MODULE DETAILS

Distributed Control Systems DMNDCS618

Nominal duration in hours:

24 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 basic principles of Distributed Control Systems (DCSs) as used in the mining industry, including the fundamental characteristics of DCS and best practices in DCS operation.

MODULE PURPOSE

The purpose of this module is for participants to develop knowledge of DCS principles and applications as used in mining industries.

MODIFICATION HISTORY

Original module approved in 2011 (52438WA); December 2014 (52727WA).  This version is Version 3.

PREREQUISITE AND/OR CO‑REQUISITE MODULES

Modules that must be delivered and assessed before this module:

SCADA, Data Acquisition and OPC DMNSCD615

Modules that must be delivered concurrently with this module:

N/A

SUMMARY OF LEARNING OUTCOMES

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

1.    Outline fundamental characteristics of DCS

2.    Explain best practices in DCS operation

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 fundamental characteristics of DCS

1.1

Explain the concept of distributed control

1.2

Compare core features of DCS with SCADA

1.3

Identify and explain DCS system components

1.4

Explain principles of DCS data communication

1.5

Outline characteristics of the basic controller mechanism

1.6

Outline generic attributes of the DCS operator interface

2

Explain best practices in DCS operation

2.1

Outline basic principles of DCS controller configuration

2.2

Outline best practices for the programming of DCSs

2.3

Describe DCS alarm system management

2.4

Identify and explain essential DCS reporting requirements

2.5

Outline advanced control strategies for maintenance

2.6

Identify and explain applications of DCS in mining

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

Assessor Requirements:

Assessors must satisfy the assessor requirements in the standards for registered training organisation (RTOs) current at the time of assessment.

Assessors must also hold a tertiary qualification in engineering or related field.

The RTO must also ensure that trainers and assessors keep their industry knowledge up to date through ongoing professional development.

Assessment Conditions:

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.