Diagnostic expert in a process control system

A diagnostic system for use in a process control system that includes a first processor, a second processor and a plurality of field devices communicatively linked to a bus, each field device having at least one process function module being adapted to perform process control functions and to transmit process control information on the bus, the diagnostic system comprising:

• a first computer readable memory;
• a first routine stored in the first computer readable memory and adapted to be implemented on the first processor, wherein the first routine;
• receives the process control information from the process function module, analyzes the process control information,
• determines an operational problem in the process control system based on the analysis of the process control information, and
• transmits information relating to the operational problem;
• a second computer readable memory;
• and
• a second routine stored in the second computer readable memory and adapted to be implemented on the second processor, wherein the second routine:
• receives the information relating to the operational problem transmitted by the first routine,
• analyzes the information relating to the operational problem using a corresponding one of at least one analysis rules for determining corrective actions for the process control system based on information related to operational problems,
• determines a corrective action for the process control system based on the analysis of the information relating to the operational problem with the analysis rule, and
• transmits information relating to the corrective action for implementation of the corrective action by the process control system.

A method of diagnosing and correcting operational problems in a process control system having a plurality of field devices communicatively linked to a bus, each field device having at least one process function module being adapted to perform process control functions and to transmit process control information on the bus, the diagnostic system comprising:

• receiving the process control information from the process function modules at a diagnostic tool;
• analyzing the process control information;
• determining an operational problem in the process control system based on the analysis of the process control information;
• transmitting information relating to the operational problem to an expert engine;
• analyzing the information relating to the operational problem using a corresponding one of at least one analysis rules for determining corrective actions for the process control system based on information related to operational problems;
• determining a corrective action for the process control system based on theanalysis of the information relating to the operational problem with the analysis rule;
• and
• transmitting information relating to the corrective action for implementation by the process control system.