Basics Flashcards
Controller logic cycle
Is continue and never ends as long as the operation is running
Safety instrumented system (SIS)
A redundant system that has the objective of preventing the operation from failing and protecting human lives and any potential losses
Data Historian
Ingests data in realtime from the operation into the database
Discrete manufacturing
Parts assembled into products, generally made of pieces. You can reverse it to the original parts
Process manufacturing
Changed to raw material, generally measured by weight or volume. Cannot reverse it into its original part - like cooking or chemical processes
Distributed Control System (DCS)
Integrated systems that includes the control and supervisory from the same manufacturer. Connected locally at a very high speed, and very reliable with redundant components and connections. Controllers are distributed, and a process oriented system.
Human machine interface (HMI)
Graphical display of the operation, the operator stations. View process warnings and alarms, monitor production
Engineering workstation
Used by engineers. Used for firmware upgrades, creating program logic, designing HMI, etc.
ICS
Industrial control system. Refers to the facilities, systems, and equipment that compromise the operational real time control environment, services, diagnostics and functional capabilities necessary for the effective and reliable operation of automation systems
SCADA
A large scale distributed measurement and control system. Typically used in the transmission and distribution of oil, gas, water, and electricity.
DCS
Distributed control system. A system where control is achieved by the distribution of live data throughout the controlled system. Used in power generation, chemical processing, oil refining, and wastewater treatment
Process Control System
A general term that encompasses several types of control systems including SCADA and DCS. Also encompasses PLCs. Used in water treatment, chemical processing, mining, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing
Energy management system (EMS)
A system of computer-aided tools used by operators of electric utility grids to monitor, control, and optimize the performance of the generation and/or transmission system
Automation System (AS)
A technology concerned with performing a process by means of programmed commands combined with automatic feedback control to ensure proper execution of the instructions. Used in material handling and discrete manufacturing
Discrete manufacturing
Results in the creation of products that can be easily differentiated. Not continuous, so can be started or stopped at any time depending on production requirements.
Process manufacturing
Involves using formulas, much like a recipe, to take a set of ingredients to make a final product. It cannot be taken apart to get the original components.
Field Controllers
Devices that consolidate inputs and outputs, taking the instructions from the operators to make changes in the field. Most do not authenticate to make sure they are receiving commands from a specific source
Field devices
The instruments and sensors that measure progress parameter and the actuators that control the process. This is the interface between the IVS and the physical process
Field devices input (discrete)
Support binary events including alarms and states. Examples are: the tank is full, the door is closed, the pressure is too high, or the pump is turned on.
Field devices input (analog)
Aka transmitters. Measure continuous processes such as flow, level, or pressures within a range of they transmit this information to field controllers using an analog signal such as 4 to 20-mA
Field devices input (digital)
Similar to discrete and analog as they measure congruous processes and support binary events. However; instead of using an analog loop signal or clean contacts, they use a digitally encoded ICS communications protocol format signal to relay the data
Field devices output (discrete)
Binary appliances. Field controller tells it what to do - such as open or close a breaker. Can communicate directly with discrete input devices. They can also make control decisions and are programmable like a field controller.
Field devices output (analog)
Transmit analog signals (voltage or current) that operate controls. Predominately used to control actuators, valves, and motors in industrial environments. The field controller would send a varying electrical signal that can open or close the valve as needed
Field devices output (digital)
Allows you to control the voltage with a computer. They can communicate more quickly and reliably, and are more useful in environments more critical.
Remote terminal unit (RTU)
A microprocessor controlled electronic device that interacts objects in a physical world to a distributed control system or SCADA by transmitting telemetry data to a master surren, and by using messages from the master supervisory system to control connected objects. Key characteristic unit is that it relays information from a remote location over long distances to a centrally located host using/supporting a variety of communications mediums and ICS protocols
Intelligent Electronic Device (IED)
A term used in the electric power industry to describe microprocessor based controllers of power system equipment. Used to monitor and control electrical power devices such as circuit breakers, capacitors and transformers.
Programmable logic controller (PLC)
A ruggedized computer used for industrial automation and was created to respond to the needs of the automotive industry. These controllers can automate a specific process, machine function, or even an entire production line.
Programmable Automation Controller (PAC)
Loosely used to deceive any type of automation controller that incorporates higher-level instructions. Used for machinery in a wide range of industries, including those involved in critical infrastructure. Provide a highly reliable, high performance control platform for discrete logic control, motion control, and process control