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Control Narratives

Cross Company Control Narratives

Control narratives can be subset of a design specification. For smaller systems sometimes supplying just a control narrative will provide all the information required to configure the control system. Typically Control Narratives contain definitions of all control loops with important details like range, description, alarms, graphic depiction, interlocks, automated logic etc. In addition to having a control narrative other documents are recommended:

  • Up to date P&ID’s
  • Process Flow Diagrams (PFD)
  • Operating Manuals or Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)

This is precisely where Cross Company can provide the most benefit. We tailor our deliverables to match the size and scope of the project thus saving you money. Our documented systems work well for very small projects on up to large multimillion dollar projects. We can assist you in the creation of your control narrative and even interrogate an existing control system to determine how it is currently programmed. With over 20 years of experience in working on all types of projects, we can do exactly what needs to be done. Start a conversation with a Cross expert!

Understanding Control Narratives

Control narratives are indispensable for ensuring that a control system operates as intended, providing operators and engineers with a clear roadmap for system behavior and performance.

Control narratives are a subset of design specifications, and they serve as a critical tool in configuring control systems. While larger projects may require extensive documentation, smaller systems can often be effectively managed with just a control narrative. These narratives contain a wealth of information, including:

Control loop definitions

Graphic depictions

Interlocks

Automated logic

Benefits of Working With Cross Company for Control Narratives

There are many reasons to partner with Cross Company Process Solutions for your process control narratives. Some of those include our technical expertise, our knowledge of control systems, and our leading industrial partnerships.

Technical Expertise

At Cross Process Solutions, our flow measurement team specializes in creating detailed and effective control narratives. We understand the intricacies of a variety of sectors and can use our technical expertise to tailor a control narrative to meet the needs of your project

Auditing Existing Control Systems

If you have an existing control system that requires optimization or reconfiguration, we can help. Our team can audit your existing process control system to determine how it is currently programmed and recommend improvements to your automation or workflows

Strategic Partnerships

We are distributors for leading industrial metering products, ensuring that you have access to top-quality components and technologies. We are committed to helping you increase efficiency and reduce risk in your processes by using the best products available

Purposes of Control Narratives

There are several essential purposes served by control narratives. Some of those include

Operational procedures – control narratives allow process engineers to set out and record operational procedures on the plant floor, ensuring that operators understand how the system should be operated

Operator training – control narratives also provide documentation for operator training, enabling operators to fully understand the equipment, variables, and processes they’ll be managing

Programming guidance – control narratives are also a starting point for control system programmers, even for those who may have limited experience with a specific process. The control narrative provides insights into how the control system should be configured.

This knowledge serves as a foundation for developing control logics for Distributed Control Systems (DCS) or Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), allowing for effective system automation.

working with customers on control narrative project

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Components of a Control Narrative

Well-structured control narratives include the following components:

  1. Process Overview. This includes a basic description of the overall system processes, purposes, and functions. Also included are descriptions of major functional units, subsystems, and their interactions as well as an overview of the process timeline by functional unit.
  2. Equipment List. This is a comprehensive list of all physical equipment used in the process, including motors, valves, transmitters, and more.
  3. Software Components. Descriptions of non-physical devices involved in the process, such as control loops, totalizers, calculations, and parameters.
  4. Alarms. Detailed documentation of non-default alarms associated with the process. These alarms are critical for alerting operators to abnormal conditions.
  5. Process Functionality Description (Interlock and Sequence). This is step-by-step descriptions of how the processes or units work. This includes sequences, set points and steps. It also includes documentation of interlocks.
  6. Concurrent Tasks. Definitions of all normal process control functions that operate independently of sequences.

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Why Cross Company Control Narratives?

At Cross Company Process Solutions, we consistently provide world-class support for process manufacturers and applications across various sectors, including industrial, commercial, and municipal. Our commitment to excellence is underpinned by a wealth of experience that spans decades, allowing us to navigate the intricacies of even the most complex projects and provide comprehensive solutions designed specifically for them.

Our industry-leading technical knowledge sets Cross apart in the field, enabling us to craft solutions that aren’t just cutting edge, but also tailored to the unique needs of each customer. This, coupled with our world-class customer support, is what truly sets Cross apart.

When you work with Cross Company, you’re not just getting a comprehensive solution for your process application. We aim to build lasting partnerships, working by your side as an extension of your own team. When you choose Cross Company Process Solutions, you’re not just choosing a service provider; you’re choosing a trusted ally on your journey to process excellence.

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Related Solutions for Process Applications

At Cross, we offer much more than just control narratives. We can also provide the solutions our process manufacturing partners need to succeed. Check out our other process solutions equipment and see for yourself.

See How Our Process Solutions Team Can Help Improve Quality, Increase Efficiency, And Reduce Risk

Contact our Team