A beginner in DCS: where should I start learning?
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Although I have been working with instruments for a few years, I have mainly dealt with field instruments; I’ve had little exposure to DCS systems. Now that I’m about to transfer to the DCS team, I’m feeling quite anxious – I don’t know what to do or where to start. I’m a bit panicked. I would appreciate it if some of the more experienced colleagues could give me some guidance. Thank you~{:3_65:}
Go to the control room in the workshop and accompany the experienced workers there as often as possible, seek advice from colleagues around you, and then use simulation systems for extensive practice based on the documentation provided by the DCS manufacturer as well as the actual conditions of your plant’s DCS system. Only in this way can you gain the necessary skills to proceed with actual operations. Also, please have the experienced workers and the experts in the control room have a meal or something, as that can speed up the process.
Okay, okay, I understand. Thank you so much
This post was last edited by mutianly on 2020-8-17 at 08:41. To work with DCS, one needs to be proficient in everything related to it. My personal advice (as I too started out working with DCS) is to first become familiar with the hardware – from UPS to DCS/SIS/GDS – understanding the architecture and functions of each piece of hardware. You need to have a thorough grasp of power supply and signal handling for the DCS systems as well as the instruments on-site; this will give you a solid foundation in hardware. After that, you can move on to exploring the DCS software (firstly, it’s necessary to attend training provided by the manufacturer)； Secondly, establish good communication with engineers from DCS manufacturers; thirdly, ensure proper knowledge transfer from experienced workers; fourthly, get along well with supervisors ； Everything is important); when developing software, one needs to be bold yet careful. First, it’s necessary to become familiar with every detail, the functions of each module, and the capabilities of each control element. There are usually manuals or help materials available, and it takes at least half a year to get to know the functions of the modules and the general configuration options. If you want to become a master, you need to learn the manufacturing processes; you must be familiar with the process flow for each set of equipment. Knowing yourself and your opponent ensures success in every battle. Go to the control room and ask the operators questions from time to time – it’s definitely useful, as it helps improve your understanding of interlock logic, sequential control, batch control, and PID regulation.
Thank you; it’s much clearer now. Before, I thought there was so much to learn and master that I would focus on one thing at a time and end up neglecting others. Maybe I was just too impatient and wanted to get started as soon as possible. It seems that it’s better to take things step by step after all. Thank you
There is nothing else but to read more, learn more*, seek advice more, and practice more.
If possible, go and take a DCS training course first; this way you will have an understanding of the basic framework and concepts, and you can then refine the rest through practice.
Well, I’m looking at the system manual provided by the manufacturer again now, and I’ve learned a lot
Mm-hmm, I bought a tutorial on the system; I’m learning it now~ Thank you
Personal advice: Learn whatever is relevant to your needs; get familiar with the interface, and you’ll be able to work with DCS more quickly. Buy some books on theoretical knowledge; with some insight, it’s easy to get started