Successful completion of the Ethernet-APL pre-test is a must for becoming a BASF supplier.

As part of BASF’s first new Ethernet Advanced Physical Layer (ETHERNET-APL) project in Europe, ABB has been awarded the Distributed Control System (DCS) contract.

DFI-150-0003 Ethernet-apl is the physical layer of Ethernet communication technology designed for process industry requirements. It enables high-speed data communication over long distances, transmission of power and communications over a single cable, and protection for safe use in hazardous areas. Ethernet-APL is very robust and provides extremely high reliability. Ethernet has long been the standard IT communication solution, and Industrial Ethernet is a customized version of standard Ethernet for the process industry. Ethernet-APL Bridges the gap between the two.

01 #Before the first application of Ethernet-APL in a European project, 240 connected devices were tested to prove feasibility

Before embarking on its first new Ethernet-APL project in Europe, BASF asked potential suppliers to conduct Ethernet-APL performance tests before signing a final contract. Following the success of these tests, which were completed in March 2023, BASF awarded the DCS contract to ABB.

ABB used ABB Ability™ System 800xA® to perform performance tests in a real production facility environment. Thanks to this effort, BASF was able to test APL technology, integration capabilities, and the maintainability of the overall automation system.

DFI-150-0003

Gerd Niedermayer, Advanced Electrical and Instrumentation (E+I) Engineering Manager at BASF, sees previous efforts finally bearing fruit: “We have been working with industry partners for five years to advance APL technology, and now we have demonstrated that the technology is ready for operation. After these successful tests, we are now ready to equip our new BASF plants in Europe with this technology.”

Basf Automation Engineer Dr. Emanuel Trunzer explained the reasons for the tests and the results obtained at the Automation Technology Specialist Center: “These tests were conducted to demonstrate the functionality and robustness of the PROFINET network via Ethernet-APL on a real factory scale. These tests bring greater value to previous lab-scale tests and are necessary to gain user acceptance and confidence in the technology. Basf’s engineering department incorporated our user requirements into these tests, which meant that almost 240 devices, plus 10 field switches and multiple control systems were set up together to reflect a real large-scale system. It’s impressive to see a 240-device system run so robustly and reliably.”

DFI-150-0003 02 #Higher speeds bring many benefits

Ethernet-APL offers several benefits, enabling faster and seamless communication between field devices in a process plant, while maintaining the inherent security built into the system.

The solution also makes it easier to set up, debug and maintain on-site meters; Provides higher availability and better performance; And ensure more available data and deeper insights from the production process.

ABB is an early adopter of Ethernet-APL, working closely with early adopters in other specialized areas to introduce this new technology.

By fully integrating Ethernet-APL technology into a broader range of automation, users will gain a smarter and safer overall operation.