COURSE OVERVIEW:

This course provides operations personnel with a practical introduction to plant facilities Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and their application to process equipment operation. Participants will learn how the DCS architecture is structured, how to navigate through graphics and faceplates, and how to view and interpret process parameters, trends, and alarms.

The course explains DCS layouts, static shapes, line colors, tag naming conventions, and how dynamic graphics change according to equipment status and logic. It also introduces simple and complex control loops (such as cascade, split range, and selector logic) as seen on the DCS, and how these relate to normal operation, startup and shutdown, and emergency response. Practical examples and simulation-based exercises will help participants gain confidence in using DCS to monitor process equipment, support troubleshooting, and extract useful operational data and reports.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

1. Describe the main process equipment in typical oil and gas facilities and explain, at a basic level, their operation, performance, and common troubleshooting needs from a DCS viewpoint.
2. Explain the basic architecture of plant DCS systems, including controllers, operator stations, networks, and how they connect to process instruments and equipment.
3. Understand and use DCS parameters and graphics, including layout, static shapes, line colors, groups, and tag naming conventions.
4. Navigate DCS graphics effectively, open and interpret faceplates, and use trends to monitor process variables over time.
5. Recognize and use DCS phase plates or faceplates for controlling equipment and viewing indicators, modes, and status information.
6. Interpret dynamic graphics, including valve symbols (for example XVs) and color changes that reflect operating logic, status, and interlocks.
7. Understand the principles, appearance, and operator interface of complex loops such as cascade control, split range control, and selector logic in the DCS.
8. Work with simple loops, perform basic serial and loop checks, and verify that signals and outputs are correctly connected through the DCS.
9. Describe normal process operating conditions, process equipment functions, and basic process instrumentation as presented on DCS graphics.
10. Support process unit startup and shutdown procedures and key operating considerations using the DCS for monitoring, sequencing, and confirmation.
11. Recognize abnormal conditions, understand related alarms and graphics behavior, and respond according to defined emergency procedures using the DCS.
12. Use practical simulation software or training graphics to practice specific oil and gas process scenarios, extract reports and data, and participate effectively in evaluations and workshops.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

-Operators in oil and gas and process facilities

-Field and panel operators transitioning to DCS based operations

-Junior operations technicians and trainees

-Operations engineers who need a practical DCS operations perspective

-Maintenance technicians who interact with DCS in day-to-day work

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures and discussion sessions, as well as case studies, will be managed to maximize the amount and quality of information, knowledge, and experience transfer. The course will be intensive but practical and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance learning. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and after the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.