Process automation system: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 00:25, 1 March 2011

Revision as of 13:47, 27 August 2011

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A '''process control''' or '''automation system''' 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 ([[Distributeddistributed Controlcontrol Systemsystem]]), which is traditionally proprietary.

However in recent times the PAS is considered to be more associated with [[SCADA]] systems.

PAS is the lowest level of automation, while MES (Manufacturingmanufacturing Executionexecution Systemsystem) is considered to be directly positioned above a PAS.

Process automation involves using 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.

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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.

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

[[Category:Industrial automation]]