FIELDBUS TRIALS AT BP

The development and testing of a communications standard are both esse ntial parallel elements in evolving a system that users and vendors wi ll be happy to implement-in products and systems. This is especially t rue for a Fieldbus standard where systems carry measurement and contro l data that can be critical to safe operation of the plant and people in the surrounding areas. Evidence of the robustness and reliable oper ation of systems designed to comply with the requirements of the stand ard is therefore essential. This article describes trials that are hel ping to provide such evidence.