PRT 140: Industrial Process Instrumentation I

Industrial Process Instrumentation I is a comprehensive course that identifies the equipment utilized to control process variables and the theory behind their physical operation. Students will learn how these primary measurements are utilized to control physical properties required to safely operate the equipment found in process industries. Students will also learn the basic theories of control logic including proportional control, integral timing, automatic reset and derivative action.

Course Information

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: DEVM 105 Intermediate Algebra or permission of instructor

Instructional Goals

1.  Identify the role of a process technician with instrumentation and controls.
2. Explain the terminology utilized by process technicians in describing instrumentation and controls.
3. Explain safety issues related to process instrumentation and controls.
4. Explain and demonstrate variables used and measured in process systems.
5. Explain and demonstrate pressure sensing equipment.
6. Explain and demonstrate flow sensing equipment.
7. Explain and demonstrate temperature sensing equipment.
8. Explain and demonstrate level sensing equipment.
9. Explain and demonstrate control loops and controllers
10. Explain and demonstrate basic instrumentation troubleshooting

Student Outcomes

Course Outline

1. Introduction to Instrumentation
   1. Importance of instrumentation to process industries
   2. Instrumentation terminology
   3. Major process variables
   4. Relationships between process variables
   5. Variable change effects on accurate measurements
2. Process Variables, Elements and Instruments – Pressure
   1. Pressure and pressure instrumentation terminology
   2. Components that affect force
   3. Common types of pressure sensing/measuring instruments
   4. Purpose of pressure sensing in a process
   5. Pressure conversions/scales
3. Process Variables, Elements and Instruments – Temperature
   1. Temperature and temperature instrumentation terminology
   2. Heat energy and temperature scales
   3. Common types of temperature sensing/measuring instruments
   4. Purpose of temperature sensing in a process
   5. Temperature conversions/scales
4. Process Variables, Elements and Instruments — Level
   1. Level and level instrumentation terminology
   2. Common types of level sensing/measuring instruments
   3. Purpose of level sensing in a process
   4. Hydrostatic head pressure and reference pressure in relation to level
   5. Relationship between temperature and level control/fluid density
   6. Relationship between temperature and level control/volume
5. Process Variables, Elements and Instruments – Flow
   1. Flow and flow instrumentation terminology
   2. Common types of flow sensing/measuring instruments
   3. Purpose of flow sensing in a process
   4. Difference between total volume flow and flow rate
   5. Flow conversions/scales
6. Process Variables, Elements and Instruments – Analytical
   1. Analytical and analytical instrumentation terminology
   2. Common types of flow sensing/measuring instruments
   3. Purpose of analytical sensing in a process
   4. How analytical instrumentation affects the role of the process technician
   5. Process technicians role in analytical instrumentation performance
7. Miscellaneous Measuring Devices
   1. Terminology associated with measuring devices
   2. Load cells
   3. Vibration measurement
   4. Proximity switches
   5. signal conversions/scales
8. Introduction to Control Loops
   1. Description of process control
   2. Function of a control loop
   3. Components of a control loop
   4. Open and closed control loops
   5. Signal transmission types
9. Introduction to Control Loops – Controllers
   1. Terminology associated with controllers
   2. Types of controller functions
   3. Applications of controller types/functions
   4. Controller operations
   5. Controller bumpless transfers
10. Control Valves and Final Control Elements
    1. Terminology associated with valves and final control elements
    2. Components of a control valve
    3. Applications of control valve types/elements
    4. Role of the final control element in the control loop
    5. Control valve actuators/operation
11. Instrumentation Troubleshooting
    1. Facility practices related to process technician troubleshooting
    2. Typical malfunctions of sensing elements and transmitters
    3. Importance of process knowledge in troubleshooting
    4. Proper use of tools and meters
    5. Purpose of instrument calibration

Suggested Text

Bibliography

DACUM Research Chart for Mill Operator
Produced for Teck Alaska Inc. Red Dog Mine — June 2015
Prepared by John P. Hakala
Apprenticeship USA United States Department of Labor