Process Measurement, Instrumentation & Process Control

Introduction

In an industrial situation where it is required to measure and control some aspect of a process, it is often the application of the knowledge and the ingenuity of the Engineer or Technician which is relied upon to solve the measurement and control problem. Therefore, a fundamental understanding of the principle of operation of a range of sensors / transducers and instrumentation techniques applicable in an industrial situation combined with an understanding and knowledge of Process control techniques and tuning methods equips the Engineer or Technician with the necessary skills and makes them invaluable in their workplace.

Delegates will investigate the operating principles and concepts of instrumentation and measurement systems and will acquire the knowledge relating to the characteristics and properties of the variables being measured.

Moreover, the delegate will gain an understanding of the Process Control Systems and methods used in a modern industrial system.

This is a hands-on, practical GLOMACS Process Measurement, Instrumentation & Process Control training course and where applicable, theoretical studies will be supplemented with practical activities where the delegate will have the opportunity to design, develop, build, test and evaluate their own instrumentation systems within the seminar room.

Some of the main topics covered include:

• Introduction to the principles and fundamentals of Process Measurement and Instrumentation systems and Process variables. Symbols and units used and sample calculations
• Principles of operation of Sensors and Transducers used for:
  • Temperature Measurement
  • Strain Measurement
  • Pressure Measurement
  • Flow Measurement
  • Level Measurement
• Ultrasonic techniques for non-invasive process measurement
• Principles of Process Control and study of the main Control strategies used, leading to an explanation of the 3-term PID controller
• Explanation of a method used to ‘tune’ a 3-term PID controller
• Practical activities to design, build, calibrate and signal condition a typical sensor application

Objectives

The main objectives of this training course are:

• To give an understanding of the principles of operation of a range of sensors and transducers
• By using a hands-on approach, enable the delegate to investigate the operation of an instrumentation system through designing, building and testing typical sensor combined with appropriate signal conditioning circuits
• To allow the delegate to become familiar and confident with a range of measurement techniques
• To understand the concepts of Process Control and acquire the knowledge relating to the characteristics and properties of a process variable being measured
• To become familiar and knowledgeable with PID control and develop the ability to ‘tune’ a process control system using PID control
• To have the confidence and knowledge to apply the above techniques and principles to solve an unfamiliar and bespoke measurement situation in the workplace

Training Methodology

This Process Measurement, Instrumentation & Process Control training course is delivered via a series of mixed activities which will at times involve delegate participation. Theoretical content is delivered by informal lecture and discussion and supplemented where appropriate with tutorial sessions using worked examples. An opportunity is given for delegates to perform their own calculations based on sample systems.

An important part of the program is the hands-on aspect. Approximately, a quarter of the total time will be devoted to practical activities. Delegates will acquire the skills to design their own instrumentation system from a given sensor(s) and specification and also, using relevant software, acquire the skills to ‘tune’ a process control system.

Organisational Impact

By attending this Instrumentation & Process Control training course, the delegate will return to their company more confident in the knowledge and use of sensors and instrumentation systems generally. More specifically, they will:

• Be equipped with new skills and knowledge which must impact positively within the company structure
• Consequently be able to leverage their skills to potentially cause an increase within the plant or process in term of overall productivity and efficiency through an appreciation of the operating principles of a range of sensors and transducers
• Be better equipped to advise on new system installations in terms of sensor choice and specification and circuit design
• Potentially through their newly acquired knowledge be able to advise on in-house use of suitable sensor technologies used in plant process and instrumentation systems thereby negating or at least reducing the dependency on external agencies and vendors
• Therefore potentially contribute towards and result in plant and process cost reductions leading to financial savings for the company

Personal Impact

The delegate will benefit personally from attending this Process Measurement, Instrumentation & Process Control training course, and will enhance their own knowledge-base and level of confidence in the area of Sensor Technologies and Process Control Engineering. Specifically, the delegate will be able to:

• Understand the principle of operation of a range of sensors and transducers used in the measurement of flow, temperature, pressure, strain and level
• Review the construction and operation of the most important sensors and transducers and their application in process measurement systems
• Evaluate and select the most appropriate sensor technology for a given instrumentation system
• Design, build and test using a given specification and sensor, their own instrumentation system within the seminar room
• Identity components and features of a Process control system
• Calibrate and signal condition the above system and take measurements from the system
• Understand the limitations of Open loop systems and be aware of the inherent problems associated with Closed loop negative feedback systems
• Optimise control by tuning a system using relevant software