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Exploring the Series and Parallel Installation of DCS and SIS Valves

In process industries, Distributed Control System (DCS) valves and Safety Instrumented System (SIS) valves play critical roles in process control and safety, respectively. When designing these systems, engineers must decide whether to install these valves in series or parallel. Each configuration has its advantages and challenges that impact the system’s overall safety, reliability, and maintainability. […]

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Understanding Strong Current (Power) and Weak Current (Signal) Systems: Differences and Applications

In the field of electrical engineering, “strong current” and “weak current” are two fundamental concepts. These two types of electrical systems have distinct characteristics and serve different functions, with each playing an important role in modern technology. Let’s take a closer look at how they differ in terms of voltage, current, applications, safety considerations, and

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Reevaluating Industry Metrics: Advancing PID Tuning and Automation for Optimal Performance

Recently, during my service visit to a refining and chemical enterprise in Shandong, I had the opportunity to examine multiple systems where PID tuning had been previously conducted by various companies. It is evident that the industry has made significant advancements in PID tuning practices. However, there remains a considerable gap in the capability to

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Understanding the Components of a Safety Instrumented System (SIS)

Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and reliability of industrial processes. These systems are designed to automatically detect and mitigate hazardous conditions, protecting people, equipment, and the environment. A typical SIS is composed of several key components, each with distinct functions that contribute to the overall safety of industrial

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Rethinking PID Loop Tuning: From Isolated Parameters to System Perspective

1. Traditional View of PID Tuning In the conventional approach, PID loop tuning is often treated as an isolated single-input, single-output (SISO) problem. The emphasis is placed solely on the controlled process itself. Once the process model is identified, suitable PID parameters can be directly calculated. From this perspective, testing and modeling the process are

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Documentation Requirements and Drafting Guidelines for P&ID (Piping and Instrumentation Diagram)

1. Information Required for P&ID Design Before preparing a P&ID, a wide range of reference documents and data must be collected. These are essential for ensuring accuracy and consistency during the design phase: Process Flow Diagram (PFD) A P&ID is developed based on the approved and detailed PFD. The PFD must be reviewed and approved

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Can SIS Operator Stations and Engineering Stations Be Shared?

1. Introduction In Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS), two critical Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) are involved: Engineering Station (ES): Used for configuration, programming, diagnostics, and maintenance. Operator Station (OS): Used for monitoring, process operation, and alarm handling. A common industry question is whether these two stations can be shared to reduce cost and simplify system architecture. This

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Advanced Regulatory Control (ARC) vs. Advanced Process Control (APC)

Introduction Proportional–Integral–Derivative (PID) control has been the cornerstone of industrial automation for decades. While PID works reliably in single-variable systems with strong causal relationships, it faces significant limitations in multivariable and constrained processes. To address these challenges, two approaches have emerged: Advanced Regulatory Control (ARC) and Advanced Process Control (APC). This article compares ARC and

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Emergency Handling of DCS Failures in Process Industries

1. Introduction In chemical, petrochemical, and power industries, the Distributed Control System (DCS) acts as the central nervous system of the plant. It monitors process parameters, executes interlocks, and ensures stable operations.A DCS failure often means loss of process control: from partial shutdowns to plant-wide outages, or even major safety incidents. For this reason, operators,

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Integrating SIS and CCS in Chemical Plant Operations: Challenges and Considerations

In the realm of chemical plant operations, the discussion about integrating Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) with Central Control Systems (CCS) has gained attention. These two systems serve critical but distinct roles, and while integrating them might seem efficient, it poses significant technical and safety challenges. This article delves into the differences between SIS and CCS,

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