Testing critical logic systems : concept for a testbed used in oil & gas & biotech industry

Abstract

This Thesis describes a concept for a Testbed used for testing critical logic systems. Logic systems in this context are Programmable Logical Controllers (PLC), Digital Control Systems (DCS) used for the control of critical processes. The term "automation systems" might be even better. Examples for critical processes within the thesis scope are: a) chemical or oil & gas processes causing hazards for environment, personnel and plant assets, b) biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical processes used to produce medical products causing hazards to patients in case quality criteria are not metThe testbed concept encompasses a technical concept as well as a marketing concept and concepts regarding the development project. It is the goal to realize this concept within a small German engineering company (anapur AG) in cooperation with the University of Applied Sciences Mannheim / Germany.The main drivers for the testbed work are: a) legislative changes: international standards for functional safety have been introduced a few years ago. Meeting the standards requires increased efforts around management and documentation of critical logic systems. b) shortage of engineering capacity: contrary to the increasing workload a shortage of working capacity is expected (due to lack of engineers).The testbed shall automate and support the testing process where possible and enable the engineer to focus on those parts of the job where creativity and experience is mandatory.The market does not provide specialized testbed products for logic systems so far. The main drawbacks are: acceptance of automatically tested systems, high costs for testbed, infrastructure, education etc. However there is a chance that the time is ready for AQUA (Automated Qualification for Automation Systems). This thesis shall explore the state of the art, the standards and norms and the market and finally explain technical, organizational and marketing solutions. It is important to state that methods and strategies used within this work need to fit to methods and strategies used in small businesses.