Know And Understand Distribution Control Systems (DCS)
Distributed control systems (DCS) generally use decentralized subsystems to manage distribution processes or production systems. Process industries that use DCS as their distribution system will gain flexibility, long service life of an instrument, system instruments that are integrated with each other, and ease of control of the production process.
A distribution control system will definitely involve several other controllers in the production process, these controllers are integrated (connected) and centered on the console DCSIt aims to centralize the production operation system, so that production operator staff can easily control, monitor, and record every element of the process at a location.
Although it involves several separate controller units, they will be able to be controlled by one centralized console (DCS system). Because in principle, each controller refers to a predetermined process philosophy.
A DCS unit area is usually defined as a tiered system, although not all systems share their respective standard hierarchies. Therefore, humans are needed to oversee the main control system, so that the levels of the production operating system can be well integrated with each other.
The main controller (DCS) is connected to individual computers and servers, so that in its control, it can be monitored with process videos in the form of flow diagrams, and assisted also by the Human Machine Interface (HMI). Network protocols that are usually used by DCS are PROFIBUS and LAN, which types of protocols are resistant to industrial conditions that are sometimes uncertain.
It should be noted, however, that many DCS parts can also operate as stand-alone (individual) devices. These individual devices are usually reprogrammed for use in different applications.
Distributed control system design (DCS) The distributed control system (DCS)
The design consists of two main functions, namely:
- The various control functions will be distributed into a small set of semi-autonomous subsystems. These subsystems are interconnected and communicate at a very high speed. Its functions include data presentation, data acquisition, control methods, monitoring methods, reporting, storage, and finally data retrieval.
- The second function is the automation of manufacturing processes by integrating advanced technology management methods.
In designing the DCS system, it must also include several main features that make the system able to manage the production process well, these features include:
- System redundancy
- Improved climbable HMI
- platforms
- System security
DCS system applications in the industrial sector
Distributed control systems are mostly used in sustainable or process-oriented manufacturing industries, such as:
- Chemical factory
- Refinery of organic compounds (oil)
- Paper mill
- Boiler control
- Power plant, atomic power plant
- Environmental management system (waste treatment)
- treatment (Water treatment Plant)
- Food industry
- Biochemical and fertilizer industry
- Metal and mining industry
- Car industry
- Metallurgical factory
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Sugar refinery
Today, most DCS units have been designed with more complex parts in mind. The development is carried out to improve the reliability of the system in carrying out the production process.
Even some DCS systems have used two processors, this is done to prevent system failure if the main processor does not work. DCS plays an active role when a critical process takes place, if during a critical process a system failure occurs, it is possible to cause injury or loss of life to production staff.
Examples of system failure scenarios in the oil and gas processing industry; the DCS system controls flare to continue operating. If the system fails to operate, then combustion will stop, unburned gases will accumulate around the flare and mix with atmospheric air. The gas will certainly be very dangerous for humans, because it can cause poisoning and fires.
