The topic for the June Technical Evening, presented by Kallie Bodenstein of Yokogawa, compared the differences between ‘DCS vs. PLC’. From the branch’s perspective, if it was up to us, we would award the prize for best ‘exhibition’ to Yokogawa for the effort taken to setup a comprehensive simulation test bench, affording attendees (who included our peers but also some very clever students) the opportunity for some hands-on practice.
Jurie Weidemann (left) thanks Kallie Bodenstein after the presentation.
Kallie, who has been providing training since 2005, gave a brief history and overview of PLC/scada and DCS systems, however, ultimately there are seven questions one has to ask oneself when deciding which system to use:
1. What is being manufactured, and how? If it is ‘things’ PLC else if ‘stuff’ DCS.
2. What is the value of that being produced and the cost of downtime? High = DCS.
3. What do you view as the ‘heart of the system’? If controller then PLC, if supervisory then DCS.
4. What does the operator need to be successful? Handles exceptions then PLC.
5. What system performance is required? Fast then PLC, high levels of redundancy then DCS.
6. What degree of customisation is required? Extensive libraries then DCS.
7. What are the engineering expectations? Bottom up approach e.g. individual components then PLC or if top down, e.g. upfront design process followed then DCS.
Plant in a box simulation.
The above is only an extract. Kindly contact Petrus Klopper ([email protected]) should you require a copy of the presentation or for more info on the ’plant in a box’ simulators.
Durban branch
SAIMC
At the Durban branch of the SAIMC held in October, Mitch Naidoo took the attendees on an interesting journey on Asset Health Management: Tracking The Pulse Of Your Plant.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
At the Durban branch of the SAIMC held in October, Mitch Naidoo took the attendees on an interesting journey on Asset Health Management: Tracking The Pulse Of Your Plant.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg Branch technical evening was hosted by Proconics Advanced Solutions. The topic of the session was ‘Turning Big 3D Data into Actionable Engineering Insights – Challenges and Smart Solutions’.
Read more...SAIMC User Advisory Council Annual Summit 2025 SAIMC
SAIMC
October 2025 marked a pivotal moment for the South African automation and manufacturing community as the SAIMC User Advisory Council hosted its first annual summit under the SAIMC banner.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg
SAIMC
The Johannesburg Branch of the SAIMC hosted a successful Technology Evening on 10 September. The event was well attended and generously sponsored by Phoenix Contact.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
At SAIMC Durban’s October Technology Evening, Nico Erasmus delivered a thought-provoking presentation on a topic close to every automation professional’s heart: PLC and Drive Manufacturer Generational Hardware - UpGrades, UpGates or UpRates?
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The Johannesburg Branch of the SAIMC hosted a successful Technology Evening on 10 September. The event was well attended and generously sponsored by Phoenix Contact.
Read more...Why ECSA matters SAIMC
SAIMC
I always knew I had to register as a Professional Engineer. Then I opened the registration guidelines.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version