Process Control System Configuration & Programming

Configuration and programming involves putting the process control design into “machine language.” The process control schemes are implemented by control modules that are configured to accomplish certain process control tasks. These process control tasks are downloaded to the controller. The controller monitors inputs from the field and the operator and takes actions based on the control scheme. These actions are carried out by various outputs connected to field instrumentation.

Another side of configuration and programming is the development of the human machine interface (HMI). This interface is the operator’s virtual view of the process. The efficient and effective development of this interface requires experience with the process control scheme, general experience with operations, and knowledge of the client’s and industry HMI standards. Some key components of a successful HMI implementation are alarm management, process flow arrangement, color arrangements, and console arrangement. Having knowledge and practical experience with some or all of the industry standards listed below is key to successful implementation of HMI systems.

Standards

  • ISO 11064-5 (2008)
  • ISA 101 (in progress)

Guidelines

  • EEMUA publication No. 201 (2002)
  • ASM Operator Display Guidelines (2009)
  • NUREG-0700 rev2 – Human Systems Interface Design Review Guidelines (2002)

Handbooks

  • High Performance HMI Handbook (2008)
ENGlobal’s staff of control systems engineers have extensive experience in process control configuration and programming. Our staff has implemented dozens of process control projects on many different control system platforms. These projects range from simple continuous and discrete control implementation to complex batch control systems and advanced process control applications. ENGlobal control system engineers have broad experience with Safety Instrumented Systems as well. This experience involves development of cause and effect diagrams, participation in PHAs, SIL calculations, and eventual implementation of the control logic in various vendors SIS systems.