Asurvey by ABB into the use
of process instrumentation
has produced a snapshot of
how process instrumentation users
employ their instruments, as well as
their thoughts on the use of intelligent
instruments and their attitudes to
upgrading and investing in control
systems.

The survey of 43 companies found
that the largest proportion of plant
control systems are up to 10 years old,
with 46.5% of system falling into to
this category. Another substantial
proportion, 39.5%, is between 11 and
20 years old, with only small
minorities being older than this.

Survey respondents were also asked
about what percentage of their
process instrumentation was
intelligent, i.e. based on protocols
such as HART, Fieldbus and Profibus.

Just over 51% of respondents said that
between 10 and 20% of their
instrumentation has this type of
intelligence, while three equal sized
groups of 16.3% chose the option of
21-40%, 41-60% and 60%+.

Some 56.8% of companies
answering said that they used this
intelligence, while 43.2% do not. Of
those that do use it, over 77% employ
it to aid instrument maintenance.