Turbomachinery Symposium: Triconex introduces TRI-SEN 3410/3420 steam turbine controllers
Triconex, an Invensys Group company, recently launched a new line of steam turbine controllers—the TRI SEN 3410/3420—designed to provide an upgrade path to triple modular redundancy (TMR) capability for both existing TS410 installations and new applications.
Specifically, said Erik Phelps, a Triconex technology consultant, the 3410 controller operates as a plug-and-play replacement for the TS410 and TS410A systems, while the 3420 controller serves new applications. Both controllers, he said, provide customers with proven TMR technology. TMR systems use three isolated, parallel control systems with extensive diagnostics and 2-out-of-3 voting to ensure safety and availability.
In facilities with existing TS410 systems, Triconex uploads the new application to a program that translates it into TriStation 1131 programs, and it leaves the field wiring in place—making the upgrade "extremely easy and low cost," Phelps said.
A unique replacement transition panel fits into the same space as the existing TS410 panel, and the chassis can be installed up to 100 feet from the transition panel, he said, allowing for a quick and accurate conversion process.
According to Phelps, Triconex only recently sent out letters to all of its existing customers notifying them of the new steam turbine controllers and upgrade opportunities. Even at this early date, he said, response has been good.
With Triconex's overall TRI-SEN line of turbomachinery controls users get solutions that range from economical, configurable digital governors to fully integrated TMR systems, Phelps said. The TRI-SEN line includes full solutions for start up, sequencing, speed, machinery protection and operator interface.
According to Kevin McGlensey, Triconex president, the company's TMR systems are reporting more than 100 million hours of error-free service, and the company expects nothing less from the new TRI-SEN 3410/3420 models.
"Triconex pioneered the implementation of TMR technology in the process industry," McGlensey said. "As a global supplier, we have installed more than 6,000 control systems solutions in a wide range of process and manufacturing industries in over 50 countries."
Other Triconex products include the TRICON system, a programmable logic controller (PLC) for safety and critical control applications. Since the first TRICON system went live in 1986, McGlensey said the company has installed about 3,500 systems.
The Trident system, another relatively new addition to the company's product line, brings TMR technology to smaller applications, where it previously wasn't cost effective, he said. The TriStation 1131 provides a programming interface for the TRICON and Trident systems based on the Windows NT platform.
Using the TriStation 1131 Developer's Workbench, McGlensey said, engineers can configure, program and test systems more quickly and more efficiently. The Cause and Effect Matrix Programming Language Editor (CEMPLE), an optional add-on, further enhances productivity by automating the development of cause-and-effect matrices, enabling the user to progress from high-level conception to actual program generation in a single step.
For more information about Triconex and its line of safety and control applications, contact Roy Aldridge, vice president of sales and marketing, 949-699-2263, raldridge@triconex.com or visit www.triconex.com.
By April C. Murelio
Managing Editor, Power Online