DCS (Distributed Control Systems)

At one time, taking the thousands of pieces of information in a plant and displaying it on some kind of information system was a real challenge and in fact, impossible. With the development of DCS (Distributed Control Systems) it is now easy to take all the information and organize it in a hierarchical system.

DCS displays information on a personal computer it allows process operators to run the process and makes the process information available to other people in the plant. Once the DCS converts the process information to personal computer language it can be distributed to everyone on the plant site and to other parts of the organization that may be located anywhere in the world.

In this course will enable participants learn about the main characteristics of the DCS systems. They will become familiar with the DCS hardware and how it is connected together to make up the basis of the DCS. Once the hardware is installed and tested the participants will learn about the programming the DCS software. Once the software is configured the participants will become familiar with the DCS accessories such as alarm and data reporting systems.

  • Agenda
  • Audience
  • Technical Information

Day 1
Distributed Control Systems

    • Introduction
    • Basic Concepts of DCS
    • DCS Specifications and Selection Criteria
    • Control System and Security Hierarchy
    • DCS Implementation

On day 1, participants will learn about the basic concepts of distributed control systems (DCS) and how the thousands of pieces of information required to operate the plant are received into one central unit and then manipulated to control the process. They will learn about the specifications and selection criteria to consider when implementing a new DCS system. They will cover how the plant process information is distributed to other DCS users described in the DCS hierarchy as well as security levels that are established in order to prohibit unauthorized access.


Day 2
Distributed Control System Hardware

    • DCS Block Diagram
    • DCS Hardware
    • DCS Communication
    • DCS Hardware Security and Redundancy

During day 2, participants will become familiar with the basic parts of the DCS and the hardware involved in bringing information in and sending information out to the final control elements. They will become familiar with the hardware involved in delivering information among any number pf personal computers as well as internet access. Participants will be exposed to the various types of security and redundancy options that are included in the hardware of a typical DCS system.

 

Day 3
Distributed Control System Software

    • DCS Control System Configuration
    • DCS Controller Configuration
    • Function Block Configuration

On day 3, participants will be introduced to software connections and the main DCS parts through DCS control system configuration.  Participants will learn about configuring the individual controllers through the function blocks which give the flexibility to connect and transform input to determine complex outputs to final control elements.   

 

Day 4
Distributed Control System Accessories

    • DCS Alarm System Management
    • DCS Reporting
    • DCS Diagnostics
    • Typical DCS Systems

On day 4, Participants will be introduced to the capabilities of the DCS alarm and information reporting systems. They will become familiar with the DCS system diagnostics to troubleshoot problems. They will also become familiar with some of the most popular DCS systems available today.

This course is mainly targeted to instrumentation technicians working in the field as an introduction or refresher.

The course can be applicable to technicians working in other disciplines, equipment purchasers, procurement and storage personnel, job planners and immediate supervisors.
Discipline:    Instrumentation

Delivery type:   Classroom

Provider:    TPL

Possible Instructors: Fully qualified and certified TPL instructor with a minimum of 15 years instructor experience to international delegates in client or offsite locations.

Level:    Skill

Course Version:      0

Length:       4 days

Skills Needed to
Take Course (pre-requisites):    Anyone taking this course should have some exposure to an oil and gas facility terminology.