Technology

A distributed control system (DCS) refers to a control system usually of a manufacturing system, process or any kind of dynamic system, in which the controller elements are not central in location (like the brain) but are distributed throughout the system with each component sub-system controlled by one or more controllers. The entire system of controllers is connected by networks for communication and monitoring.

Manufacturing Execution Systems manage and monitor work-in-process on the factory floor including manual or automatic labour and production reporting, as well as on-line inquiries and links to tasks that take place on the production floor. Manufacturing Execution Systems may include one or more links to work orders, receipt of goods, shipping, quality control, maintenance, scheduling or other related tasks.

The increasing complexity of plants, combined with a changing workforce, demands plant simulation tools that can safely and interactively train new operators and engineers without putting them, the community or the environment at risk. Plant simulation systems including the latest generation virtual reality systems provide an environment for practicing routine operational and maintenance functions, as well as rarely performed volatile tasks such as plant shutdowns. In addition, using computer models of real equipment allows endless experimentation without ever taking the equipment off line, mitigating risk to production as well.

These actuators provide the fundamental motion to push, pull, lift, rotate, turn, grip, reach, clamp, hold, position, escape, insert, load, unload, pick, place, and orient parts or materials in the manufacturing processes. Applications include loading/unloading, assembly, packaging, workholding, positioning, materials handling, orienting and feeding.

Space is increasingly important in all our lives. Satellites in space underpin many of today's major commercial sectors and they provide essential information to understand our planet's environment, changing climate and weather. Earth observation satellites provide a unique tool for monitoring changes in the land use, deforestation or military deployment from space; navigation satellites help aeroplanes land and guide rescue missions; and communications satellites allow communications with remote areas whether on Earth - or even other planets.

Countries around the world are looking to maximise the capacity, efficiency and safety of railways and metro systems. The latest generation of rail automation utilises highly complex integrated control centre solutions that supervise and control complete railways, sophisticated train based systems that automate train operation and protection, interlocking systems that ensure safe running across a network and a complete range of trackside products.

Industrial safety systems are crucial in any hazardous plants such as oil and gas plants and nuclear plants. They are used to protect human, plant, and environment in case the process went beyond the control margins. As the name suggests, these systems are not intended for controlling the process itself but rather protection. Process control is performed by means of process control systems (PCS) and is interlocked by the safety systems so that immediate actions are taken should the process control systems fail.

Control instrumentation includes devices such as solenoids, valves, circuit breakers, and relays. These devices are able to change a field parameter, and provide remote or automated control capabilities.

Transmitters are devices which produce an analogue signal, usually in the form of a 4-20 mA electrical current signal, although many other options using voltage, frequency, or pressure are possible. This signal can be used to control other instruments directly, or it can be sent to a PLC, DCS, SCADA system, or other type of computerized controller, where it can be interpreted into readable values and used to control other devices and processes in the system.

Instrumentation plays a significant role in both gathering information from the field and changing the field parameters, and as such are a key part of control loops.