Instrumentation and Controls

Lawrence J. Marchetti, P.E.

Course Outline

This 4-hour course utilizes US Department of Energy training materials (DOE-HDBK-1013/1-92, INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROLS, Vol. 1, Modules 1 through 4) to instill a fundamental understanding of various instrumentation and control detection circuits as they relate to temperature, pressure, flow, and level monitoring of various processes.

This course includes a True-False quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objective

After studying Module 1- Temperature Detectors, the student will:

• Describe the construction of a basic RTD.
• Explain RTD resistance values for an increase in temperature and a decrease in temperature.
• Describe the basic construction of a thermocouple.
• State (3) basic functions of temperature detectors.
• Describe the purpose, function, and components of a bridge circuit.

After studying Module 2- Pressure Detectors, the student will:

• Explain how bellows and bourdon tube-type pressure detectors work including method of detection and method of signal generation.
• State (3) environmental concerns that can affect the accuracy and reliability of pressure detection instrumentation.
• Describe the basic function and operation of a strain gage pressure detector including method of detection and method of signal generation.
  

After studying Module 3- Level Detectors, the student will:

• Explain the principal of operation for various types of level detectors including gauge glass, magnetic bond, conductivity probe, ball float, and differential pressure level detectors.
• Explain the process of density compensation.
• State (3) environmental concerns that can affect the accuracy and reliability of level detection instrumentation.
  

After studying Module 4- Flow Detectors, the student will:

• Explain the principal of operation for various types of flow detectors including orifice plates, Venturi tubes, Dall flow tube, Rotameter, Nutating disk, and Pitot tubes.
• Describe the process of density compensation for a steam flow instrument including the reason density compensation is required and the parameters used.
• State (3) environmental concerns that can affect the accuracy and reliability of level detection instrumentation.
  

Course Introduction

In almost any nuclear, chemical, or mechanical system, the temperature, pressure, flow, and level of fluids through a piping system or process must be closely monitored and controlled. Various types of temperature, pressure, level, and flow detection circuits accomplish this task. A basic understanding of the theory, characteristics, and mechanical components of various temperature, pressure, level, and flow controls and instrumentation is essential to understanding how they function and operate within a system or process.

Course Content

The the course content is in a PDF file DOE-HDBK-1013/1-92, INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROLS, Vol. 1, Modules 1 through 4.

The document contains four (4) modules:

Module-1 Temperature Detectors
Module-2 Pressure Detectors
Module-3 Level Detectors
Module-4 Flow Detectors

You need to open or download this document to study this course.

Course Summary

Controls and Instrumentation are utilized as a primary means of monitoring and controlling fluid temperature, pressure, level and flow in various systems and processes and find applications in nuclear, chemical, and mechanical systems. Engineers involved in the application, and selection of various instrumentation and control systems require a fundamental understanding of the application, operational characteristics, and components of various types of temperature, pressure, level, and flow control detection circuits. The following course will provide the fundamental framework for this knowledge.


Related Reading

For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites or web pages:

www.omega.com


Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

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DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDHonline.com or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered professional engineer. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.

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