Distributed Control Systems History
The history of distributed control systems (DCSs) dates back to the 1960s and
1970s, when the first DCSs were developed for use in the chemical and
petrochemical industries.
During this period, the need for more advanced control systems to automate and
control large and complex processes became apparent. Traditional hardwired control
systems, which relied on a central control room and analog control devices, were
becoming increasingly difficult and costly to maintain.
In response to this, companies began to develop new control systems that used
digital technology and distributed control elements, such as controllers, to control
processes. These systems were known as distributed control systems (DCSs).
The first DCSs used proprietary hardware and software and were developed by
companies such as Honeywell and Yokogawa. They were primarily used in the
chemical and petrochemical industries to control large and complex processes, such
as chemical reactors and oil refineries.
Image:
Siemens PCS 7
In the 1980s and 1990s, DCSs began to evolve and improve, with the development
of new technologies such as advanced programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and
supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems. DCSs also began to be
used in other industries, such as power generation, water treatment, and
manufacturing.
In the 2000s, DCSs continued to evolve with the advent of new technologies such as
Ethernet and the Internet, which allowed for remote monitoring and control of
processes. DCSs also began to incorporate advanced control algorithms and data
analysis capabilities to improve process control and optimization.
Today, DCSs are widely used in many industries to control large and complex
processes and are considered to be one of the most advanced and sophisticated
control systems available.
DCS Brands List
There are several major brands that produce and sell distributed control systems
(DCSs), including:
1. Siemens: Siemens is a German multinational corporation that produces a wide range
of industrial automation and control products, including DCSs. Their DCS is
called Simatic PCS 7.
2. Yokogawa: Yokogawa is a Japanese multinational corporation that produces a wide
range of industrial automation and control products, including DCSs. Their DCS is
called CENTUM VP.
3. ABB: ABB is a Swedish-Swiss multinational corporation that produces a wide range
of industrial automation and control products, including DCSs. Their DCS is called
ABB Ability System 800xA.
4. Honeywell: Honeywell is an American multinational corporation that produces a
wide range of industrial automation and control products, including DCSs. Their DCS
is called Experion.
5. Rockwell Automation: Rockwell Automation is an American multinational
corporation that produces a wide range of industrial automation and control products,
including DCSs. Their DCS is called PlantPAx.
6. Schneider Electric: Schneider Electric is a French multinational corporation that
produces a wide range of industrial automation and control products, including DCSs.
Their DCS is called Foxboro Evo.
7. Emerson: Emerson is an American multinational corporation that produces a wide
range of industrial automation and control products, including DCSs. Their DCS is
called DeltaV.
Applications of DCS
Distributed Control Systems (DCSs) are widely used in a variety of industrial and
infrastructure applications to control and automate complex processes.
Some examples of applications of DCS include:
o Power generation: DCSs are used to control and monitor power generation
processes, such as coal-fired, gas-fired, and nuclear power plants. They are used to
control and monitor the process variables such as temperature, pressure, flow, and
level, to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the power plant.
o Oil and gas: DCSs are used to control and monitor processes in the oil and gas
industry, such as drilling, refining, and petrochemical production. They are used to
control and monitor the process variables such as pressure, flow, and level, to ensure
the safe and efficient operation of the process.
o Water treatment: DCSs are used to control and monitor processes in water treatment
plants, such as water purification, desalination, and wastewater treatment. They are
used to control and monitor the process variables such as flow, pH, and temperature,
to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the process.
o Pharmaceuticals and biotech: DCSs are used to control and monitor processes in the
pharmaceutical and biotech industry, such as fermentation, distillation, and
purification. They are used to control and monitor the process variables such as
temperature, pH, and pressure, to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the
process.
o Manufacturing: DCSs are used to control and monitor processes in manufacturing,
such as assembly lines, robotic systems, and packaging systems. They are used to
control and monitor the process variables such as temperature, pressure, flow, and
level, to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the process.
o Infrastructure: DCSs are also used to control and monitor processes in
infrastructure, such as traffic control systems, building automation systems, and
transportation systems. They are used to control and monitor the process variables
such as temperature, pressure, flow, and level, to ensure the safe and efficient
operation of the process.
