ABB has expanded its range of smart remote input/output (I/O) control devices, XIO, designed to monitor, control, and manage oil and gas flow applications. The ABB XIO-08, ABB XIO-04, and ABB XIO-00 each operate as an extension to the ABB Remote Module Controller (RMC) suite, providing enhanced I/O capacity.
ABB flow computers and remote terminal units are used to monitor, measure, and control many upstream oil and gas applications.
This XIO extension means that site configuration requirements can be met regardless of the size of the oil or gas field. The need for physical on-site presence is reduced because of the remote control and monitoring of I/O points and serial devices. As well as extending ABB’s RMC capabilities, the XIO is compatible with a wide range of controllers across the market.
ABB said its equipment can be added without significant infrastructure modifications, allowing for expansion of I/O points and the connection of serial devices. Up to 22 hot pluggable I/O modules can be added or replaced without power interruption, minimizing downtime, the company said.
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. Four Ethernet points allow for different network configurations. It also features control and measurement applications for specific needs of remote locations.
As a specific integration feature, ABB’s RMC discovers a 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.
