Honeywell Experion C300 DCS Training

What is the difference between Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) training and Distributed Control System (DCS) training?

30 years ago, DCS was primarily used for large-scale operations in chemical plants and refineries, while PLCs were typically used for smaller applications such as compressors or turbines. However, with advancements in computer technology over the past three decades, the distinctions between DCS and PLC have significantly diminished. Despite this, major DCS vendors still cater to large chemical industries due to the extensive features their systems offer.

For aspiring automation engineers, the choice between starting with PLC or DCS is important. However, in most cases, learning both will eventually be necessary. The choice of which to start with may depend on the type of job you’re aiming for. Some roles require in-depth DCS expertise, while others may focus more on PLC systems. If you're uncertain, we recommend discussing your career path with our career counselor (free of charge) to help you make an informed decision.

This course will focus on our DCS training for Honeywell Experion PKS System. Below are the details of the course and what it entails.

Course Overview

In this course, you will learn to design and program the Honeywell Experion PKS System using various programming tools. If you are already familiar with the Honeywell Experion PKS System, this course will help you enhance your skills further. Our training will be tailored to your current knowledge and future learning goals.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Design the system architecture for new plants or manufacturing facilities.
• Create complete network architecture.
• Install programs on a new system.
• Program logic based on the functional narrative of the process.
• Perform functional tests and create Human-Machine Interface (HMI) screens.
• Verify communications with peripheral systems using advanced communication protocols such as Modbus and OPC.
• Commission the DCS in a test system and understand how to hand over the final system to operations.

Additionally, this course will also cover key concepts from the field of instrumentation that control engineers need to know. As a control engineer, you will interact regularly with electrical engineers, instrument technicians, and process engineers, and this course will train you to engage with them professionally and intelligently.

For those new to electrical and electronics engineering, this course will also cover the fundamentals of electrical safety, wiring, control systems, and instrumentation.

Course Objectives

The course will cover the following key modules:

• DCS Functions in Chemical, Petrochemical, and Refinery industries.
• Main DCS components.
• DCS architecture.
• Control loop fundamentals and PID control blocks.
• Integrated Self-sufficient Controllers (Analogue loop).
• Advanced Digital Control Loops (advanced PIDs).
• DCS electrical fundamentals—Power requirements.
• UPS Systems for controllers.
• How to choose DCS vs PLC for your application.
• Overview of Honeywell Experion PKS C300 DCS/SIS.
• Honeywell Experion PKS C300 DCS hardware components.
• Functional blocks in the Honeywell Experion PKS C300 DCS.
• Network interfaces and configuration.
• Alarm management in the Honeywell Experion PKS C300 DCS.
• DCS loop drawings and examples.
• Typical GA/IA Cabinet layout.
• Honeywell Experion PKS C300 DCS cabinet architecture.

Training Methodology

The training program at Excel Automation Solutions includes the following modes of instruction:

• Classroom and Virtual Lectures.
• Advanced Topics: Seminars and presentations on the latest trends.
• Technical Group Discussions for hands-on learning.
• Class Assignments to test your understanding.
• Industrial Case Studies and Functional Exercises for real-world applications.

We start by allowing students to download real programs to the DCS system from the first class, providing practical exposure to the concepts throughout the course.

Organizational Benefits

Employees attending the DCS training at Excel Automation Solutions will benefit in the following ways:

• Gain an in-depth understanding of the specific DCS system used at their plant, which is the backbone of operations. This knowledge enables them to contribute to improving productivity, efficiency, and reliability immediately after training.
• Become part of the steering committee that handles upgrades and expansions of the DCS system.
• Train other personnel who were unable to attend the training.
• Contribute to new projects by helping specify system requirements, participating in vendor meetings, and assisting in the commissioning of automation projects.

Personal Benefits

For individuals, this training could be a life-changing step forward in your career. You will:

• Understand the principles behind a range of sensors and transducers used in the DCS.
• Learn to design, build, and test DCS systems based on specific project requirements.
• Evaluate and select the most appropriate sensor technology for a given DCS application.
• Identify components and features of a DCS and optimize control using relevant software.
• Improve your understanding of DCS operations and alarm management to enhance your capabilities in industrial automation.

Who Should Attend?

This training course is suitable for:

• Entry-level service engineers and technicians involved in the operation and maintenance of instruments & control systems.
• Engineers seeking a career in automation.
• Engineers and electricians interested in understanding the principles of industrial automation and control.
• Mechanical and electrical graduates looking to understand PLC/DCS interfacing with the external world.
• Computer science and real-time system engineers.
• Instrument and Process Control Technicians.
• Maintenance Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, and Process/Manufacturing Engineers.
• Production and Operations Managers in industrial settings.
• Engineers working with System Integration companies.
• Anyone interested in understanding how modern factories are automated and networked.
• Fresh graduates with a few years of experience in automation, control systems, or instrumentation.