Instrumentation Training

Lesson 1 • Measurement Concepts and Units

Covers SI units, derived units, and measurement terminology essential to instrumentation. Establishes the quantitative language used throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Instrument Classification and Selection

Categorizes instruments by measured variable and operating principle. Enables informed selection of the correct instrument for a given process application.

Lesson 3 • Signal Types and Transmission

Introduces pneumatic, electrical, and digital signal standards used in process plants. Connects signal knowledge to wiring and loop configuration in later chapters.

Lesson 1 • Mechanical Pressure Instruments

Examines Bourdon tubes, diaphragm gauges, and bellows elements. Connects mechanical sensing principles to practical gauge selection and maintenance tasks.

Lesson 2 • Pressure Instrument Installation

Details impulse line routing, isolation valves, and manifold arrangements. Ensures safe and accurate pressure measurement through correct installation practice.

Lesson 3 • Electronic Pressure Transmitters

Covers capacitive, piezoresistive, and strain-gauge transmitter technologies. Prepares students to configure and calibrate electronic transmitters on live loops.

Lesson 4 • Pressure Calibration and Troubleshooting

Applies calibration procedures using deadweight testers and pressure calibrators. Develops systematic fault-finding skills for common pressure measurement errors.

Lesson 1 • Thermocouples: Theory and Types

Explains the Seebeck effect and covers common thermocouple type characteristics. Students match thermocouple types to process temperature ranges and environments.

Lesson 2 • Temperature Calibration Procedures

Applies dry-block calibrators and reference baths to verify sensor accuracy. Develops documentation and uncertainty analysis skills for temperature calibration records.

Lesson 3 • Resistance Temperature Detectors

Covers PT100 and PT1000 RTD construction, wiring configurations, and accuracy classes. Connects RTD characteristics to applications requiring high measurement stability.

Lesson 4 • Temperature Transmitters and Indicators

Addresses head-mounted and DIN-rail transmitters, input configuration, and HART communication. Links transmitter setup to loop integration covered in later chapters.

Lesson 1 • Flow Meter Installation and Verification

Details upstream and downstream straight-run requirements, flow conditioners, and in-situ verification. Ensures accurate flow measurement through correct installation and commissioning.

Lesson 2 • Mass Flow Measurement

Addresses Coriolis and thermal mass flow meter principles and applications. Emphasizes mass flow advantages for custody transfer and reaction control processes.

Lesson 3 • Velocity and Volumetric Flow Meters

Covers turbine, vortex, electromagnetic, and ultrasonic flow meter technologies. Connects meter selection criteria to fluid properties and installation requirements.

Lesson 4 • Differential Pressure Flow Devices

Examines orifice plates, venturi tubes, and flow nozzles using differential pressure principles. Students calculate flow rates from differential pressure readings and sizing data.

Lesson 1 • Level Measurement Fundamentals

Defines direct and inferential level measurement and reviews vessel geometry effects. Establishes the conceptual framework for selecting appropriate level technologies.

Lesson 2 • Guided-Wave and Free-Space Radar

Explains time-of-flight radar principles for guided-wave and free-space radar level transmitters. Students configure echo curves and false-echo suppression for reliable measurement.

Lesson 3 • Ultrasonic and Capacitance Level Devices

Addresses ultrasonic non-contact and capacitance probe level measurement for liquids and solids. Highlights application limits such as foam, vapor, and dielectric variation effects.

Lesson 4 • Float, Displacer, and Sight Glass Devices

Covers mechanical level devices including floats, torque-tube displacers, and magnetic level gauges. Connects mechanical simplicity to applications where electronic devices are impractical.

Lesson 1 • Valve Diagnostics and Troubleshooting

Applies partial stroke testing, signature analysis, and step-response testing to diagnose valve faults. Develops systematic troubleshooting skills for common control valve problems.

Lesson 2 • Valve Sizing and Selection

Applies ISA sizing equations for liquid, gas, and steam service control valves. Students calculate required Cv and select appropriate valve body and trim combinations.

Lesson 3 • Actuators and Positioners

Covers pneumatic diaphragm, piston, and electric actuators paired with valve positioners. Connects actuator selection to required thrust, speed, and control signal type.

Lesson 4 • Control Valve Fundamentals

Introduces valve body types, trim characteristics, and flow coefficient concepts. Provides the vocabulary and theory needed for valve sizing and selection tasks.

Lesson 1 • Process Identification and Modeling

Covers step-test methods to identify process gain, dead time, and time constant. Provides the process model data required for systematic PID tuning methods.

Lesson 2 • Advanced Loop Configurations

Introduces cascade, ratio, feedforward, and split-range control strategies. Connects advanced configurations to process scenarios where single-loop PID is insufficient.

Lesson 3 • PID Tuning Methods

Applies Ziegler-Nichols, IMC, and Lambda tuning rules to calculate initial PID parameters. Students refine parameters through iterative testing and performance evaluation.

Lesson 4 • Feedback Control Concepts

Introduces open-loop vs. closed-loop control, error signal, and setpoint tracking. Establishes the control theory foundation required for PID tuning and loop analysis.

Lesson 1 • Instrument Calibration Management

Establishes calibration schedules, traceability chains, and calibration record systems. Links calibration management to quality assurance and regulatory compliance requirements.

Lesson 2 • DCS and PLC Integration Basics

Introduces I/O module configuration, signal scaling, and tag database setup in control systems. Prepares students to connect field instruments to distributed control and PLC platforms.

Lesson 3 • Commissioning and Handover Procedures

Covers functional acceptance testing, as-built documentation, and handover package preparation. Ensures a complete and auditable transition from construction to operational status.

Lesson 4 • Loop Checking and Pre-Commissioning

Applies continuity testing, insulation resistance checks, and signal injection to verify loop wiring. Identifies and resolves wiring faults before process fluids are introduced.