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    PLC Vs DCS - What Solution To Choose

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    mtrj59
    The document discusses the differences between programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and distributed control systems (DCS) and provides guidance on which type of system is better suited for different applications. It notes that while the differences between PLCs and DCS have decreased over time, they remain important, especially for systems with more than 500 inputs/outputs and many analog outputs. A DCS is generally a better choice if a system requires multiple distributed controllers, integration with other automation/information systems, high redundancy, complex batch processes, or is likely to be expanded in the near future. A PLC/SCADA solution is usually sufficient for smaller systems with fewer I/O that are not expected to grow significantly. The final decision may

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    PLC Vs DCS - What Solution To Choose

    Uploaded by

    mtrj59
    48 views4 pages
    The document discusses the differences between programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and distributed control systems (DCS) and provides guidance on which type of system is better suited for different applications. It notes that while the differences between PLCs and DCS have decreased over time, they remain important, especially for systems with more than 500 inputs/outputs and many analog outputs. A DCS is generally a better choice if a system requires multiple distributed controllers, integration with other automation/information systems, high redundancy, complex batch processes, or is likely to be expanded in the near future. A PLC/SCADA solution is usually sufficient for smaller systems with fewer I/O that are not expected to grow significantly. The final decision may

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    PLC vs DCS – What solution to choose

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    The document discusses the differences between programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and distributed control systems (DCS) and provides guidance on which type of system is better suited for different applications. It notes that while the differences between PLCs and DCS have decreased over time, they remain important, especially for systems with more than 500 inputs/outputs and many analog outputs. A DCS is generally a better choice if a system requires multiple distributed controllers, integration with other automation/information systems, high redundancy, complex batch processes, or is likely to be expanded in the near future. A PLC/SCADA solution is usually sufficient for smaller systems with fewer I/O that are not expected to grow significantly. The final decision may

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    48 views4 pages

    PLC Vs DCS - What Solution To Choose

    Uploaded by

    mtrj59
    The document discusses the differences between programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and distributed control systems (DCS) and provides guidance on which type of system is better suited for different applications. It notes that while the differences between PLCs and DCS have decreased over time, they remain important, especially for systems with more than 500 inputs/outputs and many analog outputs. A DCS is generally a better choice if a system requires multiple distributed controllers, integration with other automation/information systems, high redundancy, complex batch processes, or is likely to be expanded in the near future. A PLC/SCADA solution is usually sufficient for smaller systems with fewer I/O that are not expected to grow significantly. The final decision may

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    of 4

    PLC vs DCS – What solution to

    choose?
    When we want to integrate several software
    applications, use advanced control algorithms and have
    future expansion plans, the PLC / SCADA solution may
    not be adequate. Currently the differences between both
    solutions have decreased, but they are still important,
    especially in systems with more than 500 I / O and many
    analog outputs.

    What is better to automate my plant, a DCS or a


    system based on PLC / PACs + SCADA?
    Years ago it was much easier to answer this question than now. If
    we were talking about large continuous processes with analog
    signals and with more than one controller the answer was DCS, if
    it was mainly discrete signals the solution was the PLC. Today
    the boundary for decision making is much more diffuse and no
    longer depends so much on hardware (such as processor power or
    the ability to handle many analog signals) but rather on software
    and other non-technical factors related to the whole life cycle of
    the plant.

    PLCs have evolved tremendously and have similar processing


    capabilities to DCS controllers. In fact, there are manufacturers of
    DCS and PLCs that use the same controllers, such as Siemens
    with the PSC7 and the S7-400. The SCADA have also evolved a
    lot and allow us to develop custom objects and libraries that give
    us features similar to those of the DCS.

    DCS is associated to the large facilities where it is very beneficial


    to distribute the controllers and I / O by zones of the plant, and
    with several operating stations located in the control room. In
    addition, the integration of other applications into a single
    database is required. All this together with the cost and level of
    specialization that some DCS have in specific applications
    (refining, electricity generation, pharmacy, etc.) is what makes the
    difference.

    The complete plant life cycle is another important aspect to


    consider in deciding for a DCS or PLC / SCADA. If we plan to grow,
    gradually integrate other applications, optimize the control
    algorithms and making other changes then possibly our solution
    goes through the DCS because managing all this with PLC /
    SCADA, having several databases, can be complicated and
    expensive.

    PLC vs DCS – When is the DCS better?


    In what cases is it clear that we should go to the DCS solution? If
    we meet the following requirements the solution will probably be
    the DCS:

    -We have many I / O (> 2000) and a high number of analog outputs
    (> 200).
    -We have multiple distributed controllers that communicate with
    each other.
    -We use transmitters and intelligent valves that parameterize and
    diagnose in remote.
    -We need to integrate the control system with a MES system or
    with other automation and / or information systems (safety system,
    electrical control system, ERP, asset management, data analytics,
    etc.)
    -We need a system with a high level of redundancy (CPUs, I / O,
    bus).
    -It is a batch application with many recipes and complex.
    -We need a multi-operator HMI and advanced alarm management.
    -The Plant will probably be expanded in less than five years.
    -We have other similar plants with DCS and advanced control
    algorithms that we have optimized over time.

    PLC vs DCS – When is the PLC / SCADA better?


    In what cases is it clear that we should go to the PLC solution? If
    we meet the following requirements the solution will probably be
    PLC + SCADA:

    -We have less than 300 I / O and few analog outputs.


    -We only need one or two PLCs.
    -We do not have special or complex HMI / SCADA requirements.
    The SCADA alarm management system is sufficient.
    -This is a plant or package that we do not plan to grow in the next
    few years.
    -We already use this type of PLC and SCADA and we do
    maintenance ourselves.
    -We do not need the system to be redundant.

    The decision will not be so clear if we have more than 300 or 400
    I / O and we do not fulfill all the previous requirements. In this
    case we will have to do an analysis of our case and evaluate our
    standards and requirements. In addition, there may be other
    factors that tip the scale to one side or the other, such as the
    following:

    – Who is going to program and configure the system? (Local


    integrator, manufacturer, ourselves).
    – Who will perform the maintenance of the system?
    – Are we familiar with the system and have a significant stock of
    spare parts?
    – Is it a new system? Does it already have proven references in
    similar applications?

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