What is SCADA

Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) is a graphical software, where we make graphical animation for the plant where the operation is being processed, these are done with the help of field devices, which are implemented on the field giving the live data or the signals, according to which the values are displayed on the HMI and the monitor.

Let Us Explain Each Single Letter of SCADA

S – Supervisory – The Name itself says that  to supervise, means the functions which are happening at the real time on ground are visible on the screen.

C – Control      – Control means to control the field devices which are connect the automated system, these are done with the help of the field devices and the field instruments.

A – AND

D – Data         – Means  the data which are available or we are getting from the field devices, these data are the temperatures, pressure, signals etc.

A – Acquisition  – this means the data is also writable

SCADA Systems are broadly used in the followings

  • Pumping Station
  • Refineries
  • Remote operation in chemical plant
  • Factory / Plant operation
  • Sewage treatment plant
  • Waste water collection and treatment
  • Power distribution sub station
  • Metro Rail operation
  • Aviation
  • Pharmaceutical industry
  • Telecommunication

Example:- A SCADA system in a Dairy plant works for various operations, like conveyor movement, heating, cooling, printing, motor operation, and valve operation, this is all carried out by a chain of command or signals if any leak in the boiled tank happen or any of the motor malfunction (depend upon the power and any electrical disturbance) it will signal to the SCADA and thus it minimize the hazardous condition, revenue also save. It has wide operation; it can be simple – for small buildings which is in a low budget to the complex plant with High Budget.

Why are SCADA systems very important?

SCADA system is important for automation. It gives an organization easy access to study the optimal response carefully to measure historical trends and execute the reactions automatically. Because of this precision system, the control for monitoring equipment and its process virtually eliminates human error. Also, it eliminates critical failure in real time and minimizes the possibility of environmental disaster.
In this, this system operates in a big geographical place where manpower is a big concern.

What are the components of the SCADA system?

This system comprises of PLC (Programmable Logic controller), PCS (Process control system), DCS (Distribution control system), and RTU (Remote terminal unit) are perform the majority of the work which includes the Alarming and scheduling.  All the system works with data performing the voltage, current, levels, and gas detection.

What is wireless in the SCADA?

With the advancement of technology, the world is modernized and become a place with energy management and high efficiency, To achieve this the companies come with smart remote sensors and remote systems, where the data is transferred through the remote place or via wireless. This reduces the cost and improves the speed of operation, as we know the conventional system uses lots of wire for communication, some time if the wire gets loose / torn the whole communication gets effected.

In the above diagram, you can find the communication network for the whole SCADA system, these are all connected remotely via an online network, so he communication is established via the cellular network or the satellite, these data are bidirectional in which we can change the data at the field side from the remote server unit, although the communication is wireless, all the field device is also wireless and can be communicated with the controller where the main data is received, these data is further transferred to the main Screen. With this advancement, the wiring network is removed and also communication becomes more reliable the accurate.

What properties used in the SCADA?

SCADA

With this above property the whole SCADA is setup and the graphics designing is done.

Let us see all properties of SCADA in detail?

DPG Properties – Dynamic process graphics

As the name suggests DPG, DPG makes the graphics more attractive, as we see in the plant many objects are available, like the movement of the conveyor belt and, the filling of the tank. This operation can be done with the help of DPG.

DPG in SCADA Software

Alarm

These are the most important properties, and with the help of this many functions are operated, in the plant if any activity happens, like if any motor starts, tank fill, counting, etc, all the activity is monitored and gives an alarm signal. This is simple like it alerts the operator.

Alarm designing in SCADA Software

Security

To keep the data safe and secure we need security properties, as we know the whole plant or project is on screen and we can change the data with it, so security is very important so anyone can’t change the data.

Security designing in SCADA Software

Recipe management

In industries like the oil and gas industry, there are many chemicals available that need to make a new chemical, with the mixing of it, also in the food industry the recipe is prepared.

Recipe management designing in SCADA Software

Trend – Real time | Historical trend

This means the activities that are being operated at the plant are shown on this screen, with a graphical representation so it will be easier to understand. The trend is further divided into part Real-time and Historical, which means the operation happening in real-time is shown on the Real-time trend, and the data that has been done in the past is shown on the Historical trend.

Trend designing in SCADA Software

Data Connectivity

The operation is being performed in Real-time and the past events like Alarm, all of this we need to export and that can be printed for further analysis, so for this we have to connect the Data file with the Designer.

Data connectivity designing in SCADA Software

Device connectivity

As the name suggests Device connectivity means all the devices are being connected with SCADA so the performance is visible on the GRAPHICS. The devices are the Field devices like sensors, transmitters, and controllers all are connected and communicated with the main controller where the programmed is designed as per the operation.

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