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.
SAIMC: From the office of the COO: Ethical and practical use of AI SAIMC
SAIMC
In this day and age, we all have access to AI tools. A lot of people claim that if you are not using AI tools in your daily job today you are falling behind. But would it be ethical to use AI tools to write an article per day and sign my name to it?
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The Durban branch of the SAIMC held its July technology meeting at the familiar Premier Splendid Hotel, drawing a strong turnout of industry professionals.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg branch recently hosted the July Technology Evening at the Bryanston Sports Club.
Read more...Digitise what matters and leverage
SAIMC
SAIMC has been invited to partner with technology leaders 4Sight and NextGenOpX for a one-day industry event aimed at unlocking the full value of OT investments in the mining sector.
Read more...Bridging the digital gap in industrial systems SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council
SAIMC
Industrial engineers, digital transformation leaders, and operations managers are invited to an exclusive knowledge-sharing event designed to tackle the complexities of digitising large-scale systems.
Read more...SAIMC Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg branch recently hosted the June Technology Evening. The presentation covered HVAC systems through the lens of instrumentation, highlighting how sensor technologies form the backbone of effective monitoring and control, allowing for effective energy efficiency.
Read more...SAIMC Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban Branch hosted its latest technology meeting on 4 June.The event drew a strong turnout, highlighting the keen interest in the topic ‘Understanding Level Measurement: Contact vs Non-Contact Methods’.
Read more...SAIMC at KITE 2025
SAIMC
The Society for Automation, Instrumentation, Mechatronics and Control Engineering (SAIMC) invites you to connect with us at the KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition (KITE) from Tuesday 22 to Thursday 24 July 2025.
Read more...SAIMC User Advisory Council annual summit SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council
SAIMC
The SAIMC User Advisory Council is proud to present the 2025 Annual Summit, formerly known as the MESA Africa Summit. The theme is ‘Mining and manufacturing in South Africa: SMART operations in a disruptive world economy’.
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