Develop a time stamping application in PlantStruxure? - Schneider ...

1-Introduction
1. Introduction
1.1. Purpose
With continuous developments in industry and technology, more and more
automation systems are being implemented in different fields. For better control and
maintenance of complex systems, end users of these automation systems require
processing data with time stamps.
This guide proposes a method to implement a time stamping solution using a
Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) and a SCADA system. Moreover, this
STG suggests the best practices to follow to take advantage of system openness
while reducing the risks of misuse and misunderstandings.
The recommendations and guidelines provided in the following chapters are generic
and targeted at time stamping applications such as tracking a sequence of events
(SOE) or time stamping alarms. However, we use the specific example of a sequence
of events (SOE) function in a hydro power plant to illustrate a time stamping
application in a process control system.
1.2. Introduction to time stamping
1.2.1 What is time stamping
A time stamp in an automation system is the time information of when a signal event
occurred. It is recorded by the control units in a consistent format. The function of
recording the time stamps is called time stamping.
Time stamping is an important function for tracking processes in some automation
systems, such as hydro power plant control and oil pipeline control. This function
provides operators with a method to better identify process sequences in a large and
complex system, to fine tune protection and control schemes, and improve overall
system reliability. One of the most important applications of time stamping is to help
track down the root causes after a system error is detected.
1.2.2 What is the process flow of the time stamping function
The time stamping function in a process automation system can be implemented in
three steps: time sourcing, stamping time on the event data, and monitoring & inquiry.
The following flow chart shows the time stamping process:
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