Plant Alarm Information Collection With Delay and Dead Time Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for collecting information on alarm abnormalities in plant control stations are inefficient due to the need for physical site visits, which can be time-consuming and hindered by environmental conditions, making timely and effective information collection difficult.
Innovation Solution
An information collection apparatus and method that includes a receiving unit for alarms and a collection unit to gather investigation information from identified parts of the control station, utilizing a combination of a receiving unit, storage unit, selection unit, registration unit, and collection unit, with the implementation of delay and dead times to filter and prioritize alarm investigations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an engineer visits the actual site to collect information on alarm abnormalities, then the information can be obtained directly from the source, but it takes time to move to the site and may be difficult to collect information in a timely manner or difficult to move due to environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual replica of the control station environment that can be accessed remotely. The system captures and transmits visual and operational data from the actual control station to a remote terminal, allowing engineers to inspect alarm conditions without physically traveling to the site. This copying approach maintains information accuracy while eliminating travel time and environmental constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a communication system as an intermediary between the control station and the engineer. The system includes a camera, microphone, and data transmission components that act as mediators, conveying sensory and operational information from the control station to the remote engineer. This intermediary enables timely information collection without direct physical presence at the alarm location.
2Reliability
If all alarms are investigated immediately, then no alarm is missed, but redundant information collection increases and control bus reliability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary filtering and prioritization of alarms before full investigation. The system initially assesses alarm severity, type, and context to determine which alarms require immediate attention versus those that can be deferred or handled automatically. This preliminary action ensures critical alarms are detected reliably while reducing unnecessary information collection for less important alarms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the alarm investigation process into segmented stages: initial alarm reception, priority classification, selective detailed investigation, and resolution verification. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high reliability for critical alarms while reducing overall system complexity by not treating all alarms with the same level of investigation intensity.
Data Source
AI summary
An information collection apparatus includes a receiving unit that receives an alarm indicating an abnormality related to a control station that is for a plant, and a collection unit that collects investigation information on a cause of the alarm from a part of the control station, where the part is identified based on the alarm received by the receiving unit.