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Upgrading DeltaV Operate Graphics from 12.3.1 to 14.3.1 (not to Live)

Has anyone upgraded DeltaV Operate graphics between versions by themselves (i.e. not sending the files to Emerson for processing)?

I was sure I had previously found a tool that could be used, much like the database migration tool, which would ensure the graphics were compatible with the new version, but can't find any information on it now!

Note:  I am not referring to converting graphics from DeltaV Operate to DeltaV Live - I want to keep them in DeltaV Operate but just upgraded to the latest version.

David Scott

• 17 Aug 2020 1:07 PM
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3 Replies

• John Rezabek

  

  • 17 Aug 2020 3:00 PM

  The graphics engine is still "IFIX" - we've upgraded from 11.3.1 -> 13.3 -> 13.3.1 -> 14.3.1 and haven't had to make many changes (on account of the version change). Somewhere in the past one had to deploy / develop "layout" files as accommodations were made for higher resolution / larger aspect ratio flat screens et al. That entailed some editing and experimentation but shouldn't pose any issues if you are using the same size / number of monitors for "Operate".
  If you utilize any custom faceplates or detail displays, you may miss out on some enhancements (alarm suppression / OOS) which has been evolving. We had to revise a few of ours to display "alarm help" for example.

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• Andre Dicaire

  

  • 17 Aug 2020 3:23 PM

  In reply to John Rezabek:

  You should review the Software Release KBA for any recommendations on migration. V12.3.1 to v14.3.1 is a supported migration path.
  
  The layout files that John mentions were introduced to move the display layout from the UserRef file and allows for a more refined positioning of display areas as well as the default displays. It is still optional in Operate.

  Andre Dicaire

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• Robert Rijnders

  

  • 3 Nov 2020 10:37 PM

  In the past we let Emerson do the display upgrade from v.7.4.2 to v.10.3.0. We weren't very happy with the result. Costs were substantial and it still took us a lot of time to resolve all the open issues because Emerson was unable to. Since then we do this part in-house. I've done the display upgrade from v.10.3.1 to v.12.3.1 and recently from v.11.3.1 to v.14.3.0.
  
  Basically what you have to do first is run DDC. Refer to AP-0800-0053 'Fixing Picture Issues Using the DumpDataSources Utility' for more information. DDC will catch 99% of issues like refresh rate = 0s, empty VB events, etc.
  After fixing these issues, move the displays to an off-line station running the new DeltaV version. Then for every seperate display, open the display, go to VB and compile script. Close the picture and select save. (The 'Close all pictures' option in windows menu doesn't ask to save, so that won't work.) Same actions for FP's, DT's, trends, templates and standard folder.
  Very very tedious job to do. Best to do another run of DDC to check for new/remaining issues. After fixing these you'll have a package that can be copied to the new system.
  
  Depending on the number of displays, faceplates, details, etc, it will probably depend on the costs if it's done by Emerson or in-house. Mind that if there are complex issues on displays (i.e. in the VB code), Emerson will ask the customer on how to resolve them.

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