4. What does the operator need to be successful? In a PLC environment, the operators primary role is to handle exceptions. Status information and exception alarming help keep the operator aware of what is happening in the process, which in many cases can run lights out. The DCS plant requires an operator to make decisions and continuously interact with the process to keep it running. In fact, leveraging the operators process knowledge is often critical to operational excellence and keeping the process running optimally. Operators particularly earn their keep during product grade changes and when adjusting the process to address changes in the production environment (such as a different feedstock). The operator will change set points, open/close valves, or make a manual addition to move a batch to the next stage of production. Within the HMI, faceplates and analog trends provide a critical view into what is really happening in the production process, while the alarm management system focuses the operators attention on areas where he must intervene to keep the process running within its target performance envelope. In the event of an HMI failure, the plant could be forced to shut down in order to keep people and equipment safe. It all boils down to the vital need to have an operator in the loop versus out of the loop. The DCS operator is the ultimate system stakeholder, whose upfront buy-in for the HMI design is essential for overall project success. [email protected] 079 6616 8867 / 8875
Posted on: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 08:47:56 +0000
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