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1 week ago | 
controlglobal.com | Ian Verhappen
Why this article is important:It distinguishes wireless sensor networks from IoT/IIoT devices, correcting common misconceptions that could lead to underestimating risks or applying inappropriate cybersecurity strategies. Process engineers need to understand that WSNs, despite being simpler and localized, still present cybersecurity risks.
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1 month ago | 
controlglobal.com | Ian Verhappen
The most referenced document in the IEC 62443 cybersecurity series is IEC 62443-3-3, “System security requirements and security levels.” Jointly developed with ISA 99, it details technical control system requirements (SR) associated with seven foundational requirements (FR):Identification and authentication ensure only authorized users and devices can access the system. Use control defines what actions authorized users and devices can perform within the system.
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Nov 9, 2024 | 
controlglobal.com | Ian Verhappen
The definition of procedural automation is the “implementation of a specification of a sequence of tasks with a defined beginning and end that’s intended to accomplish a specific objective on a programmable mechanical, electric or electronic system.” By itself, this doesn’t say much, and you could argue it’s what any control program or application is meant to accomplish.
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Oct 19, 2024 | 
controlglobal.com | Ian Verhappen
Every facility strives to make the best use of its assets. One challenge to reaching that objective is a good understanding of how each asset is performing, while collecting the data to do it at the lowest cost. In most cases, manual data collection is expensive and susceptible to error. Automated, machine-to-machine data collection is becoming more common, driven by increasing use of intelligent devices that can provide data and reduce connectivity costs.
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Sep 12, 2024 | 
controlglobal.com | Ian Verhappen
Widely distributed I/O has become the de rigueur, default design for new facilities and facility expansions by all major control platform (DCS and PLC) suppliers offering some form of distributed/remote I/O as part of their system. In most cases, they use one of the available industrial Ethernet protocols to connect with the controller and remainder of the control system. This type of architecture makes economic sense because it saves costs during construction.
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Aug 7, 2024 | 
controlglobal.com | Ian Verhappen
Flow measurement represents as much as one-third of the overall sensor market, which is significant not only for plant balance but also because it’s how you get paid. Custody transfers require accurate measurements, while measurements used for control purposes require repeatability. Most manufacturers strive to make their devices accurate and repeatable, but are mindful of whether accuracy is stated as percent of reading or percent of scale.
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Jul 5, 2024 | 
controlglobal.com | Ian Verhappen
Continuing a discussion from my last column on the Industrial Internet of Things (IoT), let’s move into the process industry realm where I believe there are “fewer fools” because control professionals understand the basic requirements for configuration and testing. That’s not to say we don’t make mistakes, but we have standard change management and related procedures to circumvent accidents. We’re also aware of the potential consequences of mistakes and act accordingly.
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Jun 17, 2024 | 
controlglobal.com | Ian Verhappen
Some claim the Internet of Things (IoT) is anything with an Internet protocol (IP) address. As a result, IIoT devices range from smart thermostats and security cameras to industrial sensors and healthcare monitoring equipment. Their rapid proliferation is reshaping manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, logistics, and smart buildings and cities. Municipalities use IoT to connect traffic systems and public safety networks, and monitor utilities, creating a data-driven, urban environment.
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May 17, 2024 | 
controlglobal.com | Jim Montague |Ian Verhappen |Len Vermillion
Until recently Ethernet wasn’t allowed into intrinsically safe (IS) areas, where even its comparatively low power might combine with ambient conditions to spark a fire or explosion. Thankfully, the organizers and members of the Ethernet-Advanced Physical Layer (APL) organization have been developing its specification, which includes stepping down its power with help from the IEC TS 60079-47 standard, enabling its use in IS applications.
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May 8, 2024 | 
controlglobal.com | Ian Verhappen |Jim Montague
Safety and security for wireless control systems means managing risks to tolerable levels and using similar four-level SIL/SL-rating methods to categorize the level of risk reduction required. In addition, both have similar objectives—protect people, property and the environment. They also follow similar methodologies—using risk analysis to justify time, effort and investment.
