MODULE DETAILS

Distributed Control Systems DIADCS609

Nominal duration: 48 hours total time commitment

This time commitment includes the structured activities, preparation reading, and attendance at each webinar, completing exercises, practical assessments and proctored assessments.

It is also expected that students spend additional time on readings, personal study, independent research and learning, practicing on remote labs and required software and working on any projects and assignments.

This module covers the fundamental characteristics of distributed control systems (DCS), procedures for programming, operator interfaces, alarm management and reporting, and maintenance.

MODULE PURPOSE

The purpose of the module is for participants to develop knowledge that will enable them to describe, specify and optimise distributed control systems (DCS).

MODIFICATION HISTORY

Original module approved in 2007 (51935); June 2011 (52403WA); 2014 (52708WA).  This version: V4.0

PREREQUISITE AND/OR CO‑REQUISITE MODULES

Modules that must be delivered and assessed before this module:

None

Modules that must be delivered concurrently with this module:

None

SUMMARY OF LEARNING OUTCOMES

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

1. Outline the fundamental characteristics of distributed control systems (DCS)
2. Compare alternatives in DCS data communications
3. Explain the characteristics of the DCS controller and procedures for configuration
4. Outline generic attributes of the DCS operator interface
5. Explain DCS alarm management and reporting functions

6.    Outline DCS maintenance issues

LEARNING OUTCOMES

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Learning outcomes specify what students will be able to do as a result of the learning.

Assessment criteria provide the criteria by which achievement of the learning outcomes will be judged.

1

Outline the fundamental characteristics of distributed control systems (DCS)

1.1

Compare the differences between DCS and Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems

1.2

Describe characteristics and functions of smart instruments as used in DCS systems

1.3

Describe basic requirements of the operator interface in a DCS

1.4

Evaluate the layout of the data communications paths in a DCS system

1.5

Outline redundancy issues in DCSs

2

Compare alternatives in DCS data communications

2.1

Compare DCS communication options in terms of field, operator and long-distance communications

2.2

Compare relative merits of different DCS network topologies

2.3

Evaluate digital field communications technologies for DCS systems

2.4

Identify opportunities to incorporate industrial ethernet in DCS systems

2.5

Explain security issues with DCSs

2.6

Evaluate methodologies that links MES and ERP systems to DCS

3

Explain the characteristics of the DCS controller and procedures for configuration

3.1

Describe the functions of the DCS Central Processing Unit

3.2

Compare the features of discrete, logic, sequential and batch control

3.3

Outline the process for configuring control algorithms

3.4

Outline the use of Function Blocks and IEC 61131-3 for DCS programming

3.5

Outline the organisation of system data files

3.6

Compare the need for different security levels for varied operating parameters

4

Outline generic attributes of the DCS operator interface

4.1

Explain the concept of a 'process window'

4.2

Compare different operator display configurations

4.3

Formulate requirements for data-entry by operators

4.4

Summarise ergonomic design requirements for the operator environment

5

Explain DCS alarm management and reporting functions

5.1

Outline basic approaches for alarm management

5.2

Outline the ergonomic factors in alarm systems

5.3

Explain the structure of an effective alarm system

5.4

Explain the concept of Safety Integrity Level (SIL)

5.5

Outline methodologies used to design and measure the performance of alarm systems

5.6

Describe alarm management in terms of alarm generation, alarm reporting, and alarm acceptance

5.7

Compare the different types of logs and reports that can be configured on a DCS system

6

Outline DCS maintenance issues

6.1

Describe general maintenance requirements for DCS systems

6.2

Explain DCS diagnostics in terms of built-in diagnostics and maintenance diagnostic routines

6.3

Describe UPS system requirements for DCS systems

6.4

Outline effective recovery procedures for a DCS following a power outage

DELIVERY MODE

Online and/or face-to-face

SPECIALISED RESOURCES

N/A

ASSESSMENT STRATEGY

METHODS OF ASSESSMENT

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, structured assessments, samples and questioning. This will include short answer questions on the knowledge content, the use of remote and virtual labs, and writing tasks to apply the learning to academic tasks.

CONDITIONS OF ASSESSMENT

Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this module. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required.

The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Assessments may be open book assessment and may be completed off campus. Invigilation software will be used for some assessments to ensure authenticity of work completed.

Model answers must be provided for all knowledge-based assessments to ensure reliability of assessment judgements when marking is undertaken by different assessors.