Diagnostics in a process control system

A diagnostic tool for use in a process control system that includes a processor and that uses a multiplicity of function blocks to control a process, the diagnostic tool comprising:

• a computer readable memory;
• and
• a routine stored on the computer readable memory and adapted to be implemented on the processor, wherein the routine;
• collects data pertaining to a function block operating parameter for each of the multiplicity of function blocks on a regular basis during operation of the process wherein the data is associated with an operating condition of each of the multiplicity of function blocks;
• determines a value for the function block operating parameter for each of a number of times during the operation of the process control system based on the collected function block operating parameter data;
• detects a problem within the process control system based on the determined values of the function block operating parameter;
• and
• produces a report that lists the detected problem.

A method of diagnosing problems in a process control system that uses a multiplicity of function blocks to control the operation of a process, the method comprising the steps of:

• collecting data pertaining to a function block operating parameter from each of the multiplicity of function blocks during operation of the process control system wherein the data is associated with an operating condition of each of the multiplicity of function blocks;
• determining a value for the function block operating parameter for each of a number of times during operation of the process control system based on the received function block operating parameter data;
• detecting a problem within the process control system based on the determined function block operating parameter values;
• and
• reporting the detected problem to a user.

A function block adapted to control a process in a process control system and for execution by a processor in a process control environment, comprising:

• a computer readable memory;
• a first routine stored on the computer readable memory and adapted to be executed on the processor to implement a process operation, wherein a first function block signal is associated with an operation of the first routine;
• and
• a second routine stored on the computer readable memory and adapted to be executed on the processor to determine a variability indication based on the first function block signal.