ACHEMA 2015: With HIPRO-S V2, HIMA introduces first-of-its-kind safety protocol for efficiently migrating existing plants to new systems.

To help the process industry migrate to tomorrow’s digitally networked plants, HIMA Paul Hildebrandt GmbH will introduce at ACHEMA 2015 in Frankfurt, Germany, a new protocol that enables Ethernet-based, safety-related communication (SIL 3). Now safe communication is enabled between the company’s three controller families: HIMatrix, HIMax and HIQuad.

The new safety protocol HIPRO-S V2 enables Ethernet-based, safety-related communication (SIL 3) between the three HIMA product families: HIMatrix, HIMax and HIQuad.

“HIMA supports the incremental digitalization of our customers’ plants with very clear migration paths,” said Peter Sieber, Vice President Global Sales at HIMA. “Customers can select and combine the best HIMA controller for their application and know that the safe, reliable and fast networking of HIPRO-S V2 and safeethernet will allow them to efficiently operate their digitally networked plant, even in the future. The HIPRO-S V2 protocol will help to accelerate commissioning and ensure the fast restart of the plant and reduce the risk of delays. A long service life, and thus optimum investment protection, are guaranteed.”

Separate certification is not necessary

HIPRO-S V2 does not need a separate certificate, as it is a component of HIQuad, HIMax and HIMatrix controllers and is covered by their certificates. HIPRO-S V2 can be implemented universally.

Like safeethernet, HIPRO-S V2 uses UDP packets. These packets can be transmitted via standard Ethernet infrastructures, such as switches, firewalls, WLANs or devices, that are suitable for Ex zones. Use of these proven, industrial infrastructure components (COTS) enables economical and reliable solutions.

The new safety protocol HIPRO-S V2 enables Ethernet-based, safety-related communication (SIL 3) between the three HIMA product families HIMatrix, HIMax, and HIQuad.

HIMA safety protocols are distinct in that they can be operated in the same network with non-safe protocols; for example, Modbus TCP or the connection via OPC. Controllers can also be programmed via this network. This helps to reduces costs in generating and maintaining the network infrastructure.

About HIMA

HIMA is the world’s leading specialist for safety-related automation solutions. HIMA solutions provide maximum safety and maximum availability and can be integrated into any automation environment. During the past 45 years, more than 35,000 HIMA systems have been installed in over 80 countries to protect the equipment of the world’s largest companies in the oil, gas, chemical, pharmaceutical and power generation industries. In the fields of rail, logistics and machine safety, HIMA solutions are leading the way to increased safety and profitability. The HIMA LIFECYCLE SERVICES concept gives customers an overview of all the requirements of “functional safety” allowing them to always make the right decision at the appropriate time.

For more information about HIMA, please visit: www.hima.com

In the 2010 business year, HIMA achieved sales of €75.1 million, an 11% increase over the previous year. For the 2011 business year, HIMA is forecasting sales to increase at an even faster pace.

The company’s success in 2010 and optimistic outlook can be traced to its significant strengths – commercial self-sufficiency, corporate independence and an outstanding customer-orientation focus.

Even during the worldwide economic crisis in 2009, HIMA recorded a sales decrease of just 8.6%, reflecting the importance of safety, HIMA’s business resilience and the introduction of the HIMax^® safety system in 2008. In fact, the company recorded a 2% increase in orders received during 2009 and was able to avoid layoffs.

Since its introduction, the HIMax safety system has ensured plant safety at a variety of companies around the world, while demand continues to increase. Thanks to the nonstop operation of the system throughout the entire plant lifecycle, HIMA was able to secure several major international projects. These include a five-year framework agreement recently concluded with BP for the supply of safety systems for five North American refineries.

Due to its extremely high performance, HIMax offers new possibilities for integrated applications. In the field of turbo machinery control and burner control systems, these possibilities have resulted in successful implementations. Further investments in developing integrated applications are planned.

During 2010, the topic of “functional safety” continued to gain importance worldwide. The demand for safety experts who support plant operators throughout the entire safety lifecycle or help to introduce a functional safety management system is growing steadily. A leader in functional safety, HIMA continues to invest in expanding its safety lifecycle services.

In 2011, HIMA is focusing on developing new and enhanced safety-related solutions for the oil and gas industry and the chemical and petrochemical sector. Logistics and machine safety as well as railway solutions will also be further extended.

HIMA’s worldwide expansion is continuing. With 10 subsidiaries, a joint venture in China and numerous representatives in more than 50 countries, HIMA is a recognized worldwide safety leader. More than 70% of sales are generated outside Germany, with more than 50% outside Europe. While sales and engineering services expansions are planned worldwide, especially in Latin America, Russia and Asia; HIMA will continue to be develop, produce and test products exclusively in Germany.

As sponsor of the Namur Annual General Meeting in 2010, HIMA was able to demonstrate its capacity as an expert for functional safety and consolidate its strong market position, which will be further expanded worldwide in the next few years.