Troubleshooting Distributed Control Systems (ATS03)

This comprehensive INVOLVE?? interactive multimedia training program was produced in association with the Instrument Society of America (ISA).

This three lesson program trains participants in efficient methods for finding the cause of a problem in a system and correcting it.

Prerequisites

This lesson is designed for participants familiar with instruments and their functions within a control loop. An understanding of the steps involved in a systematic approach to troubleshooting single loop control systems is required.

Description

This lesson applies a systematic process for identifying, isolating, and correcting process system problems to distributed control systems (DCS). Emphasis is placed on the use of DCS displays as a troubleshooting tool. System graphics such as set point displays, alarm summaries, and trend graphics are included.

Objectives

List the five steps in a systematic approach to troubleshooting. Identify the set points and process variables of the components, valve positions, and alarms represented in a graphic display. Analyze the trend of a process variable over time in a trend graph. Identify the time, tag name, type of an alarm, and current value or status of the process variable in an alarm summary- evaluate information supplied by the system operator to determine the current condition of the system. Apply information gathered from displays and from the operator to verify that a problem exists. Locate and identify the cause of a performance problem in the most efficient way possible. Take or recommend appropriate corrective action. Verify that the problem has been corrected. Recommend follow-up procedures to minimize the potential for recurrence. Apply the systematic troubleshooting approach to its proper conclusion in a distillation system, batch process, cascade control system, as well as separating feed stock, and batch blending processes.