System to manually initiate an emergency shutdown test and collect diagnostic data in a process control environment

A control device test system comprising:

• a device controller having:
• a processor;
• a memory coupled to the processor, wherein a control device test is stored in the memory;
• an auxiliary input coupled to the processor and adapted to receive a binary signal;
• a first routine stored in the memory and adapted to be executed on the processor to cause the control device test to be performed in response to the receipt of the binary signal at the auxiliary input;
• and
• a second routine stored in the memory and adapted to be executed on the processor to cause data to be acquired from a sensor and recorded in the memory during the control device test;
• and
• a communication unit, coupled to the processor, to transfer the data to a user.

A method of conducting an emergency shutdown test on an emergency shutdown valve, comprising:

• storing an emergency shutdown test script in a memory of a controller;
• storing at least one predetermined limit in the memory of the controller;
• activating a switch to perform the emergency shutdown test, wherein a processor is responsive to the switch activation;
• acquiring sensor data from a sensor and storing the sensor data in the memory;
• comparing the sensor data to the at least one predetermined limit and creating alarms if the difference between the sensor data and the at least one predetermined limit is greater than a predetermined threshold.