Control systems monitoring software

As seen previously for some specific applications such as wastewater treatment plants, software sensors can be envisaged to provide on-line estimation of non-measurable variables, model parameters or to overcome measurement delays [81-83]. Software sensors have been developed mainly for monitoring bioprocesses because the control system design of bioreactors is not straightforward due to [84] significant model uncertainty, lack of reliable on-line sensors, the non-linear and time-varying nature of the system or slow response of the process. 

The brand file and random smoking plans are central to the whole automation design philosophy. The brand file was the first segment of the system to undergo major revision when the data handhng moved from the bureau to the in-house computer. The information on the brand file not only enables an analyst to monitor certain administrative requirements on behalf of the customer, but also allows the file itself to accompHsh most of the control functions required by the data processing system. The software to drive this expanded brand file runs interactively from a terminal in the laboratory and gives the analyst the abihty to update and maintain the file, and exert a measure of control over the whole system. 

In addition, the HP ChemStation provides password protection against accidental data loss or methods changes. The HP ChemStation controls and monitors all GC parameters and maintains a logbook of all system events that occur while the GC system is running. System-suitabihty software, which allows analysts to select from a wide variety of chromatographic parameters to monitor and verify system performance, is also available. 

System access security Diagnostic checks Operator interfaces Software installation verification Software backup and restoration Control and monitoring loop operation Alarm, event, and message handling Safety and operational interlocks... 

As technology progresses the safety of man-machine systems depends more and more on the quality of the human component (operator). This fact is very obvious in transportation, where the operator (driver) is formally and actually in control of his or her vehicle. In aviation, however, a strong trend towards software control of the aeroplane is already becoming dominant, forcing the operator (pilot) primarily into the role of supervisor or monitor of the automatic control system and into that of trouble-shooter in case of (technical) failure. In this respect a cockpit crew is facing the same situation as for instance a shift of operators in the central control room of a completely computerised chemical process plant. 

If a PLC goes down there can be serious consequences for a number of different controlled or monitored areas. If this is the case, then the URS should have specified some sort of backup system. Even if the plant can cope if the PLC goes down for a short period of time, procedures identifying equipment that are stiU operable, those that are in a safe condition, and areas with the highest risk (on whatever grounds this is assessed) are essential. The immediate availability of recovery procedures and access to a secure backup copy of the current version of the software is necessary in the event of an unplanned system failure. 

Almost each tablet press manufacturer offers a system that is designed to control the press. Some of these systems are very sophisticated devices that monitor and control a vast array of tableting functions. If, however, there are several brand names on the production floor, any standards in the control system implementation for different manufacturers should not be expected. Likewise, software interfaces exhibit quite a range of user-friendliness. 

In addition to the machine guarding, the control system should be interlocked with an electronically monitored failsafe system. The control software should have an awareness of the position and action of all moving parts and measurement devices. Therefore, if an unplanned incident or out-of-protocol action does occur, the system will take action or stop action to minimize the likelihood of additional safety hazards. In some cases, as with system calibration or super user access, graded access levels can be custom-built into the design for specialized and infrequent operations. 

For equipment or systems controlled or monitored by a computer-related system, the functional testing cycle approach to computer validation is included and performed as part of the Operational Qualification. Functional testing verifies that the integrated hardware and software program perform in accordance with the functional specifications developed during the requirements phase. 

The next major advancements in MOCVD control system technology are likely to be in the area of feedback control. First and foremost is the incorporation of real time in-situ process monitors that directly provide feedback into the ongoing deposition process. Second, the development of software which converts a user defined structure to the run parameters for each layer of the structure however, this development appears to be several years away. 

The reliability of the software in an automated synthesizer is as important as that of the instrument hardware. The software controls most of the tasks of the chemist in the manual synthesis. It runs the instrument, issuing the commands telling how much, when, and where to deliver reagents. The main features of instrument software are the user interface, system control, and system monitoring. 

Four main units are used in the IMCS, which are the motor control unit (MCU), the feeder control unit (FCU), the circuit breaker control unit (CBCU) and the central control unit (CCU). A MCU is a microprocessor (micro-computer) based module which has integrated control, monitoring, protection functions, and a communication interface for the motor starter. An FCU is very similar to a MCU and interfaces communication for the plain feeder contactor or circuit breaker. A CBCU is also similar to a MCU but is used for incomers, interconnectors and busbar section circuit breakers. A CCU provides the facility to communicate simultaneously with MCUs, FCUs, CBCU, a distributed control system (DCS), system control and data acquisition (SCADA) and other digital information systems. Other discrete devices such as special protective relays can also be addressed by the CCU provided the software and porting systems are compatible. 

Manufacturing automation system is a value-added system. The material flow and information flow come together in MAS. For a discrete manufacturing company, MAS consists of a number of manufacturing machines, transportation systems, high-bay stores, control devices, and computers, as well as MAS software. The whole system is controlled and monitored by the MAS software system. For the process industry, MAS consists of a number of devices controlled by DCS, the monitor system, and the control software system. The objectives of MAS are to increase productivity, reduce cost, reduce work-in-progress, improve product quality, and reduce production time. 

Computer control systems are composed of computers and control software. The control software fulfills the functions of task planning, job scheduling, job monitoring, and machine controlling of the FMS. 

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