Blockchain-based automation architecture cybersecurity

Abstract

To provide a trusted, secure, and immutable record of transactions within a process plant, techniques are described for utilizing a distributed ledger in process control systems. The distributed ledger may be maintained by nodes which receive transactions broadcasted from field devices, controllers, operator workstations, or other devices operating within the process plant. The transactions may include process plant data, such as process parameter data, product parameter data, configuration data, user interaction data, maintenance data, commissioning data, plant network data, and product tracking data. The distributed ledgers may also be utilized to execute smart contracts to allow machines such as field devices to transact by themselves without human intervention. In this manner, recordedprocess parameter values and product parameter values may be retrieved to verify the quality of products. Moreover, regulatory data may be recorded in response to triggering events so that regulatoryagencies can review the data.

Description

technical field [0001] The present disclosure relates generally to process plants and process control systems, and more particularly to the use of distributed ledgers in process control systems to record data and events. Background technique [0002] A distributed process control system such as that used in a chemical, petroleum, or other process plant typically includes one or more a process controller. Field devices, such as valves, valve positioners, switches, and transmitters (e.g., temperature, pressure, level, and flow sensors), are located within a factory environment and typically perform physical or process control functions, such as opening or closing a valve, Process parameters (eg, pressure, temperature, etc.) are measured to control one or more processes performed in a process plant or system. Intelligent field devices, such as field devices conforming to the well-known fieldbus protocol, can also perform control calculations, alarm functions, and other contro...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

On the other hand, the interconnection of process plants and / or process control systems with enterprise and / or external networks and systems can increase Risk of network intrusion and / or malicious network attack caused by

cyber intrusions and malicious cyber attacks of process plants, networks, and / or control systems may adversely affect the confidentiality, integrity, and / or availability of information assets, generally speaking, these vulnerabilities are similar to those of general computing networks

However, unlike general-purpose computer networks, cyber intrusions of process plants, networks, and / or control systems can also result in not only damage, destruction, and / or loss of plant equipment, products, and other physical assets, but loss of life

For example, a network intrusion may cause the process to become uncontrolled, resulting in explosions, fires, floods, exposure to hazardous substances, etc.

Images