Background
Distributed control systems (DCS) play a key role in process industries (such as chemicals, petroleum, power generation, and refining). ABB offers a range of DCS and process control systems, including Advant OCS and Bailey INFI 90 (also known as the Harmony/INFI90 series).
Take Advant OCS as an example: it is an open-architecture supervisory control system launched by ABB, emphasizing the three design principles of "integration, distribution, and openness."
The Bailey INFI 90 series, on the other hand, is derived from ABB (Bailey)'s earlier Network 90/Net90 systems, and subsequently evolved into INFI90, Harmony, and finally System 800xA.
Technical Features and Highlights
Advant OCS:
The open system framework (MOD 300 software) enables transparent data and information transmission between different hardware subsystems.
Distributed architecture: Controller execution is close to the field, reducing network latency and improving reliability. Information Integration: Emphasizes treating automation systems as integral to the enterprise computing environment, integrating everything from field I/O to enterprise-wide information management.
Bailey INFI 90:
It boasts a vast installed base, with ABB calling it one of the "world's largest continuously installed bases" of process automation systems.
It emphasizes an "Evolution through Enhancement" strategy, protecting customers' existing investments and providing an upgrade path.
It supports integration with modern systems (such as System 800xA) to extend system life.
Application Scenarios
Large-scale continuous process industries: refining, chemicals, oil and gas, and power plants.
Environments requiring high availability, redundancy, and unified management of field I/O and the central control room.
Desiring to break existing systems into modules for gradual expansion or upgrades.
Upgrade and Migration Tips
For users still running older systems like INFI 90, it is recommended to consider bridging or upgrading to System 800xA or similar next-generation platforms. ABB provides "integrated connectivity" to preserve existing assets.
When selecting a system, consider its openness, long-term support, and future expansion capabilities. Advant OCS emphasizes "investment protection" design.
Because older systems may present challenges with parts availability and spare parts, it's important to plan spare parts inventories or consider replacement strategies in advance.
Data migration, logic reuse, and interface upgrades are often challenging. It's recommended to preserve control logic as much as possible to minimize rewriting, while also leaving space for future centralized monitoring and information platform integration.
Summary
ABB's DCS solutions (from Advant OCS to Bailey INFI 90) embody the design philosophy of "openness, distribution, and long-term investment protection." They remain valuable for process industries seeking reliable, scalable, and highly integrated control systems. However, given technological evolution and component availability, users should plan for upgrades early.
Whether you're looking for high-performance industrial automation control systems or stable, reliable drive and control equipment, we offer a full range of solutions from renowned brands such as ABB, Allen-Bradley, Siemens, GE, Yokogawa, and Bently Nevada. From advanced PLCs, HMIs, and drives to sophisticated process control systems and power generation/distribution equipment, our products meet the needs of various industrial scenarios.
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