Regarding DCS data transmission
Thread Content
It is possible to connect some important data from the DCS boiler to a computer in the office, allowing the office to monitor the boiler’s operation remotely. What equipment is needed to achieve this function?
For further clarification, the company has a fixed IP address that can be used to receive data
Generally, computers with an external network connection cannot be directly connected to a DCS system; if this is necessary, data exchange can be carried out using the OPC method (L2). It is recommended to install a firewall as well
Add another operation station; communication can be achieved via fiber optic cables, so distance isn’t an issue. The display can be kept simple – just showing the data is sufficient
The standard approach is to add an OPC server to the DCS system, connect it to a network gateway, integrate it with the network of data acquisition and database servers, and access the office network through a firewall
Adding an operation station with optical remote signaling will suffice; the office computer should be set to a user level with monitoring capabilities, and intelligent browsing should not allow any operations to be performed
It is not recommended to do this on a computer connected to the internet; it’s too dangerous. Optical fiber, and then just handle the details.
The company implements an information system; an OPC server is added to the DCS system. This OPC server automatically collects production data and transmits it to the higher-level data acquisition and database servers, which then feed it into the information system. Be sure to implement antivirus isolation measures between the OPC server and the data acquisition system, as well as between the data acquisition system and the information system.
Technically, this is not difficult to implement; the key is to ensure proper network security isolation between the DCS and the office systems. In comparison, DCS belongs to industrial control systems, and in principle, it is not allowed to be directly connected to the office network. Our company’s approach is to add two layers of isolation in between, and to follow the standards set for Level 3 protection of information systems.
It can be done through the PI system, or via video stream as well