Basic Instrumentation and Controls, Skill Set

Douglas A. Furr, Applied Process Technology Program Coordinator
215B Advanced Technology Center / (304)367-4911
dfurr1@pierpont.edu

Program Purpose

This Skill Set enables students to work on basic industrial instrumentation and process control and final control devices including temperature, pressure, flow and level measurement and controls as well as final control elements, such as motor speed controls and control valves.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this Skill Set, completers will be able to do the following:

• Explain the principles of pressure, level, flow and temperature measurement and controls.
• List and describe the operational theory of pressure, level, flow and temperature measuring instruments.
• Discuss the difference between 0-5 volt output transmitters and 4-20 ma transmitters.
• Explain the design, construction and use of thermal wells, RTD’s thermocouples, thermistors, thermometer, bi-metallic elements
• DESCRIBE how to test a temperature instrument.
• Describe the techniques used to fill the instrument capillary tube systems. Explain the construction and operation of pressure/differential pressure switches, differential pressure indicators, and differential pressure transmitters.
• Describe the proper test setup for a differential pressure instrument to determine pressure, level and flow.
• Explain the design, construction and operation of a float-actuated device, displacer conductivity switches, capacitance level indication, and ultrasonic level indication.
• Describe the proper test setup for a float-actuated device or displacer.
• Explain the design, construction and operation of an orifice plate sensor, venturi tube, annubar flow sensor, pitot tube sensor, weir sensor, turbine flow sensor and operation of a rotameter.
• Describe how to test a flow sensing device.
• Install an RTD, thermocouple, thermistor, bi-metallic thermometer, bi-metallic switch, and a filled capillary switch/indicator. Obtain temperature readings from all when installed.
• Set up a single primary element temperature control loop to control

Opportunities

Skills that enable students to function in a power generation station, midstream processing plant, or in a manufacturing facility as an operator, maintenance technician, or instrumentation and controls technician are skills that are in-demand.