Ethernet Firewall: The visible Solutions to invisible risks

How the Ethernet firewall solution minimizes cyber threats to the control system
Industrial monitoring and control systems once operated as isolated proprietary networks. Over time, they evolved to an open, equal-access model. Users benefited from faster data transfer, higher performance, and lower cost of ownership. However, the new open systems have become susceptible to security issues similar to those faced by personal computers. These threats include malware, viruses, communication overload and more recently, cyber attacks.

The emergence of control area network malware demonstrates that industrial control systems can be targeted to disable or destroy critical infrastructure assets. Such threats change the rules for design and operation of monitoring and control installation on each level, including hardware, software, and architecture. The stakes are high – consequences of cyber attack are costly, causing extended downtime, damage to equipment, danger to operator, and many process issues, such as products build out of specification.

Ethernet Firewall solution will erases malware threats
There are many vendor has developed a range of dedicated solutions that enable development and support of robust control systems that are both high-performing and secure. A range of industrial grade firewall enables the creation of high-security zones within network. Within these zones, communication between internal and external devices is strictly controlled; permitting only authorized devices, services, and communications

The Ethernet firewalls can be easy installed in Ethernet-based system architecture, next to device that requires protection. Each firewall includes an internal and an external network port, and a router capability for installations where the process network – including the industrial automation systems – is connected to the plant network.

The Ethernet firewalls mitigate the risks associated with open networking, leaving business professionals more time and energy to focus on growth of the business.

Conclusion: Firewall is "a necessity" in a network-based control system (full stop)

Boiler

Small actifities post cardia surgery. Boiler HMI using RSView32, porting from WinlogLite and Symfac 2.0 to GFX graph, rewrite all tags / derived tags. All tags type converted to DDE tags. RSLinx role as DDE server ;)

Losses in a Transformer

The Efficiency of the transformer is the given by

(Power output/Power Input)*100

The Efficiency of the transformer is affected by the losses inside the transformer.

These losses can be categorized into three types

1. Copper losses

These are losses caused by the heating of the conductor when current is passes through it. They are also known as I*I*R losses as the heat generated is proportional to the formula H=I*I*R

2. Core Losses

Core losses are the losses which occur in the core of the transformer. There are two kinds of core losses, They are Hysteresis Loss and Eddy Current Losses

• Hysteresis losses occur when the magnetic orientation of the molecules inside the core are reversed when the magnetic field changes. This reversal of orientation of the molecules results in the generation of heat.

• Eddy current losses occur due to circulating currents in the form of eddies which are generated in the core. These eddy currents generate heat.

3. Stray losses

These are losses which occur due to the leakage of the magnetic flux of the transformer. This leakage can cause eddy currents in the fitments of the transformer such as the tank, channels, bolts, etc.

The combustion Losses in Boiler

When the fuel is burnt in the furnace of a boiler, all the energy in the fuel is not available to heat the boiler. Some of the energy is lost in the form of losses.

The Losses in combustion of a boiler are categorized in to the following types:

1. Loss in the Flue gases

The heat generated by burning the fuel is present in the flue gases. When these gases escape into the atmosphere, some amount of heat also escapes with the gases.

2. Hydrogen Losses

This refers to the heat used in evaporating moisture or water present in the fuel. This is particularly significant in coal-fired boilers.

3. Losses due to improper combustion.

The improper combustion of fuel due to poor quality or inadequate air also results in loss of potential energy

4. Losses due to Convection and Radiation

The furnace of the boiler is insulated. Despite this, some heat escapes from the furnace to the atmosphere.

Draught in Boilers

Draught or Draft refers to the pressure difference between the burner and the atmosphere. This pressure difference or draught causes the air to flow from the burner to the atmosphere. The residue of combustion such as waste gases, soot, etc are carried away by the flow of air.

Draught also has a great role to play in combustion. The flow of fresh air into the burners is necessary for proper combustion. Hence, the draught system should be designed such that the combustion can take place properly.

The draught of a combustion system can be measured using a manometer when the furnace is in operation. One end of the manometer is connected to the furnace while the other end is left open to the atmosphere. The pressure difference indicates the draught of the system.

There are different types of draught:

1. Natural Draught where the draught occurs naturally due to the pressure difference between the furnace and the atmosphere.
2. Induced Draught where the draught occurs by means of fans which create a negative pressure in the furnace causing fresh air to enter
3. Forced Draught where the draught occurs due to fans which provide combustion air and create a positive draught in the furnace. This drives the air through the chimney

Hammering in Boiler Systems

Water present in a steam system moves at a very high velocity driven by the steam pressure. In some cases, the acceleration is even greater than that of steam. When this water at high speed hits a fitting such as valve or a bend, violent impact resulting in noise or a pressure shock which travels through the system is produced. This is called water hammering

Mild cases of water hammering can cause noise or vibration. Extremely severe cases can result in fracture of the pipe.

Condensate Hammering is more damaging than water hammering. In condensate hammering, a pocket of steam surrounded by cooler water condenses into water. This causes a rapid reduction in volume. The water surrounding the pocket are thus drawn inwards and a collision occurs. This results in a severe a rapid over pressurization which can easily damage gaskets, valves and other components. The consequences can be very disastrous even fatal.

Hammering can be removed by preventing water from entering the steam lines. Reducing Carryover, ensuring that the steam traps are functioning properly are some of the precautions. The steam velocity in a boiler should not be allowed to exceed limits. Steam velocity has a direct bearing on the intensity of the hammering.

The piping should be as per design. Sagging of the pipeline can cause water hammering. Damaged insulation can cause condensate formation in the pipelines. Insulation should be checked and replaced if damaged.

Membrane Contactors

Membrane Contactors are used to deaerate water in a boiler. Membrane Contactors are getting increasingly popular. Membrane Contactors use a membrane which is made of hydrophobic material with pore size of the order of 0.03 micrometer.

On one side of the membrane, a gas, usually nitrogen, is passed at low pressure. On the other side, the water to be deaerated is passed. Since the membrane is hydrophobic, the water does not pass through it. But the gases which are dissolved pass through the membrane to the other side with low pressure.

The deaeration process can be controlled by varying the pressure of the gas and its concentration. The capacity of the contactor can be increased by adding more membranes. The membrane contactor method can produce water with a dissolved oxygen concentration of less than 1 ppb (parts per billion).

The advantages of using Membrane Contactors are:

1. Absence of Emulsions
2. No Flooding even at high flow rates.
3. No density difference between the fluids is required.
4. High surface areas

Deaeration of Boiler Water

Deaeration refers to the process of removing dissolved gases such as oxygen and carbondioxide from the water. Dissolved Oxygen in Water causes corrosion by the formation of rush on the surfaces of the boiler and the piping (rust). Carbondioxide which is dissolved in the water forms carbonic acid which also causes corrosion.

Hence, it is essential that these two gases are removed from water. Deaerators can be classified into:

1. Mechanical Deaerators:

These Deaerators separate the gases by a mix of high temperature and mechanical action

2. Chemical Deaerators:

Chemical deaerators work by passing the water through chemicals which absorb the oxygen and the carbondioxide.

3. Vacuum Deaerators

4. Membrane Contractors:

Membrane Contractors work by passing the water through hollow fibres. The water is made to pass on the outside of the hollow fibre. A vacuum is created on the inside. The gases pass through the membrane on to the inside and drawn into the vacuum pump.

Mirror

A mirror is an object that reflects light in a way that preserves much of its original quality subsequent to its contact with the mirror.

Some mirrors also filter out some wavelengths, while preserving other wavelengths in the reflection. This is different from other light-reflecting objects that do not preserve much of the original wave signal other than color and diffuse reflected light. The most familiar type of mirror is the plane mirror, which has a flat surface. Curved mirrors are also used, to produce magnified or diminished images or focus light or simply distort the reflected image.

Mirrors are commonly used for personal grooming or admiring oneself (in which case the archaic term looking-glass is sometimes still used), decoration, and architecture. Mirrors are also used in scientific apparatus such as telescopes and lasers, cameras, and industrial machinery. Most mirrors are designed for visible light; however, mirrors designed for other types of waves or other wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation are also used, especially in non-optical instruments.

It is simply beyond our senses, thought, logic, and comprehension

As reiterated time and again by those brilliant brains, this invented supreme creator is simply beyond our senses, thoughts, reason and comprehension. We are the lowly creatures, with a limited capability to understand the creation and existence. If this is the truth, then why do we keep trying to understand it? There are much more productive areas to direct our efforts which would produce results.

The results, expected from the research in genetics, and especially the human genome project will provide us with tremendous possibilities to raise our level of intellect towards that of the supreme creator(!). This will put us in a position to understand how the mankind has duped itself. These scientific developments will show us also a much more clear picture of our existence than the debate on the supreme creator.

Intellectual Efforts To Prove The "UN-Proveable"

Since its invention by the human imagination this has been a matter for the resolution of which a great deal of intellectual resourcefulness has been put to trial. Problem was and still is to find an explanation to the inexplicable, and proving the un-provable. It is boring in the sense that there is no end to it. It is definitely not of this world because no one has seen or heard or witnessed anything about the supreme being, that could bring a pinch of reality to it. All efforts have been fruitless since its inception 6000 years ago, but nevertheless it continues to be the most favorite pastime of the incognizant minds. The ideas invented by the mankind and the belief systems built around those ideas have been the source of many problems both in the personal and public spheres. They are the instruments of sovereignty, division, oppression, and injustice as well Since the beginning belief systems have also pushed women into a secondary position in their respective communities. Look around yourself and you'll most certainly come face to face with the characteristic examples.

The brightest brains were involved in the debate to solve the mystery. To no avail. The crucial questions asked thousands of years ago are still valid, and unanswered. Those brains that took part in the discussion have made themselves fall into the trap set up by the inventors of this fiction. Some of them have tried to prove that this invention has really existed while others have tried to show that it is all nonsense. There are always different sides in a discussion. But if the subject of the discussion is an 'unknown' how could one be for or against it positively? We shall not fall into the same trap of discussing the incomprehensible with the terms set by its inventors. This is especially crucial when one remembers all those brilliant brains which were stalled by the stalemate, ending up in rejecting the invention itself. We shall ask the right questions. Each question will show that not even a single step has been taken towards the supposed reality. But too many things have been said and written. As we try to follow the story of the supreme being we shall have glimpses of the frail human mind's efforts to solve the riddle that it has created.

This problem was introduced by the human beings, was it not? Now the ones who are trying to find a solution are also the human beings: Allegedly the limited, the incapable creatures of supreme being. Being limited by creation and incapable of full comprehension of the reality, the mankind felt that it needed answers to the questions about the creator it has invented. The next step was the need to establish the nature, intentions and activities of this creator. This, in turn, has introduced the following crucial questions:

• Why did this supreme being create the mankind?
• What is the (imaginary) role given to mankind by this supreme being?

All these efforts ended up in the fall of the mankind to the level of incapability, and the slowing down of the human progress. Thanks to the tremendous achievements in science and technology, situation has changed, and the movement is gathering pace.

The Mother Of Inventions

This matter is extremely difficult to explain.

• Firstly, one must deal with those brains which have lost their ability to think freely; brains which can only think on a communal basis on this riddle called 'supreme being'.

• Secondly, the nature of the matter is imaginary and abstract. This imaginary, abstract, and invented concept, belonging to the 'spiritual realm' is right in the centre of the discussion which is going on in the 'material world.'

This human invention, despite the fact that it lacks any objective and absolute proof, exerts itself on the human psyche as something that everybody must believe in without questions. But the most important factor, which further complicates the debate is the need felt by the mankind for a supreme being. This need has started it all. So what we have today is;

• An invention which is  perfectly within the capacity of the human mind;
• But being an invention that could not be seen, heard, tested or proven, it is unfathomable by the intellectual capacity of its inventor (the human mind).
• An invention, the characteristics of which are within the capacity of the human mind, but the 'self ' is not. This is the crux of the matter. The human mind has invented and introduced this concept, and made it insoluble.
• An invention without which the whole of the mankind would have been leading a life devoid of a nonsense which has created the uncontrollable but all-controlling supernatural beings who had the first and last say - in fact  the only say - on the creation, existence and destiny of the material world.