Operators in oil & gas facilities have long depended on Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) to offer a visual summary of process systems that simplifies the monitoring of crucial status and control data. A well-crafted graphical user interface enhances situational awareness, decreases workload, and empowers operators to oversee the entire process – facilitating their focus to quickly address any abnormal scenarios.
However, historically, HMI/SCADA client software has run on a dedicated computer with a compatible Operating System installed that exhibited slow loading times during startup and restart procedures. This reduced productivity on a routine basis, cutting into valuable production time. Updating and maintaining software on individual PCs resulted in higher cost of ownership and even more downtime.
Fortunately, web-based applications have revolutionized accessibility by enabling connectivity from any location using a web browser. Still, the integration of the HMI presented challenges. When standard web browsers are used, operators must open a browser and type a long website address to be routed to a specific program. Users have the liberty to explore various unrelated websites as well, but this only exposes the system to potential risks inherent in online browsing activities.
Now oil and gas processors can optimize operations by utilizing software-enabled web clients to streamline web-based HMI implementation.
The best solutions involve touchscreen displays that can serve up HMI pages on multiple monitors, in multiple split screen configurations, or at cloned workstations to streamline the management of equipment across the production line.
As an example, ARISTA Corporation has introduced a web client computer called Q8 Edge that is designed to serve as the display or control panel for web-enabled PLCs, HMI systems, and IP cameras.
There are numerous benefits to this type of web client:
• The interface automatically connects with assigned web pages without opening a browser and entering an address so the operator gets needed information much faster.
• Hybrid remote desktop services (RDS) and web-based applications can also be launched simultaneously, when needed.
• The web client supports clones, duplicate screens, and multi-screen. Touch Screen is supported as well.
• The applications can be displayed one by one by toggling a hot key, or all applications can be displayed by split screen.
• For data security, the USB drive function is disabled automatically after system boot up. No external USB drive can be used to download or upload data.
• The operator can only see what is displayed on the screen and cannot change anything beyond the intended HMI pages.
• When troubleshooting is necessary, the web client can be securely accessed using interactive remote mirroring by an administrator.
• The approach facilitates installation of a wide range of cleanroom grade computers, panel PCs, monitors, and KVM.
• To promote efficient use in space constrained areas, various types of mounts are available, including pendant arm, wall, pedestal, ceiling, and VESA.
• Web client computers, Panel PCs, or Mobile Workstations can be customized to meet unique requirements such as space constraints.
For more information, contact ARISTA Corporation at (510) 226-1800, or e-mail at [email protected].