Westinghouse WDPF programming info

[snitz50]

I need to learn about this device.
What kind of processor is the Westinghouse WDPF and what is its intended use?
Where can I get user, programming and technical manuals so I can start my education.
I need to learn as much about this device as I can as I will be bidding on a project in which I will be required to convert an application using the Westinghouse WDPF to a Logix 5000 processor.

 

[JLSeagull]

Emerson bought the Westinghouse WDPF system. You can find some information at their site. I suspect that you need to obtain a database printout from the existing system, perhaps both to paper and perhaps as an ASCII file. Try buying manuals on EBay. I suspect that Emerson would rather sell them Delta V. You likely will get to know the plant control systems engineer or technician very well.

 

[ScottyUK]

The last revison of the MDX processor card used an Intel 486 processor.

You would likely be better off migrating to Emerson's Ovation platform from WDPF than trying to go to Delta V as you can retain the existing I/O and field wiring, and there are well-tested application code conversion tools for the migration. WDPF and Ovation both grew out of the Westinghouse process control division prior to Emerson buying it.

I'll disagree with JLSeagull and say that Emerson would very likely prefer to sell you an Ovation system as this is the natural migration path from WDPF, although the Delta V business unit would likely be quite happy to sell their product too.

I have most of the WDPF manuals, some of the Ovation manuals, and some application source codes but they're too large to be uploading, plus there are copyright issues to think about.

Digital ladders in WDPF are pretty straightforward, but look for cute execution-order-dependant tricks used to save memory space in the very early WDPF processors and which turn up in legacy code. Analogue loops are complex and will take a lot of effort to replicate, if you can replicate them. There are numerous 'text algorithms' which are little chunks of Pascal code designed to perform special functions. You will be on a fair while trying to build them in a PLC from standard loops and ladders: is there an option to write similar code for the PLC? I don't know the Logix 5000 so I'd be guessing.

There are some unusual WDPF cards such as hydraulic servo drivers which are uncommon in the PLC world, although very familiar to the motion control guys, and sequence-of-events recorders. If you have any of these special cards you really need to look closely at whether you can replicate the functionality to an acceptable level.


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If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!

 

[snitz50]

ScottyUK,
I may not have a choice. The specification of the contract states conversion of the Westinghouse WDPF to a Logix 5000 processor. I know the AB 5000 quite well. One of the really nice features of the 5000 is that is has both motion and process control functions. In the process area it has a very nice PID function. Of course, it’s all digital and needs an Analog to Digital and Digital to Analog conversion to function.
What I am trying to do is learn as much about the WDPF as I can so I do not come off as a complete doofus when talking about it. That is why I was looking for some manuals to learn from.
I may be able to steer them into another direction.

Thanks
Snitz50

 

[ScottyUK]

Have you got an ASCII dump of the source code? If you select some of the options during the MAC Editor session the source code will be cross-referenced with a summary appended to the footer. It's been a while since I saw a MAC Editor so I can't remember the exact option. Better still would be the functional logic diagrams or SAMA diagrams - source code takes a long time to study!

From what I remember, WDPF has at least three or four PID controllers some text and some graphical, plus an error² PID controller. The analogue loop handling in WDPF is very good, especially considering the age of the original system, but the multiplicity of algorithms can be both a benefit and a problem.

Curious: is this a turbine-generator application, something from the water indutry, or something entirely different?


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If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!