Process automation system: Difference between revisions

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{{Unreferenced|date=December 2009}}

A '''process automation''' or '''automation system''' ('''PAS''') is used to automatically control a process such as chemical, oil refineries, paper and [[wood pulp|pulp]] factories.

The PAS often uses a network to interconnect sensors, controllers, operator terminals and actuators.

A PAS is often based on open standards in contrast to a DCS ([[distributed control system]]), which is traditionally proprietary.

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PAS is the lowest level of automation, while MES ([[manufacturing execution system]]) is considered to be directly positioned above a PAS.

Process automation involves using sensors, actuators, computer technology and software engineering to help power plants and factories in industries as diverse as paper, mining and cement operate more efficiently and safely.

== The background and technology ==

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== Process automation and energy efficiency ==

Process automation systems typically consist of several components that work together to control and monitor the process. These components may include:

Factory owners want their equipment to deliver the highest output with as little production cost as possible. In many industries including oil, gas and petrochemicals, energy costs can represent 30 to 50 percent of the total production cost.

#Sensors: Sensors measure various parameters such as temperature, pressure, flow rate, and chemical composition. These sensors generate signals that are transmitted to the controller.

In process automation, the computer program uses measurements to show not only how the plant is working but to simulate different operating modes and find the optimal strategy for the plant. A unique characteristic of this software is its ability to "learn" and predict trends, helping speed up the response time to changing conditions.

#Controllers: Controllers are devices that receive input signals from the sensors and use that information to make decisions about adjusting the process. Controllers can be simple or complex, depending on the complexity of the process being controlled.

#Actuators: Actuators are devices that are used to adjust the process based on the decisions made by the controller. For example, an actuator may be used to adjust the flow rate of a fluid or to adjust the position of a valve.

#Operator interfaces: Operator interfaces are used by human operators to monitor the process and make manual adjustments if necessary. These interfaces may include computer screens, buttons, and other controls.

#Communication networks: Communication networks are used to interconnect the various components of the automation system. These networks may use wired or wireless connections and may be based on standard protocols such as Ethernet or wireless communication protocols.

Process automation systems can be used in various industries, including chemical, oil and gas, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and many others. These systems can help industries to operate more efficiently, reduce costs, and improve safety by reducing the risk of human error.

The software and controls regulate equipment to run at the optimum speed that requires the least energy. They also ensure the consistency of quality, meaning less energy is wasted producing products that turn out to be defective, and they forecast when maintenance is needed so less time and energy is spent stopping and restarting equipment for routine inspections.

==References==

Major blocks of PAS are: microprocessors, micro controllers and micro computers, multiprocessors, [[LAN]]s, [[SCADA]], [[Remote terminal unit|RTUs (remote terminal units)]] and analog and digital I/O modules

{{reflist}}

[[Category:Industrial automation]]