Fieldbus Interface Infrastructure for GE Healthcare Pharmaplant in Lindesnes, Norway [Reference]

Customer | GE Healthcare

Project | Extension Pharma Plant

Location | Lindesnes, Norway

Completion | 2007

Mannheim, Germany (May 2007) – Pepperl+Fuchs GmbH has won the contract to be the Fieldbus interface and PC operator terminal supplier, partnering with Emerson Process Management, for the project awarded by GE Healthcare’s Lindesnes plant in Norway.

Emerson will implement the Pepperl+Fuchs fieldbus installation system FieldConnex®, a range of FOUNDATION™ Fieldbus interface solutions between the Emerson DeltaV™ digital automation system and FOUNDATION Fieldbus field devices being installed.

The Pepperl+Fuchs FieldConnex products being used include the Power Hub, a unique and highly reliable fully redundant passive power supply system, also capable of providing physical layer diagnostic capabilities. For the connection of fieldbus signals within the plant, both segment protectors and FieldBarriers are utilized to provide maximum benefits in the distribution and protection of the FOUNDATION Fieldbus digital plant network. Pepperl+Fuchs FieldConnex will interface the field measurement instrumentation to Emerson’s DeltaV digital automation system which includes the unique AMS™ Suite predictive maintenance software.

Also being installed on the project are Pepperl+Fuchs EXTEC IPC-Ex PC operator terminals mounted within hazardous area locations throughout the plant. The HMI provides an operator with monitoring and control functionality remote from the DeltaV terminal located in the control room, whilst still maintaining the safety and integrity required for plant automation.

GE Healthcare's Lindesnes plant is situated in the municipality of Lindesnes, 70km south of Kristiansand. It has around 400 employees and produces the active ingredients used in contrast agents. The project includes new installations and alterations to the existing production plant, designed to meet the increased market demand for its X-ray and MRI contrast agents. The work is being carried out in stages, and the entire factory is being built in accordance with national and international standards related to the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry.