A new control system platform references data from the legacy system this can result in delays of up to 30 seconds while data is retrieved from the old control system.

Are there any standards for process control or power generation (including coal fired boilers and steam turbines) that might help clarify that the system we are being asked to operated is inadequate?

 

30 seconds is not all that bad for some things. 30 milliseconds is awful for others. Just depends on what it is.

--
Bob

 

This opinion is based solely on the information provided in the original post and reflects the opinion of the author based on the information provided. Nothing more can be or should be implied. The opinion presumes the original poster is referring to "HMI" (control system operator interface), and not the control system being used to control and protect the boiler and/or the governor being used to control and protect the steam turbine--only the components being used monitor boiler and/or turbine operation and to issue commands to the boiler control and/or turbine governor and to manage alarms associated with the boiler control and/or the turbine governor.

What did the specification state for access times or display update rates or display latency rates in the request for proposal to supply this new control system operator interface? What did the contract state for access times or display update rates or display latency rates for the supply of this control system operator interface ?

Are you referring to getting live, real-time operating data, or are you referring to historical data, from the legacy control system for this control system operator interface?

There is no standard, per se, and your only recourse is to refer to the specification in the contract that was signed and agreed to for the supply of the new control system operator interface .

If there was no required specification for the access time or the display update rate or display latency rates in the request for proposal, or if the supplier took exception to the specification in the contract then you probably have no recourse.

If, however, you're talking about 30 seconds to obtain live, real-time data and values for this new control system operator interface and you are the operator and your supervision is telling you to use this new control system operator interface in place of the legacy control system you are probably within your purview as an employee in the plant to raise a question about the safety of such a control system operator interface .

If you are a plant owner or supervisor you are certainly within your rights to say to the supplier that this control system operator interface is unsafe and inadequate if being used to obtain live, real-time operating data for a power plant--particularly if the specification is clear or the supplier didn't tell you of the latency in obtaining live, real-time operating data.