Abstract
Companies spend a considerable amount of effort securing data and IT equipment from potential cyberattacks. The data generated from sensors and control systems within process plant equipment is also shared digitally and therefore potentially subjected to cyberattacks. An example of such an attack occurred in 2017 at a petrochemical site in Saudi Arabia when malware was discovered in controllers used to monitor safety functions like temperature, voltages and pressures. No damage or injuries occurred from the incident, however the incident exposed potential risks.
SIGA OT Solutions monitors out-of-band raw electrical current for anomalies typically detection in sensors and actuators alerting users of potential security threats. The same AI technology can also be used to provide real-time process monitoring, improving plant optimization and performance.
JDS Energy & Mining Inc. in conjunction with SIGA OT Solutions recently installed SIGA’s SigaGuard at Sherritt International Corporation’s nickel refinery in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. The installation is the first application of SIGAGuard AI used in hydrometallurgical operations. It is believed after the AI learns the typical process characteristics the AI will optimize process control in real time increasing productivity and performance.
The presentation describes the findings from this initial application of SIGAGuard AI in a hydrometallurgical operation.