Of all the technologies, Foundation Fieldbus is preferred for the following reasons:
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Well proven for process measurement and control application.
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Different from other technologies as it is not only a communication protocol but also a programming language for building control strategies.
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With FF, control can be distributed into field devices.
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It improves long term support of technology as fieldbus systems are software and firmware upgradeable.
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More efficient commissioning of new installations because the diagnostics identify connection errors after pre-configuration of transmitters.
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Increases reliability and availability of instruments of plants by predicting and minimizing end device problems.
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Enables integrated automated data collection for plant and maintenance management systems.
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Strong diagnostic capabilities. Tracks control valve performance characteristics, transmitter body temperatures, end-device health among other diagnostics. This reduces downtime and production losses. Field calibration of transmitters is not required.
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Reduces system hardware costs, cabinet size, cabling, spares inventory.