chosen by ExxonMobil to serve as the system integrator for the inaugural field trial of an Open Process Automation (OPA) system at an ExxonMobil facility on the U.S. Gulf Coast. This trial aims to replace existing control systems with an integrated one that complies with the Open Process Automation Standard (O-PAS™). The project is expected to reduce capital costs and total cost of ownership through better integration of automation components. The trial, which involves over 2000 I/O, is set to commence in 2023.

Positive

• Selected as system integrator for ExxonMobil's OPA project, indicating trust and collaboration.
• Field trial aims to optimize capital costs and total cost of ownership for process automation.
• The project marks a significant step in commercializing OPA technology.

Negative

• None.

- Collaboration on ExxonMobil project to advance OPA system from test bed to real-world production process facility -

TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Yokogawa Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6841) announces that it has been selected by ExxonMobil as the system integrator for the first field trial of an Open Process Automation* (OPA) system designed to operate an entire production facility. The field trial will take place at an ExxonMobil manufacturing facility located on the U.S. Gulf Coast, replacing the existing distributed control system (DCS) and programmable logic controllers (PLC) with a single, integrated system that meets the Open Process Automation Standard (O-PAS™). The project will incorporate enhanced control capabilities enabled through the implementation of OPA technologies and interfaces.

“ExxonMobil is excited to have reached this important milestone with Yokogawa and progress the first field trial of an OPA system at an existing ExxonMobil manufacturing plant,” stated Ryan Smeltzer, OPA program manager for ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company. “The project will take advantage of significant progress made testing OPA components and the O-PAS standards in close collaboration with Yokogawa. The OPA field trial is the next step in commercializing OPA and capturing additional value from our automation and control systems.”

Most process industries are burdened with integrating multiple proprietary systems in almost every process plant and facility. These include manufacturing execution systems, DCSs, PLCs, and their respective human-machine interfaces and inputs/outputs (I/O). This can result in elevated capital costs on new projects and a high total cost of ownership, especially in the operation and maintenance of such systems. An OPA system is designed to remedy these challenges by supporting the integration of best-in-class components from different suppliers through configuration and application portability. This enables optimization of the total cost of automation systems.

The field trial is a major milestone in Yokogawa's continued support of ExxonMobil and OPA, and shifts OPA technology from concept to a viable alternative to traditional automation for process industries. The company has commenced work on the Front-End Engineering Design phase of the project. The OPA field trial system, which involves over 2000 I/O, is expected to be commissioned in 2023.

For the past two years, ExxonMobil and Yokogawa have been developing, testing, and improving OPA technologies through the joint operation of an OPA test bed located near ExxonMobil’s Houston, Texas campus. This collaborative work has developed and qualified many of the core OPA functions in preparation for the field trial. In addition to the field trial, test bed engineers at the Houston-area development office will continue to implement and refine OPA technologies in-line with the latest version of the O-PAS standard.

* A standards-based, open, secure, interoperable process control architecture being developed by the Open Group Open Process Automation™ Forum (OPAF), a consensus-based group of end users, suppliers, system integrators, standards organizations, and academia. Both ExxonMobil and Yokogawa Electric Corporation are members of OPAF.

For more information
Open Process Automation:
https://www.yokogawa.com/us/solutions/solutions/open-process-automation/　

About Yokogawa
Yokogawa provides advanced solutions in the areas of measurement, control, and information to customers across a broad range of industries, including energy, chemicals, materials, pharmaceuticals, and food. Yokogawa addresses customer issues regarding the optimization of production, assets, and the supply chain with the effective application of digital technologies, enabling the transition to autonomous operations.
Founded in Tokyo in 1915, Yokogawa continues to work toward a sustainable society through its 17,500 employees in a global network of 119 companies spanning 61 countries.
For more information, visit www.yokogawa.com

The names of corporations, organizations, products, services, and logos herein are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Yokogawa Electric Corporation or their respective holders.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220130005022/en/

Media inquiries:

PR Section

Integrated Communications Center

Yokogawa Electric Corporation

E-mail: Yokogawa-pr@cs.jp.yokogawa.com

Source: Yokogawa Electric Corporation

FAQ

What is the purpose of the field trial involving YOKEY and ExxonMobil?

The field trial aims to test an Open Process Automation system at an ExxonMobil facility to optimize production processes and reduce costs.

When will the OPA field trial system be commissioned?

The commissioning of the OPA field trial system is expected to occur in 2023.

What does the OPA system replace at the ExxonMobil facility?

The OPA system will replace existing distributed control systems (DCS) and programmable logic controllers (PLC).

How many I/O will the OPA field trial system involve?

The OPA field trial system will involve over 2000 I/O.

What standard does the Open Process Automation system comply with?

The OPA system complies with the Open Process Automation Standard (O-PAS™).