DCS Systems

What are DCS Systems?

A distributed control system (DCS) is a computerised control system for a process or plant usually with many control loops, in which autonomous controllers are distributed throughout the system, but there is no central operator supervisory control.

This is in contrast to systems that use centralized controllers; either discrete controllers located at a central control room or within a central computer. The DCS concept increases reliability and reduces installation costs by localising control functions near the process plant, with remote monitoring and supervision.

Distributed control systems (DCS) are dedicated systems used in manufacturing processes that are continuous or batch-oriented. Processes where a DCS might be used include:

Typical applications

• Chemical plants
• Petrochemical (oil) and refineries
• Pulp and paper mills
• Boiler controls and power plant systems
• Nuclear power plants
• Environmental control systems
• Water management systems
• Water treatment plants
• Sewage treatment plants
• Food and food processing
• Agrochemical and fertilizer
• Metal and mines
• Automobile manufacturing
• Metallurgical process plants
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Sugar refining plants
• Agriculture applications