TABLE OF CONTENTS This overview of distributed control system (DCS) maintenance consists of a definition of maintenance goals and objectives, comparison of alternative maintenance strategies, an introduction to the maintenance planning process, and implications of distributed control system design characteristics on maintenance. It concludes with a discussion of maintenance program implementation and management.
A distributed control system typically consists of a control room network connecting multiple control, display, and communication devices. These devices include operator and engineer workstations, continuous and discrete process controllers, field network interfaces, and computing resources, as well as other node types. The distributed control system architecture allows these devices to be distributed by either function or geographic area. The individual devices are optimized for the specific function they serve. However, this geographical and functional distribution and the quantity and complexity of the individual devices and their interconnections make the development of an effective maintenance program a significant challenge.
Figure 15-1 shows the configuration of process-connected and control room equipment as well as their interconnections at field, control room, and plant networks within a representative distributed control system architecture.
(Courtesy of Fisher-Rosemount)
The successful development of a distributed control system maintenance program requires a long-term commitment to life cycle planning, budgeting, and training. The planning process should begin before selecting the control system vendor and continue throughout the life of the system. The plan should have the agreement of plant maintenance, operations, and management personnel. Roles...
