High-end PLCs and DCS hardware are very similar (The samething in some manufacturers). Maybe the main difference is the programming interface or major redundancy, but the PLC manufacturers are offering similar characteristics to hold the competition (as rockwell, for example). "Distributed" concept is for both now. Different programming languages can be used in both cases, depends of the manufacturer custom or the kind of proccess.In Perú, we use System 800xA, PCS7, DeltaV, Archestra, Foxboro DCS, but Controllogix PLC (selfnamed "controller") support different systems in a concentrator plant, such as Antamina or Southern Copper Corporation.When a control system don´t work properly is because the end customer has the great idea to buy controllers and HMI of different brands and contract integrators companies with poor background and low cost.
Great insight! I agree with your assessment of mixing and matching different systems with poor support. Unfortunately, many PLCs at legacy plants are stand-alone and are difficult to maintain and integrate into a larger optimization layer.
According to the video questions: The Control systems brands in mining (Perú, Chile and Asia) are mentioned up lines. Many customers only prefer Siemens or ABB, because they have the complete solution (DCS, Gearless mil drive; HV, MV and LV electrical systems and process/analytical instruments, including fire detection systems and CCTV.They only use alternative brands for specific applications such as nuclear switch/densimeters, sonar flowmeters, signal processing with acoustic sensors in the mills and cyclones, and sometimes expert systems as the metso brand for rocks, mill balls and flotation froths.
Programming languages: In my own experience, ladder is easier (for beginners) but it is slower to analyze when you have a large sequence. Function blocks is better because you can reduce your program considerably applying boolean logic and it will be easier to analyze. You can complement this strategy using Structured text (ST). With ST you can put and remove parts of your program easily only with this symbols //. ST is very useful when you are commissioning one area of your plant but you have to simulate some feedback signals because other involved áreas are not yet available. You can also develop math formulas clearly. SFC is used for sequential control systems. Instruction list is similar to assembler and I used it to simplify basic mathematical operations or impress/confuse to the curious people.
Great feedback, Miguel. I'm most familiar with Honeywell DCS systems such as TDC3000 with CL programming and Experion with ProcOps and CAB programming (modified Visual Basic). It sounds like you have some great experience with Siemens and ABB. It takes a while to learn all of the nuances for each system but all seem to have the same basic structure.
Thanks. Honeywell is a great product. They also have DCS systems here, but they represent less than 6% of the mining market. My opinion about Brands is only based in my experience working as EPCM supervisor in Jacbos, Ausenco and other partners working in projects as aktogay in kazakhstan, .
Thanks to Ed and his team for coming to present. Presentation starts at 1:10.
High-end PLCs and DCS hardware are very similar (The samething in some manufacturers). Maybe the main difference is the programming interface or major redundancy, but the PLC manufacturers are offering similar characteristics to hold the competition (as rockwell, for example). "Distributed" concept is for both now. Different programming languages can be used in both cases, depends of the manufacturer custom or the kind of proccess.In Perú, we use System 800xA, PCS7, DeltaV, Archestra, Foxboro DCS, but Controllogix PLC (selfnamed "controller") support different systems in a concentrator plant, such as Antamina or Southern Copper Corporation.When a control system don´t work properly is because the end customer has the great idea to buy controllers and HMI of different brands and contract integrators companies with poor background and low cost.
Great insight! I agree with your assessment of mixing and matching different systems with poor support. Unfortunately, many PLCs at legacy plants are stand-alone and are difficult to maintain and integrate into a larger optimization layer.
According to the video questions: The Control systems brands in mining (Perú, Chile and Asia) are mentioned up lines. Many customers only prefer Siemens or ABB, because they have the complete solution (DCS, Gearless mil drive; HV, MV and LV electrical systems and process/analytical instruments, including fire detection systems and CCTV.They only use alternative brands for specific applications such as nuclear switch/densimeters, sonar flowmeters, signal processing with acoustic sensors in the mills and cyclones, and sometimes expert systems as the metso brand for rocks, mill balls and flotation froths.
Programming languages: In my own experience, ladder is easier (for beginners) but it is slower to analyze when you have a large sequence. Function blocks is better because you can reduce your program considerably applying boolean logic and it will be easier to analyze. You can complement this strategy using Structured text (ST). With ST you can put and remove parts of your program easily only with this symbols //. ST is very useful when you are commissioning one area of your plant but you have to simulate some feedback signals because other involved áreas are not yet available. You can also develop math formulas clearly. SFC is used for sequential control systems. Instruction list is similar to assembler and I used it to simplify basic mathematical operations or impress/confuse to the curious people.
Great feedback, Miguel. I'm most familiar with Honeywell DCS systems such as TDC3000 with CL programming and Experion with ProcOps and CAB programming (modified Visual Basic). It sounds like you have some great experience with Siemens and ABB. It takes a while to learn all of the nuances for each system but all seem to have the same basic structure.
Thanks. Honeywell is a great product. They also have DCS systems here, but they represent less than 6% of the mining market. My opinion about Brands is only based in my experience working as EPCM supervisor in Jacbos, Ausenco and other partners working in projects as aktogay in kazakhstan, .
Too much background hissing and low audio, but other than that....
+ElectronicWizard we should have used a lapel mic.