Experion® PKS Control HIVE

Overview
Control HIVE integrates multiple individual controllers in a way that makes them look and act like a cluster of shared compute resources with universal access to I/Os, allowing the controllers to become flexible compute, acting as a control data center. Control HIVE offers significant flexibility to accommodate design changes, modifications and expansion while simplifying lifecycle management and support.

How Does It Work?
Experion PKS HIVE uses LEAP™ project execution principles, software, and networking to unchain control applications from physical equipment, and controllers from physical IO. This enables control systems to be engineered and implemented in less time, at lower cost and risk, and with simpler, modular builds.

What Problems Does It Solve?
Control HIVE provides the means to overcome the increasing complexity of automation projects and control systems, It reduces Cyber risks and significantly improves the operational and lifecycle support aspects of control systems, as it offers the following :

Optimize Project Schedule, Reduce Engineering Efforts & Risks (Evolution of LEAP™)

• Elevated levels of design flexibility and scalability
• Easily adopt late design changes and system expansions
• Standardization of process control system – for distributed and centralized applications
• Simplify/Automate control application assignment
• Parallel and modular project execution.

Optimize Utilization of Controller Resources & I/O

• Up to 15% reduction in control system hardware, cabinets and footprint
• Eliminate heavily loaded and underutilized controllers
• Optimize control application assignment and load balancing.

Enhance and Simplify Lifecycle Management & Support

• Automated procedure for Control HIVE upgrades and management of change
• Reduced risks during maintenance and migration activities.

Increase Process Uptime & Productivity

• Breakthrough approach to process availability with HIVE infinite availability.

Indefinite System / Controller Longevity

• Decoupling of control software and application from hardware
• Control application can run on any qualified physical or virtual controller platform.
• Significantly extend the lifecycle of the system and overcome the increasing pace of software and hardware obsolescence challenges.