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The Vertex-Pro is a microprocessor-based control with integral application software designed to control a motor and its one or two-loop compressor load. Three and four loop compressor stages may be an option for some systems. The compressor control architecture is patterned after the 505CC-2 compressor control.

The compressor anti-surge control provides the user with a choice between two algorithms—the standard Woodward anti-surge algorithm or a universal surge curve design. The standard algorithm compensates for changing gas/process conditions, while the universal algorithm uses an invariant
coordinate system that is immune to such changes. Like the 505CC-2, the Vertex-Pro uses configurable software for maximum field flexibility.

The control hardware uses the MicroNet™ Plus. The MicroNet Plus is a 32-bit microprocessor-based digital and a VME-based controller, modular control system with redundant or simplex CPU, power supply and I/O module options. CPUs and I/O modules may be simplex or redundant, depending on customer requirements. A simplex system can be upgraded to redundant system by simply adding a second CPU and I/O modules and changing a minor software configuration. I/O modules allow for hot replacement without removing control power.

The MicroNet Operating System, together with Woodward’s GAP™ Graphical Application Program, produces a powerful control environment. Woodward’s unique rate group structure ensures that control functions will execute deterministically at rate groups defined by the application engineer. Critical
control loops can be processed within 5 milliseconds. Less critical code is typically assigned to slower rate groups. The rate group structure prevents the possibility of changing system dynamics by adding additional code. Control is always deterministic and predictable.

Communications with the MicroNet platform are available to program and service the control as well as to interface with other systems (Plant DCS, HMI, etc.). Application code is generated by use of Woodward’s GAP program or Woodward’s Ladder Logic programming environment. A service interface allows the user to view and tune system variables. Several tools are available to provide this interface (see Engineering and Service Access). Communication protocols such as TCP/IP, OPC, Modbus® *, and other current designs are included so that the user can correctly interface the control to existing or new plant level systems.