Regarding the issue of independently setting up GDS and DCS systems
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Dear experts, in my company’s current GDS system and DCS system, the controllers are separate units; the UPS systems as well as the cabinets are all independent and meet the requirements of standard 50493. However, all monitoring functions are carried out through the interfaces provided by Zhejiang University’s Zhongkong system. Recently, some experts argued that our setup isn’t independent, and no matter what we explain, it doesn’t seem to convince them. I would like to ask whether it’s acceptable to have all the cabinets and controllers on-site as independent units – since we’re using products from Zhejiang University’s Zhongkong system – while still having a unified monitoring interface with separate groups for different components. Does this meet the required standards? Are there any similar cases? Or what criteria can be used to challenge experts?
Regarding the issue of the separate installation of the GDS (Power Supply and Distribution System) and DCS (Data Center Infrastructure Management System) you mentioned, based on your description, your systems are separate in terms of physical hardware, but the monitoring interfaces are centralized on the system provided by Zhejiang University’s Control Center. In this case, the key lies in how to define “independence”. ### Definition of independence: In many standards and specifications, the \"independence\" of a system generally relates to the following aspects: 1. **Physical independence**: Whether the physical location of the equipment and its hardware are independent. 2. **System independence**: Whether the operation and control of the system affect each other. 3. **Functional independence**: Can the system’s functions be carried out independently, without relying on other systems? 4. **Independent management**: Whether the management and monitoring of the system can be carried out independently. ### Analysis of your situation – **Physical independence**: You have mentioned that all cabinets and controllers are independent. - **System independence**: Although the monitoring interfaces are centralized, if the control and operation of each system are not affected by other systems, this can also be considered system independence. - **Functional independence**: If each system is able to carry out its functions independently, then even if the monitoring interfaces are centralized, it does not affect their functional independence. - **Independent management**: This may be the focus of controversy. If the monitoring interfaces are grouped together, it may be perceived as lacking complete managerial independence. ### Response strategies 1. **Technical documentation**: Prepare detailed technical documents to explain the independence of each system, particularly the independence of systems and functions. 2. **Interpretation of standards and specifications**: Locate relevant **or industry standards, especially the specific requirements regarding system independence, to see if there is room for interpretation. 3. **Case studies**: Look for similar cases within the industry, especially those that have been recognized, as supporting material. 4. **Expert opinions**: It may be necessary to obtain authoritative expert opinions from third parties to support your arguments. ### Conclusion If the centralization of the monitoring interface does not affect the independent operation and control of each system, and each system is able to perform its designated functions independently, then it can be considered to meet the requirements for independence. However, the specific decision still needs to be made based on the detailed requirements of relevant standards and specifications. It is recommended to consult professional experts in regulatory interpretation or standard-setting organizations for more specific guidance and assistance. .
No relevant specifications for GDS were found; however, according to the latest SIS specification HG_T 22820-2024 \"Design Specifications for Chemical Process Safety Instrumented Systems\", an independent UPS system is not required. The security requirements for SIS are higher than those for GDS. It can be seen from this that the power supply (UPS), gas supply, etc. for GDS/DCS/SIS can be shared. These experts only provide superficial interpretations.
Since the control cabinets and power supplies for your GDS and DCS are all independent of each other, why not use a single host computer to isolate the display screens of the GDS? Now that experts have identified this issue, we need to separate them. We purchased DCS and GDS systems from Zhejiang Zhongkong, and all of our hardware is independent, including the host computer.
But their upper-level system only has the VF monitoring system, right? It was because it was from the same company that they were used together; if they had bought systems from another company, the difference would have been obvious