Industrial Cyber Security Flashcards
(36 cards)
What is the overall objective of process control?
To cause the PV to remain at some specific, predetermined value referred to as the set point (sp). The set point may be a fixed reference, such as a simple liquid level sensor mounted on a post, or it can be an adjustable reference like a common thermostat where the user can set a desired temperature to be maintained. For more information, see the section “Basic Process Control Systems.”
What small intelligent control units are commonly deployed in an ICS environment?
Remote Telemetry Units (RTUs)
In any process control system, what is responsible for taking input information and sending corrective error signals?
Controller
The controller compares input information to a reference and decides on necessary actions.
What is the preferred local control device in modern industrial processing?
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
PLCs are widely used for automation and control in various industrial applications.
How do PLCs and RTUs differ from each other?
Unlike IT computers, industrial process controllers are not designed to store data and process it later. Instead, they produce output conditions based on the current states of their inputs according to their internal configuration or programming. For more information, see the section “Industrial Process Controllers.”
What type of control system is required when processes become too complex for a single controller?
Distributed Control System (DCS)
A DCS is used to manage complex operations across multiple controllers.
What is a distributed control system that provides data acquisition and supervisory control functions referred to as?
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system
SCADA systems are essential for monitoring and controlling industrial processes.
What process employs sensors to collect information in a remote location?
Telemetry. For more information, see the section “Remote Telemetry Units.”
What enables human operators to observe operating parameters in a SCADA-based process?
Human-Machine Interface (HMI)
HMIs allow operators to interact with the system and make necessary adjustments.
What type of automated process control systems are designed to monitor unsafe conditions?
Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS)
SIS are specifically created to ensure safety in potentially hazardous environments.
What two major systems are brought together to form an integrated control and safety system (ICSS)?
The ICS package and the SIS package. Safety instrument systems (SIS) are basically automated process control systems specifically designed to monitor and control conditions in and around the process that have been defined as unsate or potentially unsafe. The SIS is typically created as an integral part of the overall ICS package (but not the same components).
The SIS must be able to successtully perform its functions when the process control system fails. Together these two systems are referred to as the integrated control and safety system (ICSS). For more information, see the section “Safety Instrument Systems.”
What are a specific type of SIS designed to minimize the consequences of emergency conditions?
Emergency shutdown systems (EMS). For more information, see the section “Emergency Shutdown Systems.”
What are devices called that are commonly attached to rotating machines to monitor their vibration patterns over time?
The recorded vibration patterns generated can be compared to previous points in time to determine the rate of machine wear. Devices called accelerometers are attached to rotating machines to monitor these vibration patterns over time. The recorded patterns can be compared at preset intervals to determine the rate of machine wear. For more information, see the section “Vibration Monitoring.”
What type of sensors are added to the SIs package to detect the presence of hazardous gases, chemicals, and liquids?
Leak detectors.
Burner management systems are used to _____
Assure the safe startup, operation, and shutdown of burners in a process control system. For more information, see the section “Burner Management Systems.”
What is the purpose of the set point (sp) in industrial control systems?
To cause the PV to remain at some specific, predetermined value
The set point may be a fixed reference or an adjustable reference like a thermostat.
What does RTU stand for in industrial control systems?
Remote Telemetry Units
RTUs are used for data acquisition in industrial processes.
What is the role of a controller in a control system?
To maintain the process variable (PV) at the set point
Controllers are essential components in basic process control systems.
What does PLC stand for?
Programmable Logic Controller
PLCs are designed specifically to perform industrial control functions.
How do industrial process controllers differ from IT computers?
IPC produce output conditions based on current input states, not storing data for later processing
This functionality is critical for real-time control.
What is a distributed control system (DCS)?
A system that distributes the control function over multiple controllers
DCS is necessary for complex processes or geographically separated components.
What are the two distinct functions of a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system?
- Data acquisition (input)
- Supervisory control functions (output)
SCADA systems are a type of distributed control system.
What is telemetry in the context of industrial control systems?
The process of recording and transmitting readings from remote sensors
Telemetry is often managed by Remote Telemetry Units (RTUs).
What role does SCADA software play in industrial processes?
It provides supervisory control for all PLCs and a human-machine interface (HMI)
This allows operators to observe and control process parameters.
