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Upgrading DeltaV from 12.3 to 14.3

Dear Experts,

We are planning to upgrade our DeltaV system version from 12.3.1 to 13.3.1 or 14.3, I will discuss that with our Emerson Impact partner but I am here collecting more experts thoughts

Currently we have Windows7 SP1 (32 bit) with DeltaV 12.3, I am very familiar with 13.3 version but never worked with the new Deltav 14.3, therefore I have the following questions:

-  Do you recommend me to update the system to 13.3 or 14.3 ?? 

-  Since the DeltaV graphic is changed now completely in 14, Upgrading the system from 12.3 to 14.3 will create any graphics issues by any means ?? or its fairly safe to do that ??

-  Does DeltaV 14.3 supports any old hardware equipment that's already commissioned in our DeltaV 12.3 (M-serious controllers, network switches, VIM1 ......etc.) ??  

-  Is DeltaV 14.3 now reliable or not yet ? since any newer version will come with some bugs and issues especially with this one since it has a lot of new features ??

FYI we will do this upgrade in the mid of next year

Thank you

8 Replies

  • - When you are planning to upgrade in 2020, you should go for v14.3.1
    All depends on your system,batch?, does it have Provox IO or ...

    - iFix will work in v14 and will have no impact on the new HMI, you can use it to start the conversion to the new HMI system (you have to buy a new license for it)

    - Normally all hardware will work in v14 except the MD controller, this will be checked with the emerson partner.

    - They always told me to wait upgrading the production system until version xx.3.1 is out.
  • In reply to Bruno DB:

    We try to always goto xx.3.1 because we are in a 24/7 production setting. If your unit is batch or campaign & you have more frequent opportunities to patch then the initial release is a little more viable
  • Definitely discuss with your local Sales representative.

    For existing facilities, with 24/7 operations, we recommend as Bruno says and migrate to xx.3.1 release. This release becomes the long term supported release and if you migrate to v14.3, you may have to follow that up with a service pack update (due in September 2019). If your upgrade is in 2020, that v14.3.1 is what I would recommend.

    Although DeltaV Live is released in v14.3, you do not need to migrate your HMI and can continue to use Operate until at least v16.

    V14 does not support MD controllers. MDPlus, MQ and MX are fully supported, as is SDPlus, SQ and SX. v14 gives you the ability to make use of new PK family of controllers. This is something to consider for new applications, but also if you find yourself limited on CPU in existing MX or SX controllers.

    v14.3 has seen a fair share of updates, primarily with the new HMI, which you are not required to migrate to. in fact, I would not migrate your HMI at the same time you migrate major version of DeltaV. Do these separately. You will need V14 to start designing and converting displays. However, the service pack release is being finalized and as of September, v14.3.1 will be ready for migration projects. It will be appropriate for you for mid next year.

    If you are doing an Online upgrade, I highly recommend a premigration test to ensure the migrated system can be tested prior to the upgrade. Your level of risk tolerance and system complexity, such as custom HMI VBA code and control strategies need to be considered. For an Offline upgrade, you still want to complete quickly so the system is not on the startup critical path. Since you are at v12, you will not have any of the v13 or v14 function block enhancements in your configuration. For M series controllers, they are having an OS upgrade to match the S series controller, which have been running the new OS since v12. This will change some of the diagnostic parameters, but other than that delivers a more robust OS and proven since the release of v12.

    I say go for v14.3.1, but that's just my opinion...

    Andre Dicaire

  • In reply to Andre Dicaire:

    I see there's media downloads for 14.3 SP1 on "Guardian", but am I right, SP1 does-not-equal 13.3.1? Any inkling when we will see 13.3.1 released?
  • In reply to John Rezabek:

    The x.x.1 releases are the complete build with the SP already applied while the SP1 release is the actual Service Pack installation for those who have already installed the x.x release and don't want to uninstall and re-install the software. So in the end they are technically the same in DeltaV but getting there is completely different.

    I don't see the SP1 for 14 but I do see the 13.3.1 (typo?)

    The 14.3.1 release will be released before the SP1 and I think 14.3.1 will be available on guardian in the near future.

  • In reply to Matt Stoner:

    Matt - yes it's 14.3.1 I was curious about. We are on 13.3.1 and figure we might as well go to v14 when we upgrade the OS . . . (from W7 and Server 2008).
  • In reply to John Rezabek:

    It's there now!
  • In reply to Matt Stoner:

    Will there be a SP1 for 14.3? If so when will it be released?