JP2004213357A - Remote monitoring operation system, remote monitoring operation method, and remote monitoring operation program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To remotely perform the operation monitoring operation of an object such as a plant by enabling the networking of different models of DSC. <P>SOLUTION: An air separation device A and an air separation device B geographically separated and operated by the use of different models of DCS are networked, and the air separation devices A and B are remotely monitored/operated in a site B where the air separator B is located. In a site A, the DSC 10-1 comprises a controller 11 for controlling the air separation device A connected to a client 12 through a bus 13, and the bus 13 is connected to an Ethernet (R) 30 through a bus converter 20. In the site B, the DSC 10-2 comprises a controller 14 connected to a client 15 through a bus 16, and the bus 15 is connected to an Ethernet (R) 31 that is a general network. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a remote monitoring operation system, a remote monitoring operation method, and a remote monitoring operation program for controlling an industrial device such as a chemical plant using a distributed control system (DCS).
[0002]
[Prior art]
An industrial device such as a chemical plant is operated and controlled by a distributed control system (hereinafter, referred to as “DCS”) including a controller and a client (for example, see Non-Patent Document 1). The controller always executes a program for controlling the target device, and often does not have a function of storing and displaying data. The client is a terminal operated by the operator of the device, and stores and displays information collected from the controller.
[0003]
Further, the client receives a command from the operator to the controller, and transmits the command to the controller. Generally, a controller and a client are connected by a network having a sufficiently large bandwidth, and are installed in a short distance such as in the same building. In the DCS, remote operation of an object is performed, so that an operation client is not located at a remote place, and unnecessary information is exchanged because a controller and a client are connected through a high-bandwidth network. There was no particular problem.
[0004]
[Non-patent document 1]
Measurement technology 2000.1 issue (Nippon Kogyo Shuppan), 367, Vol 28. No. 1, P18-21
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when a client is to be installed in a remote place, it is common sense that a network having a relatively small bandwidth must be selected for the connection between them for economic reasons. In order to collect information in seconds, there is no room to collect meaningless information. That is, in many cases, it was practically impossible to install a client in a remote location.
[0006]
Even if a client could be used for remote monitoring, it had to be a separate product from a regular client, or had to introduce a special mechanism for remote monitoring. For this reason, it has not been realistic to remotely monitor and remotely monitor a monitoring target device using DCS.
In recent years, DCSs used in each region have been networked, and DCSs of different models have been networked for the purpose of improving the efficiency of the operation of chemical plants such as air separation units and petroleum complexes scattered around the country. It has been proposed to remotely monitor and control a plurality of objects such as chemical plants at different locations.
[0007]
The specifications of DCS differ depending on the manufacturer and model. To connect DCS of different models to network and to share operation information including operation control information, there are many economic and technical problems. You have to overcome the point. The main points for integrated monitoring and operation are described below.
[0008]
In order to connect different types of DCS to form a network to share operation information including operation control information and perform integrated monitoring and operation, first, a different type of DCS must be connected (such as Ethernet (registered trademark)). (Via LAN).
Second, it is necessary to connect a controller in the DCS and a client for remote control of the DCS through a network having a small bandwidth.
Third, it is necessary to safely operate the plant (object) when the same function as the client at the plant (site) site can be freely operated by a remote operation client at a remote location. is there.
[0009]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and it is possible to network different types of DCS, perform operation monitoring of an object such as a plant remotely, and remotely operate a plant or the like. It is an object of the present invention to provide a remote monitoring operation system, a remote monitoring operation method, and a remote monitoring operation program capable of safely driving an object.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a plurality of distributed control systems having a control controller and a client which is an operation terminal are connected via a network, and a remote control client is connected to the network. Is a remote monitoring and operation system that remotely monitors and operates a plurality of objects, and transmits requests for a plurality of tasks that a client has to a controller asynchronously from a plurality of tasks. A request transmission queue means for temporarily holding the request, and a control controller having queue management means for managing duplication removal of requests from a plurality of tasks and consistency of requests held in the request transmission queue means. Communication means for performing communication with a client, wherein the distributed control system is connected to the network via a bus converter. Characterized in that connected to the network.
[0011]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the remote monitoring operation system according to the first aspect, information obtained from a controller in response to a task request from the request transmission queue means can be read from each task of the client. It is characterized by comprising storage means for holding for each client.
[0012]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the remote monitoring operation system according to any one of the first and second aspects, the plurality of objects that are remotely monitored and operated are plants, and a client located at a plant site communicates with a client. All clients including one or more clients at the plant site and one or more clients at a different location from the plant site are connected via a network to one or more clients at a different location from the plant site. Of these, the client that has performed the final operation is always specified as the highest priority operation client that can operate at the highest priority, and the highest priority operation client is issued until the highest priority operation client issues an “operation permission command” to another client. And operation rights transfer that disables operations from the other clients. Characterized in that it has a control means.
[0013]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the remote monitoring operation system according to the third aspect, the operation right transfer control means is configured so that the other client transmits an “operation permission instruction” issued by the highest priority operation client. At the time of reception, the other client is set as the highest priority operation client.
[0014]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the remote monitoring operation system according to the third or fourth aspect, the client is arranged at a plurality of points having a time difference such that the daytime is continuous. Features.
[0015]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of distributed control systems are connected to a network via a bus converter, and a plurality of objects are remotely monitored using a remote control client connected to the network. In the remote monitoring operation method to be operated, when requests for a plurality of tasks possessed by the client are asynchronously transmitted to the controller, the requests from the plurality of tasks are temporarily held, and the plurality of tasks temporarily held are stored. It is characterized by managing the duplication of requests from the client and the consistency of requests.
[0016]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the plurality of objects to be monitored and operated remotely are plants, and a network of a plant site client and one or more clients located at a different location from the plant site. Of all the clients including the client at the plant site and the one or more clients at a location different from the plant site, the client that has performed the final operation has the highest operational priority. Always specify as a priority operation client, and maintain the highest priority operation client until the highest priority operation client issues an “operation permission command” to another client, and disable operations from the other clients. The remote monitoring operation method according to claim 6, wherein
[0017]
The invention according to claim 8 is the remote monitoring operation method according to claim 7, wherein the other client receives the "operation permission command" issued by the highest priority operation client, and Is characterized in that the client with the highest priority is the highest priority operation client.
[0018]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of distributed control systems are connected to a network via a bus converter.
A remote monitoring operation program for realizing a function of a remote monitoring operation system for remotely monitoring and operating a plurality of objects by using a remote operation client connected to and connected to the network. Temporarily transmitting the requests from the plurality of tasks to the controller when asynchronously transmitting the requests of the plurality of tasks to the controller, and performing the duplication removal of the requests from the plurality of tasks and the consistency of the requests. And causing the computer to execute the managing step.
[0019]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
A. Basic system configuration
First, prior to the description of the embodiment, a basic configuration of a remote monitoring operation system according to the present invention will be described. The basic configuration is composed of (1) to (3) described below.
(1) When connecting different types of distributed control systems (DCS) via a network, the DCS is connected to a general-purpose network via a bus converter that performs bus conversion. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, both site A and site B connect DCSs 10-1 and 10-2 with a remote control client via bus converters 20 and 21 as a general-purpose network, Ethernet (registered trademark) (LAN). 3) Connect to the respective 30 and 31, and connect the remote control clients 40 and 41 to the Ethernet (registered trademark) 30 and 31, respectively.
[0020]
Site A and site B can be connected by a network such as an optical fiber cable. The “bus converter” is intended to convert a control bus unique to a DCS maker or its model into a general-purpose control bus. Since the remote control client can be connected to the Ethernet (registered trademark) which is a general-purpose network via the bus converter, different types of DCS can be connected using a network such as a public line, a dedicated line, or an optical fiber cable. Can be connected to a network.
[0021]
(2) In a communication procedure between a remote monitoring client and the controller, a request for a plurality of tasks of the client is asynchronously transmitted to the controller so that the DCS controller and the remote operation client can be connected via a low-bandwidth network. , And manages the deduplication of requests from multiple tasks and the consistency of requests.
[0022]
As described above, the DCS has no idea of installing an operation client in a remote place, is manufactured for a network having a large communication bandwidth, and has no function of selecting information received by the client from the controller. Therefore, when performing remote monitoring operation of a plurality of objects in an integrated manner by using different types of DCSs located in different geographical locations, a network having a large communication band cannot be used, and thus a small bandwidth is required. The network must be able to connect the controller and the client.
[0023]
In order to realize this, it is necessary to devise a communication procedure between the client and the controller. The specific communication procedure will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of the remote monitoring operation system according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, the client 1 includes a large number of tasks 1-1 to 1-n. Each of the tasks 1-1 to 1-n includes, for example, data windows such as a system diagram and a graph, and data storage. Of each function. Some of the tasks 1-1 to 1-n are constantly executed, while others are started and stopped at the request of the operator. For example, data storage and the like are often executed at all times, and it is sufficient to execute system diagrams and graphs only while the operator is watching.
[0024]
Each of the tasks 1-1 to 1-n requests only information required by itself from the controller 5. At this time, if the request is made directly to the controller 5, it is sufficiently expected that the requests among the tasks 1-1 to 1-n are duplicated, and in such a case, useless requests are transmitted. Therefore, each of the tasks 1-1 to 1-n sends a request to the request transmission queue 2 instead of directly to the controller 5.
[0025]
The queue management task 3 periodically monitors the request transmission queue 2, and when a new request is sent to the request transmission queue 2, the duplication is performed together with the request already in the request transmission queue 2. Removed and passed to transmission task 4.
[0026]
The transmission task 4 transmits a request to the controller 5. Once receiving the request, the controller 5 periodically transmits the information specified therein to the client 1. The receiving task 6 receives information from the controller 5 and writes the information into the memory 7.
[0027]
Each of the tasks 1-1 to 1-n obtains information by reading a place on the memory 7 where information required by itself is written. Once the request is received by the controller 5, the information is periodically transmitted to the client 1, so that each of the tasks 1-1 to 1-n transmits the request only once when it is activated. It only needs to be sent to queue 2.
[0028]
When the controller 5 receives a new request, the controller 5 discards the previous request, and the requests do not continue to accumulate. Since the requests from the tasks 1-1 to 1-n are asynchronous, the requests of all the tasks 1-1 to 1-n are not always transmitted to the controller 5 at the same timing. Therefore, there is a possibility that a request that has arrived earlier may be discarded by a request that arrives later. Therefore, a signal for indicating a request that should not be discarded and a signal indicating a discard execution command (permission and non-permission) are stored in the request transmission queue 2.
[0029]
The “indicator for identifying a request that should not be discarded” is a flag indicating “discardable / impossible”. The value is passed to the queue with the request.
[0030]
The queue management task 3 also monitors these pieces of information, and always passes an appropriate request to the transmission task 4. The queue management task 3 also performs queue management such as deleting a request in the request transmission queue 2 from such information or changing a sign.
[0031]
The communication procedure will be specifically described with reference to FIG. Here, for example, the task 1-1 is a task of displaying a system diagram screen (a task of referring to data only when watching), and the tag names are PV1 and PV2. The task 1-2 is a task for displaying a trend screen (a task that must always refer to data), and the tag names are PV2 and PV3. Also, in the following text, a sign indicating permission / non-permission of destruction is indicated by (), and permission is (1) and non-permission is (2).
[0032]
When the client 1 is activated, the task 1-2 (trend screen) issues a request for PV2 (2) and PV3 (2) to the request transmission queue 2 (step 70). At this time, the queue management task 3 confirms that PV2 and PV3 are not requested by other tasks (there is no duplication), and if they are duplicated, removes duplication as described later (steps 74 and 75). .
Next, the request transmission queue 2 transmits PV2 and PV3 to the transmission task 4 (Step 76). The transmission task 4 transmits PV2 and PV3 to the controller 5 (Step 77).
[0033]
The controller 5 sends the values of PV2 and PV3 to the receiving task 6 (Step 78), and the receiving task 6 writes PV2 and PV3 to the memory 7 (Step 79). The task 1-2 (trend screen) can obtain a value by referring to the area of the memory 7 in which PV2 and PV3 are written (step 80). Here, it is assumed that the user has viewed the system diagram screen displayed by executing the task 1-1 (step 81). Task 1-1 (system diagram screen) requests PV1 (1) and PV2 (1) from the request transmission queue 2 (step 70).
[0034]
At this time, the queue management task 3 confirms that PV1 is a tag that has not been requested and that PV2 has already been requested (steps 71, 72, 73). Therefore, the duplication of PV2 (1) is removed (steps 74 and 75). PV3 is not discarded because it is a tag that cannot be discarded. The request transmission queue 2 transmits PV1, PV2, and PV3 to the transmission task 4 (Step 76). The transmission task 4 transmits PV1, PV2, PV3 to the controller 5 (77). The controller 5 transmits the values of PV1, PV2, and PV3 to the receiving task 6 (Step 78), and the receiving task 6 writes PV1, PV2, and PV3 to the memory 7 (Step 79).
[0035]
Next, it is assumed that the display is switched to the trend graph (step 81).
The queue management task 3 confirms the requested PV1 and PV2 from the system diagram screen (step 71), and discards the PV1 permitted to be discarded (step 72). Subsequent processing is the same and will not be described.
By realizing the above-described communication method between the controller 5 and the client 1, the communication amount between the two can be adjusted on the client 1 side, so that a network system with a small bandwidth can be realized. As a result, the client 1 can flexibly select the information to be received from the controller 5, so that the DCS can be used according to the bandwidth of the network.
[0036]
(3) Next, by using the remote monitoring operation system, the client installed at the chemical plant site and the client having the same function can be geographically arranged, so that the functions can be decentralized. If the selected client freely operates the plant (object), the safety may be impaired. Therefore, (1) how to operate each remote operation client, that is, the operation authority or operation priority The point is that the decision should be made as a rule, and (2) the recovery operation processing is performed when an accident occurs in the plant.
[0037]
First, the operation method of (1) the remote operation client will be described. Specifically, it is always specified which remote control client performed the final operation, and the client operation is protected by an interlock so that the highest priority is given to the client operation.
That is, when a client other than the last operation client intends to perform an operation, the client who wishes to perform the operation once issues an instruction to transfer the operation, and the operation is enabled by a permission instruction from the highest priority client.
[0038]
In this remote monitoring and operation system, each client always specifies where and where the last operation was performed, and a function to protect with an interlock so that the client that performed the last operation is the highest priority operation client Incorporate a system with By setting the highest-priority operation client, operation cannot be performed from other clients, unified plant control is performed, and a dangerous state does not occur. Therefore, it is necessary to transfer the operation right. In the present embodiment, two procedures are provided for the procedure for transferring the “operation right”.
[0039]
In the first transfer procedure, when the highest-priority operation client V that has performed the final operation decides to abandon the right of the highest-priority client, it issues an “operation right transfer notification” and sends it to the other clients. Expressly waive such rights.
Among the clients that have confirmed the “operation right transfer notification”, the client S who wants to become the highest priority client issues an “operation transfer command” to the highest priority operation client V.
[0040]
The highest priority client V issues an “operation permission command” to the client S. Then, when the client S receives the “operation permission command”, the client S becomes the highest priority operation client, and remote operation becomes possible. That is, this is the case where the highest priority client V voluntarily relinquishes the “operation right”.
[0041]
In the second transfer procedure, another client S who wants to be the highest priority operation client issues an “operation transfer command” to the highest priority operation client V. The highest priority operation client V that has received the “operation transfer instruction” issues an “operation permission instruction” to the client S who wants to become the highest priority client. When the client S receives the “operation permission command”, the client S becomes the highest priority operation client.
As described above, when the client S receives the “operation permission command” issued by the highest-priority operation client V, the transfer of the “operation right” is completed, and the client S becomes the highest-priority operation client to change the plant or the like. Be able to operate. As a result, it becomes impossible for many clients to freely operate the target plant, so that the safety of a chemical plant such as an air separation device can be maintained.
[0042]
Next, (2) a recovery operation process when an accident occurs in an object such as a plant in order to achieve safe operation of the object such as a plant will be briefly described.
The plurality of air separation devices and the plurality of clients are configured in a plurality to a plurality. In FIG. 4, the air separation device A, the air separation device B, and the air separation device C are networked and operated in an integrated manner. Clients 40, 41, 42 monitor all air separation units. The air separation device A can be operated by the clients 40 and 41. It is the client 41 that has the operation right to preferentially perform the operation on the air separation device A. The client 41 has the operation right for the air separation device B, and the client 42 has the operation right for the air separation device C.
[0043]
For example, when an alarm is generated in the air separation device A, the content of the alarm is notified to all the remote control clients (40 to 42). For this purpose, the same alarm content is displayed on each client. In this way, all clients (40-42) can be used as if they were monitoring all air separation units (A-C).
[0044]
Since the air separation device A is operated (operated) by the remote operation client 41 having the operation right, when the other clients 40 and 42 perform the operation of stopping the alarm, the alarm of the remote operation client 41 is not output. The alarm of the clients 40 and 42 is stopped while the sound is kept sounding. Then, when the alarm is stopped by the client having the operation right, for example, the client 41, the alarm of all the clients is stopped.
When an alarm occurs in the air separation device B, the client having the operation right is the client 41, and the alarms of all the clients (40 to 42) are sounded until the client 41 executes the alarm stop.
The method for stopping the alarm is not limited to the above method.
[0045]
The remote monitoring operation system according to each embodiment of the present invention has a basic configuration including the above-described (1) to (3).
<First embodiment>
FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the remote monitoring operation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the remote monitoring and operating system according to the first embodiment is a network in which an air separation device A and an air separation device B which are geographically separated and are operated by using different types of DCS are networked to perform air separation. At the site B where the device B is located, the air separation devices A and B at both sites A and B are configured to be remotely monitored and operated.
[0046]
Site A employs DCS 10-1 manufactured by Company X, and site B employs DCS 10-2 manufactured by Company Y.
In the site A, the DCS 10-1 has a controller 11 for controlling the air separation device A and a client 12 connected via a bus 13, and the bus 13 is an Ethernet (registered) which is a general-purpose network via a bus converter 20. (Trademark) (registered trademark) (LAN) 30. A remote monitoring client 40 is connected to the Ethernet (registered trademark) 30.
[0047]
The site B employs the DCS 10-2 manufactured by Y company, and the site B employs the DCS 10-2 manufactured by Y company.
In the site B, the DCS 10-2 has a controller 14 for controlling the air separation device B and a client 15 connected via a bus 16, and the bus 16 is an Ethernet (registered) which is a general-purpose network via a bus converter 21. Trademark (LAN) 31. A remote monitoring client 41, a demand data collection server 60 and a server 61 are connected to the Ethernet (registered trademark) 31.
[0048]
The remote control client 41 installed at the site B remotely operates the air separation devices A and B installed at the site A and the site B. The site A and the site B are connected (networked) by an optical fiber cable 50.
The remote control client 40 at the site A can only remotely control the air separation device A, and can remotely monitor the air separation device B but cannot remotely control the air separation device B.
[0049]
On the other hand, the remote control client 41 at the site B can remotely control the air separation devices A and B. (The client's authority to remotely operate the air separation device can be set as appropriate.)
The remote monitoring operation clients 40 and 41 have the same functions as the clients 12 and 15 of the DCSs 10-1 and 10-2, and have the function of performing necessary operations on the air separation devices A and B. I have.
In order to perform the remote operation in the present embodiment, the communication method between the controller and the client described in the section “Basic Configuration of System” is an essential configuration.
[0050]
<Second embodiment>
FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the remote monitoring operation system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, in a remote monitoring operation system according to the present embodiment, a site A, a site B, and a site C are connected by optical fiber cables 50, 50 and are networked.
In the site A, the DCS 10-1 has a controller 11 for controlling the air separation device A and a client 12 connected via a bus 13, and the bus 13 is an Ethernet (registered) which is a general-purpose network via a bus converter 20. (Trademark) (registered trademark) (LAN) 30. A remote control client 40 is connected to the Ethernet (registered trademark) 30.
[0051]
In the site B, the DCS 10-2 has a controller 14 for controlling the air separation device B and a client 15 connected via a bus 16, and the bus 16 is an Ethernet (registered) which is a general-purpose network via a bus converter 21. Trademark (LAN) 31. A remote control client 41 is connected to the Ethernet (registered trademark) 31.
[0052]
In the site C, the DCS 10-3 has a controller 17 for controlling the air separation device C and a client 18 connected via a bus 19, and the bus 19 is an Ethernet (registered) which is a general-purpose network via a bus converter 22. Trademark) (LAN) 32. A remote control client 42 is connected to the Ethernet (registered trademark) 32.
[0053]
The operation of the air separation apparatus A is remotely monitored by clients 40 and 41, the operation of the air separation apparatus B is client 41, and the operation of the air separation apparatus C is monitored by a client 42. FIG. 5 shows a remote monitoring system in which sites A, B, and C, that is, plants A, B, and C are far apart, and Ethernet (registered trademark) of each site is connected to a monitoring network 100 such as a WAN. 2 shows an example of an operation system. In this configuration example, each of the remote control clients 40, 41, and 42 basically has a function of monitoring and operating the plants A, B, and C.
[0054]
The plant A and the remote control client 40, the plant B and the remote control client 41, and the plant C and the remote control client 42 are located on the same site (sites A, B, and C).
In the present embodiment, each of the remote operation clients 40, 41, and 42 monitors all the plants. This is because the risk can be diversified and a quick response can be made in the event of an abnormality.
[0055]
In addition, safe operation cannot be performed unless the operation of each plant is restricted only to a specific remote operation client. Moreover, even if the specific remote operation client does not have the operation right, the operation cannot be performed (a plurality of operation rights can be set for one plant).
[0056]
Next, an operation example of the remote monitoring operation system shown in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 shows preconditions for the operation example (1) of the plant. That is, as shown in FIG. 6A, each of the remote operation clients 40 to 42 can monitor all the plants A, B, and C.
[0057]
As for the operation of the plant, as shown in FIG. 6B, the plant A is operated by the remote operation clients 40 and 41, the plant B is operated by the remote operation client 41, and the plant C is operated by the remote operation client 42. Further, it is assumed that the priority of the operation of the plant A lies in the remote operation client 41. FIGS. 7 to 9 show the contents of operation on the remote control client side when an accident occurs in the plant in this case.
[0058]
This example shows the operation of the remote control client when an alarm indicating that an accident has occurred in the plant A. FIG. 7 shows each remote control client when the remote control client 40 first notices the occurrence of the alarm. 4 shows a recovery operation in the operation clients 40 to 42.
[0059]
As shown in the figure, the remote operation client 40 first performs a bell stop process, and as a result, the bell operation of the remote operation clients 41 and 42 is stopped, but the operation right of the plant A is changed to the remote operation client. Since it is located at 41, an alarm is sounded on the remote control client 41 side, and the abnormality display lamp remains lit. Then, when the remote operation client 41 notices the occurrence of the alarm and performs the bell stop processing, the bell ringing of the remote operation client 41 stops, and the abnormality display lamps of the remote operation clients 40, 41, and 42 are turned off. I do.
[0060]
FIG. 8 shows the recovery operation in each of the remote operation clients 40 to 42 when the remote operation client 41 first notices the occurrence of the alarm. As shown in the figure, when the remote operation client 41 first notices the occurrence of the alarm and performs the bell stop processing, the bell sounds of the remote operation clients 440 and 42 stop, and the plant A When the recovery operation is performed, the ringing of the bell of the remote operation client 41 is stopped, and the abnormality display lamps that have been lit up so far in the remote operation clients 40, 41, and 42 are turned off.
[0061]
FIG. 9 shows a recovery operation in each of the remote operation clients 40 to 42 when the remote operation client 42 first notices the occurrence of an alarm. As shown in the figure, when the remote operation client 42 performs the bell stop processing, the ringing of only the bell of the remote operation client 42 is stopped, and the abnormality display lamps of all the remote operation clients remain lit. . Next, when the remote operation client 40 or 41 notices the occurrence of the alarm and performs a bell stop process, and then performs a recovery operation of the plant, the ringing of the bell of the remote operation client 40 or 41 is stopped and the lamp is lit up to now. The error display lamps of all the remote control clients that are being turned off go off.
[0062]
Next, an operation transfer procedure when the operation right (priority of operation) is in the remote operation client 41 is shown in FIGS. 1110 and 1211. 101 and 112, C1 indicates the remote operation client 40, C2 indicates the remote operation client 41, and C3 indicates the remote operation client 42.
In these figures, first, when the remote operation client 41 issues an operation right delegation notification (step 200), the remote operation client 40 receives the delegation notification and becomes the highest priority operation client (priority of operation right). Is determined (step 201).
[0063]
If the determination in step 201 is affirmative, the remote operation client 41 issues an operation permission command to the remote operation client 40 (step 202). As a result, the remote control client 40 becomes the highest priority client (step 203).
[0064]
If the determination in step 201 is negative, it is determined whether the remote operation client 42 receives the operation right transfer notification and declares itself as the highest priority operation client (step 204). If the determination in step 204 is affirmative, the remote operation client 41 issues an operation permission command to the remote operation client 42 (step 205). As a result, the remote control client 42 becomes the highest priority client (step 206).
[0065]
If the determination in step 204 is negative, the process returns to step 201 in a state where the remote control client 41 remains the highest priority client (step 207).
On the other hand, if the remote operation client 41 does not issue the operation right transfer notification in step 200, it is determined whether the remote operation client 40 wants to be the highest priority client (step 208).
[0066]
If the determination in step 208 is affirmative, an operation transfer command is issued to the remote operation client 41 (step 209), and then whether or not the remote operation client 41 has issued an operation right transfer notification. Is determined (step 210). If the determination in step 210 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 202.
When the determination in step 210 is denied, the content of the rejection is notified to the remote operation client 40 (step 211), and the process proceeds to step 207.
[0067]
If the determination in step 208 is negative, it is determined whether the remote operation client 42 wants to be the highest priority operation client (step 212). If the determination in step 212 is negative, the process proceeds to step 207.
On the other hand, if the determination in step 212 is affirmative, an operation transfer command is issued to the remote operation client 41 (step 213). Next, it is determined whether the remote operation client 41 has issued an operation right transfer notification (step 214).
[0068]
If the determination in step 214 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 205. If the determination in step 214 is denied, the content of the rejection is notified to the remote operation client 42 (step 215), and the process proceeds to step 207.
[0069]
Next, an operation example (2) of another plant will be described. In this operation example, as a precondition, the monitoring and operation of each plant are basically the same as those shown in FIG. 6, except that the plant A is operated by the remote operation client 40 or the remote operation client 41. By declaring the right acquisition, it shall become the highest priority operation client. That is, this is an operation example in which the operation right can be equally held. FIGS. 12 to 14 show the contents of the operation on the remote operation client side when an accident occurs in the plant in this case.
[0070]
This example shows the operation of the remote control client when an alarm indicating that an accident has occurred in the plant A. FIG. 12 shows each remote control client when the remote control client 40 first notices the alarm. 4 shows a recovery operation in the operation clients 40 to 42.
[0071]
As shown in the figure, when an alarm occurs, the remote control client 41, which had the operation right, gives up the operation right, and the remote operation clients 40, 41 can acquire the operation right. When the remote operation client 40 detects the occurrence of the alarm, declares the acquisition of the operation right at this time, and performs the bell stop processing, the ringing of the bells of all the remote operation clients 40 to 42 is stopped. Next, when the remote operation client 40 having the operation right performs the restoration operation of the plant and the plant A is restored, the abnormality display lamps of all the remote operation clients 40 to 42 are turned off.
[0072]
FIG. 13 shows a recovery operation in each of the remote operation clients 40 to 42 when the remote operation client 41 first notices the occurrence of an alarm. In the figure, a remote operation client 41 having an operation right abandons the operation right when an alarm occurs, and at this time, the operation right can be acquired by all the remote operation clients 40 to 42.
[0073]
Next, when the remote operation client 41 first detects the occurrence of the alarm, declares the acquisition of the operation right, and performs the bell stop processing, the bell sounds of all the remote operation clients 40 to 42 stop. Then, the remote control client 41 performs a recovery operation of the plant A, and when the plant A recovers, the abnormality display lamps of all the remote control clients 40 to 42 which have been lit up until now are turned off.
[0074]
FIG. 14 shows a recovery operation in each of the remote operation clients 40 to 42 when the alarm is first noticed in the remote operation client 42. In this example, the remote operation client 41 having the operation right relinquishes the operation right when an alarm occurs, and the remote operation client 42 operates in a state where all the remote operation clients have not declared the acquisition of the operation right. This figure shows a case in which the processing of stopping the ringing of the bell is performed when the alarm is first noticed.
[0075]
In this case, next, the remote control client 40 or 41 notices the occurrence of the alarm, so that the same processing as in FIGS. 12 and 13 is performed.
Next, another example of the transfer procedure of the remote control client operation right is shown in FIG.
In this example, the remote operation client that has declared the operation right has the operation priority, but when an event such as an alarm occurs and the plant operation is required promptly, the operation right is automatically relinquished and newly added. Operation rights can be obtained.
[0076]
Also in FIG. 15, C1 indicates the remote operation client 40, C2 indicates the remote operation client 41, and C3 indicates the remote operation client 42.
In FIG. 15, first, it is determined whether or not the remote operation client having acquired the operation right has abandoned the operation right (step 300).
[0077]
If the determination in step 300 is negative, it is further determined whether or not the operation right has been abandoned due to the occurrence of an event (step 301). If this determination is denied, the process returns to step 300.
If the determination in step 300 is affirmative, the operation right is in a free state (step 302), and then it is determined whether or not the remote operation client 40 has obtained the operation right (step 303).
[0078]
If the determination in step 303 is affirmative, the remote operation client 40 acquires the operation right (step 304), and the process Y returns to step 300. If the determination in step 303 is negative, it is determined whether or not the remote operation client 41 has acquired the operation right (step 305). If the determination in step 305 is negative, the process returns to step 302.
If the determination in step 305 is affirmative, the remote control client 41 acquires the operation right (step 306), and the process returns to step 300.
[0079]
<Third embodiment>
FIG. 16 shows the configuration of the remote monitoring system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a remote monitoring and operating system for remotely monitoring and remotely controlling a plurality of air separation devices incorporating the DCS system. In FIG. 16, about 100 air separation devices A,..., B are scattered in various places, and sites A,. (The same components are denoted by the same reference numerals.), And are connected to the WAN 400 via the routers 110 and 111, respectively.
[0080]
In addition, a maintenance management center, a central monitoring operation center, and a distribution center are connected to the WAN 400 via the routers 112, 113, and 114, respectively.
In the maintenance management center, the monitoring client 90, the operation client 91, and the router 112 are connected to the LAN 33, and perform maintenance when the air separation device fails.
The central monitoring center has clients 92, 93, 94, and a router 113 connected to the LAN 34, and monitors the operation status of the air separation device, performs remote operations such as changing variables such as operating conditions, and receives and sends an alarm when an abnormality occurs. I do.
[0081]
The plant analysis center has clients 95 and 96 for remote operation and a router 114 connected to the LAN 35, and performs analysis for the purpose of optimizing the air separation device. Although not shown, a sub-monitoring center for minimizing troubles due to an earthquake or an accident in the communication system is also provided.
[0082]
Each of the controllers 11,..., 14 of the sites A and B has a total of 1000 or more variables including the state value of the device, internal variables, and parameters for PID control. In order to remotely monitor such information, it is necessary to display information necessary for monitoring on a daily basis every 1 second. In order to realize this display speed by a client located at a remote place, it is essential to use a communication procedure between the controller and the client.
Further, in the central monitoring center, it is not necessary that all variables can be referred to and changed, and it is sufficient that information such as PID control parameters can be changed as needed. It is important to partition such information levels.
[0083]
Clients 90 to 96 used at a central monitoring center and located at a distance from the controller are not specially manufactured or set up for remote monitoring, but are attached to the client 12 or 15 attached to the device. Any terminal having exactly the same configuration as that described above or having the same function may be used. This makes it possible to employ a general-purpose terminal as a client at a remote location by connecting a plurality of DCSs to a network through a bus converter.
[0084]
Since the clients 90 to 96 located at remote locations and the controllers 11 and 14 on the air separation devices A and B can be connected by a network having a small bandwidth by adopting the communication procedure described above, the other networks ( Connection with a distribution center or a stock management center (not shown in FIG. 16) is facilitated, and a scalable network system is obtained.
[0085]
For example, the clients 92 to 94 of the central monitoring center include those for alarming, for trend monitoring, and for remote monitoring operation. Each of the clients 92 to 94 needs a screen such as a real-time trend, a historical trend screen, an individual instrument screen (pressure, flow rate, temperature), a device piping system diagram screen, and an alarm screen (displaying which device, alarm content, etc.). In the case of a client for remote monitoring operation, a driving operation screen is displayed in addition to these, and the target device can be operated.
[0086]
As described above, the remote clients 90 to 96 and the driving operation clients 12 and 15 at the site have the same function, so that air separation is performed in real time from the remote clients 90 to 96. The devices A and B can be monitored. Therefore, it is possible to predict operational fluctuations without being on site.
[0087]
Therefore, fine adjustment of operating conditions, etc., gas supply / shut-down when maintenance / trouble occurs, recovery countermeasures, investigation of the cause, etc. can be performed more quickly than in the prior art.
In addition, the network system according to the present embodiment employs the communication procedure between the DCS controller and the client according to the present embodiment and has the above-described interlock function, so that the safety of the air separation device can be ensured.
[0088]
Further, when the highest priority operation client does not respond, it is possible to forcibly abandon the “operation right” of the highest priority operation client and transfer the “operation right” to another client. However, in this case, it is assumed that some means for limiting the operation transfer itself or the operation range (operation contents) is provided.
[0089]
According to the above-described embodiment, since the communication amount between the controller and the client can be freely adjusted on the client side, it is possible to construct a network with a very small bandwidth. As a result, remote monitoring and operation can be realized very cheaply. Moreover, the client attached to the device that requires a large amount of communication and the remote monitoring operation client that requires a small amount of communication have exactly the same configuration, and can be installed, operated, and maintained very easily.
[0090]
In addition, if the above-described network system is adopted, remote monitoring (chemical operation) of a chemical plant such as a plurality of air separation devices can be performed in real time, and remote operation (operation) while ensuring safety can be performed. In particular, it is possible to provide a remote monitoring operation system that is optimal for a target device that requires continuous feedback and feedforward control, such as PID control, where the control target is gas flow, pressure, temperature, or the like.
[0091]
In addition, according to the above-mentioned network, functions such as analysis, monitoring, maintenance management, and distribution are decentralized, and comprehensive (company-wide) management can be performed. Since the functions can be integrated for each function, it is possible to greatly reduce management costs such as reduction of labor costs.
[0092]
<Fourth embodiment>
Next, a remote monitoring operation system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the present embodiment, the client is arranged at a plurality of points having a time difference such that the daytime is continuous, and the plant is operated by enabling only the client in the daytime among them to operate. It is possible to eliminate the night shift of the operator who operates the client.
[0093]
In consideration of the time difference, the Earth is divided into three parts, specifically, centralized monitoring operation centers requiring remote control clients are located in Los Angeles (USA), Tokyo (Japan), and Hamburg (Germany).
For example, a remote operation place is selected every eight hours during the day. After being in charge of remote monitoring operations for eight hours in Tokyo, he will then transfer the operation to Hamburg, where the time difference is eight hours. Eight hours later, operations will be transferred to Los Angeles, and eight hours later, operations will be sequentially transferred to Tokyo. As a result, work such as night shift can be eliminated.
[0094]
In addition to the case where the remote operation client is arranged at three points where the time difference is 8 hours, the remote operation client may be arranged at two points where the time difference is 12 hours.
Further, considering a break time such as a lunch break, remote control clients may be arranged at six points with a time difference of 4 hours between 4 hours from 1:00 to 5:00.
[0095]
Further, when the remote control clients are arranged at a plurality of points with a time difference and the remote control clients at each point can be operated only during the daytime, 8 hours at one point and 6 hours at another point. Thus, the operable time of the remote control client may be different at each point.
Conventionally, the operation of plants installed around the world has been forced to work 24 hours a day in a limited place. However, if the remote monitoring operation system according to the present embodiment is adopted, night shift can be eliminated. .
[0096]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, since a bus converter corresponding to each DCS is installed in the DCS installed at the plant site, different types of DCS can be networked, and further, a DCS controller and a client can be connected. When asynchronously sending requests for a plurality of tasks of a client task to the controller in the communication procedure of (1), the amount of information can be adjusted by eliminating duplication of the requests and managing the consistency of the requests. It is possible to perform the operation of the plant at the same time.
[0097]
Also, when operating from the client, the highest priority operable client is always specified, and other clients receive permission for the operation transfer command issued by themselves, and at that point, an interlock is provided that makes itself the highest priority operable client This enables safe operation of the plant even remotely.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a remote monitoring operation system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a remote monitoring operation system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation contents of the remote monitoring operation system according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a remote monitoring operation system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a remote monitoring operation system in which Ethernet (registered trademark) of each site is connected to a monitoring network.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing prerequisites for an operation example of the remote monitoring operation system shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a recovery operation on the client side of the remote monitoring operation system shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the client-side recovery operation of the remote monitoring operation system shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing still another example of the recovery operation on the client side of the remote monitoring operation system shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation transfer procedure of the remote monitoring operation system shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation transfer procedure of the remote monitoring operation system shown in FIG. 5;
12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a recovery operation on the client side when each client has an equal operating right in the remote monitoring operation system shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the recovery operation on the client side in a case where each client has the same operation right in the remote monitoring operation system shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing still another example of the recovery operation on the client side when each client has an equal operating right in the remote monitoring operation system shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation transfer procedure in a case where each client has an operation right equally in the remote monitoring operation system shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a configuration of a remote monitoring operation system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 client
1-1 to 1-n tasks
2 Request transmission queue (request transmission queue means)
3 queue management tasks (queue management means)
4 Sending task
5 Controller
6 receiving tasks
7 memory (storage means)
10-1 to 10-3 ... DCS
11, 14, 17 ... Controller
A, B, C air separation unit
12, 15, 18 ... Client
13, 16, 19… Bus
20-22: Bus converter
30-32 ... LAN
40-42: Client for remote control
50 ... Optical fiber cable
400… WAN

Claims (9)

A plurality of distributed control systems having a controller for control and a client as an operation terminal are connected via a network, and a client for remote operation is connected to the network to remotely monitor a plurality of objects. A remote monitoring operation system to be operated,
A request sending queue means for temporarily holding requests from a plurality of tasks when asynchronously sending requests for a plurality of tasks possessed by a client to a controller; and a plurality of tasks held in the request sending queue means. Communication means for performing communication between the controller and the client having a queue management means for managing the duplication of the request from the request and the consistency of the request,
A remote monitoring and operating system, wherein the distributed control system is connected to the network via a bus converter. 2. The remote monitoring system according to claim 1, further comprising storage means for holding information obtained from a controller in response to a task request from the request transmission queue means from each task of the client so as to be readable for each client. Operation system. The multiple objects that are remotely monitored and operated are plants,
Connecting a client at the plant site with one or more clients at a different location from the plant site via a network;
Of all clients, including the client at the plant site and one or more clients at a location different from the plant site, the client that performed the final operation is always specified as the highest priority operation client that can operate at the highest priority And
Until the highest-priority operation client issues an “operation permission command” to another client, the operation right transfer control unit that maintains the highest-priority operation client and disables operation from the other client is provided. The remote monitoring operation system according to claim 1. The operation right transfer control means sets the other client as the highest priority operation client when the other client receives the "operation permission command" issued by the highest priority operation client. The remote monitoring operation system according to claim 3. 5. The remote monitoring operation system according to claim 3, wherein clients for remote monitoring operation are arranged at a plurality of points having a time difference such that daytime is continuous. A remote monitoring operation method for connecting a plurality of distributed control systems to a network via a bus converter, and for remotely monitoring and operating a plurality of objects using a remote control client connected to the network,
When sending requests for multiple tasks that the client has to the controller asynchronously, temporarily hold requests from multiple tasks,
A remote monitoring operation method, wherein the temporarily held requests from a plurality of tasks are deduplicated and the consistency of the requests is managed. The multiple objects that are remotely monitored and operated are plants,
Connecting a client at the plant site with one or more clients at a different location from the plant site via a network,
Of all clients including the client at the plant site and one or more clients at a different location from the plant site, the client that performed the final operation is always explicitly specified as the highest priority operation client that can operate with the highest priority And
7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the client is maintained as a top-priority operation client and operation from the other client is disabled until the top-priority operation client issues an "operation permission command" to another client. Remote monitoring operation method. 8. The remote monitoring system according to claim 7, wherein when the other client receives the "operation permission command" issued by the highest-priority operation client, the other client is set as the highest-priority operation client. Method of operation. Realizes the function of a remote monitoring and operation system that connects multiple distributed control systems to a network via a bus converter and remotely monitors and operates multiple objects using a remote operation client connected to the network. In the remote monitoring operation program to perform
When asynchronously sending requests for a plurality of tasks that the client has to the controller, temporarily holding requests from the plurality of tasks;
Managing the temporary de-duplication of requests from a plurality of disks and the consistency of requests.
A remote monitoring operation program which is executed by a computer.

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