DCS System and Field Instrument Tagging Convention - Just Measure it

DCS System and Field Instrument Tagging Convention

In practical applications, the naming relationship between DCS system tag numbers (logical points in the control room) and field instrument tag numbers (physical device labels) typically follows international standards (such as ISA S5.1) or factory-specific conventions. Below are common categories and examples:

1. Flow Measurement Instruments

  • Field Instrument Tag: FT101 (Flow Transmitter)

  • DCS Tag:

    • FIC101: Flow Indicating Controller (PID control)

    • FI101: Flow Indication (display only)

    • FV101: Flow Control Valve (controlled by FIC101)

Corresponding Relationships:

  • FT101 → FIC101 or FI101

  • FV101 → Controlled by FIC101

2. Temperature Measurement Instruments

  • Field Instrument Tag: TT201 (Temperature Transmitter)

  • DCS Tag:

    • TIC201: Temperature Indicating Controller (automatic control)

    • TI201: Temperature Indication (display only)

    • TSH201: High Temperature Alarm Switch

Corresponding Relationships:

  • TT201 → TIC201 or TI201

  • TSH201 → Triggers Alarm TIAH201

3. Pressure Measurement Instruments

  • Field Instrument Tag: PT301 (Pressure Transmitter)

  • DCS Tag:

    • PIC301: Pressure Indicating Controller

    • PI301: Pressure Indication (display only)

    • PSL301: Pressure Low Interlock Switch

Corresponding Relationships:

  • PT301 → PIC301 or PI301

  • PSL301 → Interlock Signal PISL301

4. Level Measurement Instruments

  • Field Instrument Tag: LT401 (Level Transmitter)

  • DCS Tag:

    • LIC401: Level Indicating Controller

    • LI401: Level Indication (display only)

    • LAH401: High Level Alarm

Corresponding Relationships:

  • LT401 → LIC401 or LI401

  • LSH401 → Triggers Alarm LAH401

5. Analytical Instruments

  • Field Instrument Tag: AT501 (pH Transmitter)

  • DCS Tag:

    • AI501: Analytical Indication

    • AIC501: Analytical Indicating Controller (e.g., pH auto dosing)

Corresponding Relationships:

  • AT501 → AIC501 or AI501

6. Control Valves and Switches

  • Field Valve Tag: FV102 (Flow Control Valve)

  • DCS Tag:

    • FV102: Valve Position Control Signal

    • ZV102: Valve Open/Closed Status

Key Rules Summary

  1. Function Code Extension:

    • Field instruments focus on measurement and actuation (e.g., FT, TT, FCV).

    • DCS tags focus on control and indication (e.g., FIC, TIC, FI).

  2. Signal Layering:

    • Transmitters (e.g., FT) → Input Signals (e.g., FIC or FI).

    • Valves (e.g., FV) → Output Signals (e.g., FV).

  3. Alarms and Interlocks:

    • Switches (e.g., LSH, PSL) → DCS Alarm Points (e.g., LAH, PISL).

Control Loop Parameters Abbreviations

  1. PV (Process Variable): Real-time measured value (e.g., temperature, pressure).

    • Example: PV = 150°C.

  2. SV (Set Value): Control setpoint.

    • Example: SV = 160°C.

  3. MV (Manipulated Variable): Controller output signal (e.g., valve position).

    • Example: MV = 65%.

  4. OP (Output): Same as MV, controller output.

    • Example: OP = 75%.

Common DCS Abbreviations

  1. PID (Proportional Integral Derivative): Control algorithm.

    • Example: P = 2.0, I = 30s, D = 5s.

  2. AI (Analog Input): Analog input signal (e.g., 4-20mA).

    • Example: AI101.

  3. AO (Analog Output): Analog output signal (e.g., control valve position).

    • Example: AO201.

  4. DI (Digital Input): Digital input (e.g., equipment status).

    • Example: DI301 = ON.

  5. DO (Digital Output): Digital output (e.g., start command).

    • Example: DO401 = START.

  6. HH/LL (High-High/Low-Low): High-high and low-low alarms.

    • Example: PV = 10 MPa triggers emergency interlock when it exceeds HH = 9.5 MPa.

Practical Control Loop Example

For the flow control loop FIC101:

  • PV: Real-time flow value from FT101 (e.g., PV = 45 m³/h).

  • SV: Target flow (e.g., SV = 50 m³/h).

  • MV: Control output to FV101 (e.g., MV = 60%).

  • PID Parameters: Adjust P, I, D to stabilize PV near SV.

Abbreviations Summary

AbbreviationFull NameFunction DescriptionExample
PVProcess VariableReal-time measurement valuePV = 120°C
SVSet ValueControl target valueSV = 150°C
MVManipulated VariableController output signalMV = 70%
PIDProportional Integral DerivativeControl algorithmP = 2.0, I = 30s, D = 5s
AIAnalog InputAnalog input signalAI101
AOAnalog OutputAnalog output signalAO201
DIDigital InputDigital inputDI301 = ON
DODigital OutputDigital outputDO401 = START
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