MODULE DETAILS

SCADA, Data Acquisition and OPC DMNSCD615

Nominal duration in hours: 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 essential features of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) as used in the mining industry, including a comparison of WAN technologies, data acquisition systems and components, and the application of OPC to SCADA.

MODULE PURPOSE

The purpose of this module is for participants to develop knowledge of SCADA system features and applications suitable for 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:

Data Communications DMNDCO607

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.    Explain fundamental principles of SCADA

2.    Compare WAN technologies for SCADA

3.    Specify data acquisition systems and components for mining applications

4.    Explain the application of OPC to SCADA

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

Explain fundamental principles of SCADA

1.1

Outline the architecture of modern SCADA systems

1.2

Identify and explain hardware and software components of SCADA systems

1.3

Analyse an example of a design of a SCADA system based on ethernet

1.4

Summarise security issues related to SCADA systems

1.5

Outline the concept of redundancy in SCADA designs

1.6

Outline the steps leading to best practice SCADA system implementation

2

Compare WAN technologies for SCADA

2.1

Compare core features of the following WAN technologies applicable to SCADA systems:

(a) landlines

(b) digital hierarchies (T/E)

(c) X.25

(d) Frame Relay

(e) ATM

(f) SDH/SONET

(g) cellular (3G/4G)

3

Specify data acquisition systems and components for mining applications

3.1

Specify data acquisition devices suitable for given applications

3.2

Outline characteristics of SDI-12 relevant to mining

3.3

Compare the use of wired or wireless technologies to connect data acquisition units to remote computers

3.4

Identify sensors for:

(a) temperature

(b) flow

(c) pressure measurements

(d) gas sensors

(e) specialist sensors: electrochemical, thermal conductivity, flame ionisation

3.5

Outline functions of signal conditioning

3.6

Outline hardware required for both analogue and digital input and output

4

Explain the application of OPC to SCADA

4.1

Explain the role of OPC in SCADA systems

4.2

Outline the OPC specification structure

4.3

Outline the underlying technology behind OPC UA and OPC classic

4.4

Outline key considerations for the application of SCADA in the mining industry

DELIVERY MODE

Online and face-to-face.

SPECIALISED RESOURCES

Software

·         Citect

·         SCADA

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.