Fieldbus trials at BP

The development and testing of a communications standard are both essential parallel elements in evolving a system that users and vendors will be happy to implement in products and systems. This is especially true for a Fieldbus standard where systems carry measurement and control data that can be critical to safe operation of the plant and people in the surrounding areas. Evidence of the robustness and reliable operation of systems designed to comply with the requirements of the standard is therefore essential. This article describes trials that are helping to provide such evidence.