XIO remote input/output controllers to provide users with increased options to meet digital connectivity challenges
As the oil and gas extraction and production industry joins other sectors in becoming increasingly connected through the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), there’s a corresponding need for the associated sensor devices, controllers and instrumentation to provide smart control and monitoring from remote locations.
Now, the ABB XIO series has been made available and can be described as an extended range of all-in-one devices to monitor, control and manage oil and gas flow applications and has been described by the company as the next step in the evolution of smart remote input / output (I/O) devices.
The series includes the ABB XIO-08, ABB XIO-04 and ABB XIO-00, each of which operates as an extension to the ABB Remote Module Controller (RMC) family, providing enhanced I/O capacity and increasing overall wellhead operational efficiency. The series offers up to eight channels for customers to choose the XIO that meets their site needs.
ABB has long been active in the development of control devices for the remote production and custody transfer of oil and gas, providing the means for production companies to control and monitor flow transfers. ABB flow computers and RTUs are used to monitor, measure and control many upstream oil and gas applications to ensure safe and efficient operations. The system enables users to monitor, measure and control flows from anywhere and at any time.
Open Architecture
This XIO extension means that site configuration requirements can be met whatever the size of the oil or gas field. The need for physical on-site presence is reduced due to the remote control and monitoring of I/O points and serial devices, putting safety first and reducing costs. As well as extending ABB’s RMC capabilities, the XIO is compatible with a wide range of controllers across the market, emphasizing ABB’s commitment to open architecture across all areas of industrial automation.
Equipment can be added without significant infrastructure modifications, allowing easy expansion of I/O points and connection of serial devices. Up to 22 hot pluggable I/O modules can be added or replaced without power interruption, minimising downtime.
Connectivity Options
The XIO series offers several connectivity options, new networking features (up to four independent networks are supported), and the possibility to use the XIO’s Wi-Fi as a network or bridge with one of the Ethernet ports. Reliable and efficient data transfer is made easy by connecting the XIO to the RMC over Ethernet. Four ethernet points allow for different network configurations. It also features control and measurement applications for the specific needs of remote locations.
As a specific integration feature, ABB’s RMC discovers an XIO device on the network, learns its configuration, becoming a consumer of the XIO’s application data without the need to maintain a list of connected devices.
Increasing digitalisation in the oil and gas industry means that reliable connectivity is required for successful operations. Wellheads often must achieve extended connectivity rapidly to meet expansion opportunities. ABB’s XIO provides immediate connectivity expansion, enhancing production and reducing costs associated with traditional equipment upgrades. It integrates islands of automation and enables remote data connection for real-time analytics across the site and enterprise.
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