Emerson has introduced a preinstalled Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture (OPC UA) functionality for its AVENTICS Series Advanced Valve (AV) valve system with Advanced Electronic System (AES) Profinet and Ethernet/IP. According to the company, the integrated OPC UA helps to simplify communication with upper systems by having the valve system receive data and analysis which can then be communicated without the need for a gateway unless required for deeper analysis or local dashboards.
This design provides cost savings as well because data transmission through a valve system without an OPC UA can be more complex and expensive.
OPC UA was developed by the OPC Foundation to be a platform independent, information technology standard for sensor-to-cloud data exchange explains Emerson in its press release announcing the launch of its valve with OPC UA functionality. It also includes integrated security, assuring the safety of transmitted data.
Additional benefits of the OPC UA functionality per Emerson's press release include:
- Expands connectivity capabilities to aid digital transformation in various industries
- Enables device monitoring and machine connectivity
- Simple to integrate and connect to new or existing applications
- Offers easy access to data and analytics without changing programmable logic controller (PLC).
Industries which could benefit from use of the valve with this OPC UA functionality include:
- automotive,
- food and beverage,
- packaging,
- pulp and paper.
“The AVENTICS Series AV System with OPC UA is a notable leap forward in the flexibility and integration of valve systems because it makes the transition to IIoT (industrial internet of things) significantly simpler for engineers,” said Nils Beckmann, senior manager of product marketing, IIoT at Emerson, in the company's press release. “With OPC UA, engineers don’t need to change a whole system or architecture to access valve data. They now have the flexibility to continue using their own cloud systems and software to gain easy access to data and analytics without disrupting or modifying the PLC.”
