Instrumentation

Duration: 0.50 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English, Portuguese, French, Polish
Capability: Audio, Video

Flow measurement devices, or flow sensors, measure the volume of a liquid or gas that passes through a container in a given amount of time. This course discusses the common flow, level, and pressure sensor designs as well as defines common industry terms such as “turndown ratio,” “psi,” and “atmospheric pressure.”

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Identify and describe common flow sensor designs
• Distinguish between differential producing flow meters and linear flow meters
• Define “turndown ratio”
• Differentiate between point level sensors and continuous level sensors
• Identify and describe common level sensors
• Define “psi” and “atmospheric pressure”
• Identify and describe common pressure sensors

Duration: 0.50 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English, Portuguese
Capability: Audio, Video

Monitoring and measurement are an essential part of almost every job. Proper measurement of physical properties requires the knowledge of specific terms, measuring units, and measuring devices. This course covers the terminology needed to accurately monitor and measure equipment, as well as the measuring units and techniques that apply to temperature, force, and fluids. It also discusses the challenges associated with measuring different physical properties.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Define the term “temperature”
• Describe temperature measuring units and techniques
• Define the term “force”
• Describe force measuring units and techniques
• Define fluid measurement concepts and units
• Describe how various fluid measurements are made

Duration: 0.25 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English, Portuguese
Capability: Audio, Video

Temperature sensors are used to help ensure that a process or application is staying within a safe temperature range during operation. They also aid in measuring the temperature of equipment under hazardous conditions such as extreme heat, or when an area is inaccessible by normal means. At the end of this module you will be able to list the different types of temperature sensors and state how the different types of light sensors work.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Identify and describe the different types of temperature sensors
• Differentiate between contact and non-contact temperature sensors
• Differentiate between the different classifications of thermistors
• Identify and describe the different types of light sensors
• Explain how the different types of light sensors work

Duration: 0.25 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English, Portuguese
Capability: Audio, Video

Photoswitches, proximity sensors, and feedback devices are all used to detect objects or information. They are useful in industrial and manufacturing environments to sense product or personnel in the line of machinery or equipment. This module discusses the operation of the different types of each of these.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe the purpose of a photoswitch and its general operating principles 
• Differentiate between the five basic types of photoswitches (retroreflective, thru-beam, polarized, diffuse, and convergent beam) 
• Match the three basic types of proximity sensors (inductive, capacitive, and ultrasonic) with their principles of operation 
• Describe the purpose of a proximity sensor 
• Explain the operation of three feedback devices (incremental encoders, absolute encoders, and Hall effect sensors) 
• Describe the purpose of a feedback device

Duration: 1.00 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

Typically, pneumatic actuators and positioners are rugged and dependable. But like any other piece of equipment, their parts can wear out from the rigors of around-the-clock use and may need to be replaced or adjusted from time-to-time. In this interactive online course, we’re going to look at several different actuators and positioners to see what their component parts are, how they work, and how to adjust them.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• identify the main parts of a diaphragm actuator, piston actuator, force-balance positioner, and motion-balance positioner
• describe how each of these instruments works
• describe how a force-balance positioner is adjusted and how a diaphragm actuator and a valve are stroked

Duration: 1.00 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

In industrial process plants, it’s critical for pneumatic controllers to work properly and to be adjusted correctly. Understanding how controllers operate will help you when you’re repairing a controller or tuning a pneumatic control system. This interactive online course will teach you about several types of pneumatic controllers. You will learn how these controllers operate and how to make basic adjustments to the controllers. You will also learn the mechanisms in a controller and how their four basic functions operate.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Identify the four basic functions of a controller
• Describe how a typical proportional controller operates
• Describe the purpose of reset adjustments
• Describe the purpose of a rate adjustment
• Describe how a typical three-mode controller operates

Duration: 1.00 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

Multi-element pneumatic control system,s like all process control systems, operate primarily to maintain a process variable (such as level, temperature, flow, or pressure) at or near a predetermined value known as set point.

This interactive online course focuses on several types of multi-element pneumatic control systems that are commonly used in industrial plants. The basic design and function of the control system are explained, and emphasis is also placed on how the instruments and components in the system work together to keep a process variable at or close to set point.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Identify the main elements and control functions of single element control systems.
• Explain how two individual control systems can be combined to control steam pressure in a heat exchanger.
• Define independent variable and dependent variable in terms of ratio control
• Describe how a ratio control system maintains the ration of chemical solution to waste water in a water clarification process
• Describe how cascade control can be used to regulate the flow of fuel and air into a boiler furnace
• Describe how auctioneering control can be used to ensure that fuel flow an air flow will be manipulated in the proper order in response to a change in the demand for steam from the boiler.
• Explain why steam flow and feedwater flow must be balanced with drum level
• Describe how a three element feedwater control system maintains drum level

Duration: 1.00 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

In any industry that uses pneumatic instrument systems to monitor and control plant processes or conditions, you’ll discover miles of associated pipes and tubing routed throughout the plant. Without these intricate networks of piping and tubing, a plant couldn’t operate. The important job of installing pipe and tubing for pneumatic control systems often belongs to you, the instrument technician. You’ll be concerned specifically with installing pipe for instrument air supplies and tubing from one component to another in pneumatic systems that control process variables.

Our goal in this interactive online course is to examine the basic skills and information you need to know to install piping and tubing for a pneumatic control system. To meet this goal, we’ll observe a qualified technician as he puts a piping and tubing installation together. We’ll take a close look at the materials and tools he uses and the technique he applies.

However, before we start to do any actual work with pipe or tubing, we need to establish what pipe and tubing are, and we need to take a look at the major characteristics of each; their function, the important size factors for both, and the type of material they’re made of. By doing this, we’ll have a better understanding of how pipe and tubing are similar in some respects but different in others.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Identify two factors that determine pipe and tube size.
• Describe how to measure and cut pipe and tube.
• Describe how to thread pipe.
• Identify at least three pipe fittings and the functions of each.
• Describe how to make an offset.
• Describe how to flare tubing.
• Describe how to test pipe and tube runs for leaks.

Duration: 1.00 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

At first glance, most pneumatic control equipment seems like a maze of bellows, cams, beams, and other mechanisms packed into a small area. Sometimes the design makes it appear as if the instrument is hard to understand. However, many of these instruments are fairly easy to understand if you know what you’re looking for. In this interactive online course, we’ll look at a few types of force balance and motion balance instruments in greater detail. We’ll see how they operate and where common adjustments are located.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain the principles of how self-balancing instruments operate
• Recognize types of force balance and motion balance instruments
• Identify the components of self-balancing instruments
• Discuss relays and their purpose

Duration: 1.00 Hr

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

When you tune a control system, you check and adjustment the instruments in the system to ensure that it operates within specified limits. The procedure’s a lot like tuning an automobile engine. No two engines are the same, but if you know the engine and you use a logical tuning method, you can probably do the job. Now, in a plant, no two process control systems are exactly the same, but with the right knowledge and resources, you can tune a variety of control systems. In this interactive online course course, we’ll look at some of the basic principles of tuning a pneumatic control system. Then, we’ll look at the process characteristics that are important in tuning, and we’ll examine some common tuning methods. Afterwards, we’ll see how an instrument technician tunes a control system. Most of the information that you’ll learn from this course can be applied to the pneumatic control systems in your plant.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe tuning as it relates to a process control system.
• List common sources of control system tuning information
• Describe resistance, capacitance, and dead time as they relate to process control
• Describe how to tune the controller using the systematic trial method of tuning
• Identify precautions to be taken prior to tuning a controller

Duration: 1.00 Hr

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

In your plant, there are process conditions that can vary or change, such as temperature, pressure, flow and level. Frequently, these process variables must be maintained at or near a desired value. Understanding how these systems operate will allow you to manage your system at desired operating conditions. This interactive online course will teach you about the elements normally found in a basic pneumatic control system. You will learn about control systems used to maintain temperature, pressure, flow and level. Additionally, you will learn about resources that provide information about pneumatic control systems.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Identify the four elements of a control system that work together to maintain the process variable at or near a set point
• List the resources used to find information about equipment, instruments and systems in a plant
• Identify process characteristics that affect the response of a control system
• Describe how a basic pneumatic control system maintains pressure at set point

Duration: 1.00 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

Transmitters, recorders, signal converters, indicators, and hand-auto control stations are all important pieces of instrumentation and control equipment used in pneumatic systems. Understanding how these instruments function will allow you to maintain your system at desired operating conditions. This interactive online course will teach you about the relationship between the input and output of a transmitter and how a pneumatic transmitter develops an output pressure signal that accurately represents the value of a process variable. You will also learn how to perform calibration adjustments on a typical pneumatic transmitter. Additionally, you will learn the function and purpose of hand-auto control stations.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Identify the three basic mechanisms in a pneumatic transmitter
• Describe the operation of the recorder’s print drive and chart drive mechanisms
• Describe how to make calibration adjustments to a P-to-1 converter
• Describe how to make calibration adjustments to a pneumatic indicator
• Describe the set point and hand relays used in a hand-auto station

Duration: 1.00 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

Most pneumatic instruments have in common basic components and structures. And even though they may look different, their operation is often quite similar. In this interactive online course, we will cover the information needed to recognize the common components and structures of most pneumatic instruments and to understand how the common structures are related. We will cover types of pneumatic instruments, components, and mechanisms, self-balancing instruments, input mechanisms, error detector mechanisms, and output/balancing mechanisms.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe basic categories of pneumatic instruments according to their function
• Identify some of the basic types of pneumatic instruments in each category
• Identify the essential mechanisms found in self-balancing instruments and describe their functions
• Identify various pneumatic instrument components and mechanisms
• Describe the function of input mechanisms, error detector mechanisms, and output/balancing mechanisms
• Describe the operation and function of levers and beams, and springs

Duration: 1.00 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

Pneumatic instruments play an important role in the overall operation of a plant. Knowing how to troubleshoot and fix problems with pneumatic instrument systems will allow you to get your plant quickly back into operation. This interactive online course will use an example of a level control system to teach you about pneumatic instrumentation, basic pneumatic instrument groups and their functions. You will also learn about commonly used plant system diagram symbols and how they are used in diagnosing and correcting problems in the instrument systems found in your plant.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Identify components commonly found in pneumatic compressed air systems
• Describe the basic operation of a pneumatic instrument system under automatic control
• Identify symbols used in plant system diagrams
• Describe how the information found in plant system diagrams can help assist you in troubleshooting and maintaining the systems found in your plant

Duration: 1.00 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

As an instrument technician you’re going to find yourself doing a lot of troubleshooting. By using a logical procedure, you can face each problem confidently and solve the problem logically and efficiently. This interactive online course will teach you the principles of troubleshooting and how to apply them to troubleshooting pneumatic instrument systems. You will learn how to observe, diagnose, and restore pneumatic instrument systems following troubleshooting principles. Additionally, this course will walk you through a troubleshooting example to demonstrate how to diagnose and resolve a pneumatic instrument system issue.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe the process used to figure out abnormal operating conditions in a pneumatic instrument system
• Identify methods used to diagnose a problem with a pneumatic instrument system
• Identify the steps in pneumatic instrument troubleshooting procedures
• Describe the procedure used to calibrate a transmitter

Duration: 1.00 Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Webcast, MobileReady

What is SMART instrumentation? The definition and implementation of “SMART Instrumentation” has evolved over the past five or six decades to its present state where we can literally and figuratively put cruise control on a bicycle; however, it does not ride itself. Proper implementation of a monitoring and control scheme for even a very small system can generate terabytes of useful information per year, all of it meaningless unless correlated, analyzed, trended, structured, and most importantly, acted upon. In this interactive online course, we will discuss the quality and performance specifics, operational reliability, environmental safeguards, and safety risks for control and monitoring systems using SMART instrumentation. We will also cover the reduced costs that can be obtained using SMART instrumentation.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Design and implement systems and facilities to monitor and control single or multiple processes of production, biological, or chemical treatment
• Compare and contrast the quality and performance specifics, operational reliability, environmental safeguards, personal, personnel, and public safety risks for control and monitoring systems
• Calculate the reduced costs and decreased risks of proper and appropriate system design and implementations
• Identify alternative design and operational strategies claiming to improve safety, reduce public health or environmental risks, or reduce costs

Duration: 0.50Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, MobileReady

The ControlLogix® series of programmable logic controllers are the PLC’s of the future. The smallest controller has advanced capabilities above existing PLC’s. They have more computing power and handle motion control better. Progressive companies that are planning for advancing their process are changing to the ControlLogix series. Rockwell Automation is leading industry’s advancing technology requirements.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Recognize the software used in ControlLogix® programming
• Discuss the ControlLogix® project window and review its functionality
• Identify the Basic Hardware Components of the ControlLogix® system
• Explain modules, configuring modules, removing modules and installing modules

Duration: 0.50Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, MobileReady

The ControlLogix® series of programmable logic controllers are the PLCs of the future. Even the smallest controller has advanced capabilities above existing PLCs with greater computing power and motion control. The purpose of this interactive online course is to provide an understanding of the ControlLogix® project structure and PLCs. This course reviews the basic elements of a project and explains the functionality of each element, as well as introducing the tools which are used to generate programs or projects for ControlLogix® PLCs using Rockwell Automation’s RSLogix 5000®.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Identify the basic elements of a project
• Identify the controller folder and its components
• Identify different programs and the components of the programs, including routines and subroutines
• Identify the I/O configuration folder and the functionality of the I/O configurations

Duration: 0.50Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, MobileReady

The ControlLogix® series of programmable logic controllers are the PLCs of the future. Even the smallest controller has advanced capabilities above existing PLCs, including better power and motion control. This interactive online course will allow you to gain a solid understanding of hardware, software and communication concepts inherent to ControlLogix®’s RSLogix5000 ladder logic programming software. This course is designed for technicians, maintenance personnel or engineers who want to improve maintenance and troubleshooting skills in order to minimize machine downtime. This course will introduce you to tasks involved in creating a project and the steps involved to establish communications and download a project to the controller. This course also discusses how to create new file menus to enable the user to configure the projects created.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe how to create a project
• Recognize the tasks involved in creating a project and the steps to download the project to the controller
• Explain how to start the ControlLogix® software
• Describe how to navigate the user interface to create a new file
• Explain how to use input screen detail to save configuration information to the controller
• Describe how to download the project to the controller

Duration: 0.50Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, MobileReady

The ControlLogix® series of programmable logic controllers are the PLCs of the future. Even the smallest controller has advanced capabilities above existing PLCs, including exceptional power and motion control. This interactive online course will introduce you to the ControlLogix® program editor. The course provides an understanding of the program logic, Input and Output instructions, series and parallel instructions, ladder logic and tags. This course is designed to familiarize you with the functions, architecture, and software in use in the ControlLogix® PLC platform, providing you with basic skills that enable you to comfortably interact with the programming software and communicate with the PLC processor.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe the functions of the program editor and discuss program logic
• Recognize how the program’s logic follows a unique structure for evaluation
• Describe the structure of rungs and the output instructions
• Discuss series, parallel and Input/Output instructions
• Describe the ladder logic in programming
• Describe tags and their functions in the program
• Identify the types of tags and describe how to create a new controller tag
• Explain how to monitor and edit tags through the editor

Duration: 0.50Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, MobileReady

Downtime is extremely costly in today’s industry. Even when using preventative maintenance and other techniques to eliminate downtime, failure will still occur. This interactive online course will introduce you to ControlLogix troubleshooting process, and the tools used for troubleshooting controller faults and input/output modules. The course will teach how to find and clear faults both manually and through the controller. Being able to quickly and accurately troubleshoot a programmable logic controller system, or “PLC,” is a vital skill for all maintenance technicians.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe the process of troubleshooting and recognize the tools used for troubleshooting controller faults and input/output modules
• Discuss how to identify and clear controller faults
• Identify the difference between major and minor faults and the different troubleshooting steps for each
• List the steps on how to clear a fault manually
• Discuss how to easily locate project elements by searching and cross referencing projects

Duration: 0.50Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, MobileReady

Programmable Logic Controllers, or PLCs, are the brains behind much of the equipment that runs in manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and other industrial operations. These computers require specific programming for each industrial machine; therefore, it is necessary to understand the logic behind the programming for each task. This interactive online course provides information on basic communication instructions for ControlLogix® PLCs and will also discuss more advanced programming techniques using program instructions, including bit, timer/counter, and compare instructions, as well as move/logical, math conversion, and program control instructions.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Recognize and describe the functionality of basic communication Instructions used in ControlLogix®
• Identify Inputs within each set of basic communication instructions and describe the resulting output
• Understand the more advanced program control instructions used in ControlLogix® and describe the functionality of each one
• Identify inputs within each set of advanced program control instructions and describe the resulting output

Duration: 2.00Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

This course is designed to familiarize participants with the basic concepts associated with automatic control of process systems. After completing this course, participants should be able to describe the functions of the four basic elements of an automatic process control system and explain how a process disturbance can affect a process control system. They should also be able to explain how feedback control and feedforward control can be used in process control systems. In addition, participants should be able to explain how resistance, capacitance, dead time, and lag time can affect a process control system.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• State the function of a process control system
• Describe the functions of the four basic elements of an automated process control system
• Explain what a process disturbance is and how it can affect a process control system
• Describe feedback and feedforward control and explain how they can be used in a process control system
• Define the terms “resistance” and “capacitance”
• Define the terms “dead time” and “lag time”
• Explain how resistance, capacitance, dead time, and lag time can affect a process control system

Duration: 2.00Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

This course is designed to familiarize participants with control modes used with automatic process control systems. After completing this course, participants should be able to describe two-position control, proportional control, reset control, rate control, and proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control and explain how each of these control modes works in a control system. They should also be able to explain how proportional band applies to a control system.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe two-position control and explain how it works in a control system
• Describe proportional control and explain how it works in a control system
• Explain how proportional band applies to a control system
• Describe reset control and explain how it works in a control system
• Describe rate control and explain how it works in a control system
• Describe PID control and explain how it works in a control system

Duration: 2.00Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

This course is designed to introduce participants to some basic information about analytical variables and to some methods for measuring concentration in liquids and gases. After completing this course, participants should be able to define five analytical variables that are commonly measured in plants and explain how and why analytical variables are measured. They should also be able to describe the basic operation of several different types of analyzers that can be used to measure liquid and gas concentrations.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• State the general purpose of analytical measurements
• Define the following terms: “concentration,” “density,” “clarity,” “humidity,” “moisture,” and “analyzer”
• Explain what pH measurements represent
• Explain how a pH scale is structured and how to interpret pH values
• Describe the basic operation of a typical pH analyzer and a typical electrical conductivity measuring device
• Describe the basic operation of a paramagnetic oxygen analyzer, a thermal conductivity gas analyzer, and a chromatograph

Duration: 2.00Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

This course is designed to introduce participants to some devices that can be used to measure density, clarity, and moisture. After completing this course, participants should be able to define various terms associated with density, clarity, and moisture and describe the basic operation of devices used to measure density, clarity, humidity, and moisture.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Define the term “density”
• Explain the difference between density and specific gravity
• Describe the basic operation of a hydrometer
• Describe the use of a bubbler system to measure density
• Describe the operation of a radioactive density analyzer
• Define the term “clarity”
• Describe the basic operation of a colorimeter, a turbidity meter, and an opacity meter
• Define the terms “humidity” and “moisture”
• Describe the basic operation of a sling psychrometer
• Describe the basic operation of a wet and dry bulb recording psychrometer
• Describe the basic operation of a hygrometer
• Describe the basic operation of an infrared moisture analyzer

Duration: 2.00Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

This course is designed to introduce participants to instruments that measure level and flow. After completing this course, participants should be able to explain what level is and describe the basic operation of various direct level measurement devices and indirect level measurement devices. They should also be able to explain what fluid flow, flow rate, and total flow are and describe some common examples of direct flow measurement and indirect flow measurement.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Define the following terms: “level,” “continuous level measurement,” and “single-point level detection”
• Describe basic operation of the following level measurement devices: plumb bob, gauge glass, float and tape, and conductivity probes
• Describe the basic operation of these level measurement devices: pressure gauge, bubbler system, and differential pressure (D/P) cell
• Define the following terms: “fluid flow,” “flow rate,” and “total flow”
• List basic units of measurement for flow rate
• Describe common examples of direct flow measurement
• Describe common examples of indirect flow measurement

Duration: 2.00Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

This course is designed to introduce participants to some of the fundamental aspects of process variable measurement and to some of the basic instruments used for pressure measurement and temperature measurement. After completing this course, participants should be able to describe the function of process instrumentation and describe how to obtain accurate readings from instruments such as gauges, indicators, and recorders. They should be able to explain what pressure and temperature are and how they are expressed, and they should be able to describe the operation of several pressure measuring devices and several temperature measuring devices.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• State the general function of process instrumentation
• List four process variables monitored by process instrumentation
• Explain how parallax can affect an instrument reading
• Explain how to use a multiplication factor when reading an instrument
• Describe how to read gauges, indicators, recorders, and digital meters
• Define pressure in terms of solids, liquids, and gases
• Describe three types of scales used to indicate pressure
• List basic units of measurement for pressure
• Describe three types of manometers
• Describe the basic operation of Bourdon tube, bellows, and diaphragm pressure elements
• Describe the basic operation of a pressure transmitter
• Explain the general relationship between heat and temperature
• List basic units of measurement for temperature
• Describe the basic operation of a fluid thermometer, bimetallic thermometer, thermocouple, and Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD)

Duration: 1.00 Hr

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

The successful operation of a plant is closely linked to the reliability of the indicating instruments used by operating personnel. This course introduces participants to one of the primary responsibilities of instrument technicians, which is to ensure that each of the instruments used to monitor plant processes provides accurate indications. The standard method of ensuring that instruments such as pressure gauges are accurate is to check their calibration.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe gauge calibration terminology and concepts
• Explain how to read a gauge and remove it for repair
• Describe how to calibrate rotary-geared gauges and replace them following repair

Duration: 1.00Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

To properly calibrate rotary-geared pressure gauges, instrument technicians must have an understanding of pressure elements and adjustable pointer mechanisms; calibration standards, comparison graphs, and basic calibration procedures; and the differences in calibration procedures that are dictated by specific types of gauges. In addition to being able to perform calibrations on various types of pressure gauges, instrument technicians must also know how to compensate gauges for static pressures and to select devices that protect pressure gauges and thereby increase their service time.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe the procedure for calibrating a retard gauge using a deadweight tester
• Describe how to calibrate an absolute pressure gauge using a mercury-filled manometer
• Explain how to calibrate a compound pressure gauge
• Describe how to compensate a gauge for head pressures
• Explain how to calculate head compensation for liquid other than water
• Identify major categories and purposes of gauge protection devices

Duration: 1.00Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

Distributed control systems(DCS) are used in a variety of industries for numerous applications. Whether you are working with pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, or mining operations, this course provides a brief overview of the different components and variations of typical distributed control systems. This information can be applied to almost anyone’s particular field where these systems are being used.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe the functions of DCS input and output devices
• Explain the function of a user interface
• Describe basic DCS networks
• Discuss DCS variations

Duration: 1.00Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

This course covers fundamental information pertaining to the way in which differential pressure measurements can be used to determine fluid flow. Most plants contain miles of piping that provide for the efficient transportation of fluid from one location to another. In some cases, the flow of fluid through a pipe must be measured in order to ensure that equipment is lubricated or that a certain mass or volume of fluid is present at a given time and place. There are several methods that can be used to measure the rate at which a fluid flows through a pipe. One commonly used method is to measure fluid flow in terms of differential pressure, which is the difference between two related pressures in a system of flowing fluid. This course covers fundamental information pertaining to the way in which differential pressure measurements can be used to determine fluid flow.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Fluid Flow Basics

• Explain how pressure and velocity effect the flow of a fluid through a pipe
• Describe the difference between laminar flow and turbulent flow
• State two methods of expressing flow measurements and provide examples of each

Flow Devices, Part 1

• Explain how an orifice plate creates a measurable difference in pressure
• Identify three types of orifice plates
• Explain how a venturi tube creates a measurable effect in a flow measuring system
• Explain what a flow nozzle is

Flow Devices, Part 2

• Explain what an elbow tap is and how it works
• Explain what a pitot tube is and describe how it works
• State the purpose of straightening vanes and explain how that purpose is accomplished
• Describe how flow measuring installations are typically mounted
• Explain the purpose of condensate chambers and sediment traps in relation to fluid flow measuring systems
• Differential Pressure Measurement
• Explain what a delta P device is
• Describe three types of delta P devices and explain how they work
• State a formula that can be used to convert a delta P measurement into a flow measurement
• Use this formula to convert a differential pressure measurement into a flow measurement

Square Root Extractors

• State how a square root chart converts delta P measurements into flow measurements
• Explain what a Ledoux bell is and state the principle by which it operates
• Describe how a square root cam can be used to convert the rotating action of a gear mechanism into a linear motion that is directly proportional to flow

Duration: 1.00Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

The flow of fluids is an important aspect of many industrial processes. Fluid flow through industrial systems is often measured by flow meters. Instrument technicians are generally responsible for installing, calibrating, and repairing the flow meters in their facilities. In order to perform these tasks efficiently and effectively, instrument technicians must be able to identify various types of flow meters, and they must understand how the meters measure fluid flow.

This course focuses on the following types of flow meters: oval gear flow meters, lobed impeller flow meters, nutating disc flow meters, rotameters, cylinder and piston flow meters, weirs, target meters, turbine meters, vortexs hedding meters, magmeters, and ultrasonic meters. The course also includes a discussion of how integrators can be used in measuring the total flow of a fluid.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Positive Displacement Meters
  
  • Explain how oval gear meters measure total flow
  • Explain how lobed impeller meters measure total flow
  • Explain how nutating disc meters measure total flow
• Indirect Meters
  
  • Explain how a glass or plastic rotameter measures flow rate
  • Explain how a metal tube rotameter measures flow rate
  • Explain how a cylinder and piston meter measures flow rate
  • Explain how a weir measures flow rate
• Velocity Meters, Part 1
• • Explain how a target meter measures flow rate
  • Explain how a turbine meter measures flow rate
  • Explain how a vortex-shedding meter measures flow rate
• Velocity Meters, Part 2
  
  • Explain how magmeters measure flow rate
  • Explain how ultrasonic meters measure flow rate. Integrators
  • Explain how an integrator can be used to measure total flow

Duration: 1.00Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

Many industrial liquids are important to plant operations. Accurate level measurements are an essential part of process control for efficient plant operation. Devices for making liquid level measurements are common throughout industry. You need a basic understanding of liquid level instruments design, how the instruments operate, and how they’re maintained. In this course, you will explore a number of different devices used to measure and control liquid levels.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Topic I: Principles of Level Measurement

• Determine whether the system measures innage or outage (ullage)
• Determine whether the liquid containers have uniform or nonuniform cross-sections
• Determine whether the container is open or closed
• Determine whether the system is a continuous level measurement system or a single-point level detection system

Topic II: Simple Level Measuring Instruments

• Read or compute the indicated level for the following simple level measuring instruments:
• Dipstick
• Gauge stick
• Plumb bob (for innage and outage measurements)
• Gauge glass

Topic III: Floats and Displacers

• Read the indicated level, determine whether the reading is a true indication of level, and, if it is not, troubleshoot and repair the instrument for the following float-actuated instruments:
• Float and calibrated rod (or mechanical linkage)
• Float, tape (or chain), and counterweight
• Float, cable, and pulley (with/without winder window)
• Given a level control diagram and a gauge stick, troubleshoot a problem with a sump pump when the pump is controlled by a ball float and a mechanical float switch
• List the major parts of a typical torque-tube displacer and explain the function of each part

Topic IV: Magnetic Float Devices

• Read the indicated level on a magnetic float-actuated device that uses a floating magnet and a follower magnet
• Troubleshoot the system, if controls are not actuated at specific levels in the tank, for the following magnetic float-actuated devices:
• A system that uses reed switches
• A system that uses a ball float and mercury switches

Topic V: Conductance and Capacitance Probes

• Describe what happens in the control circuit of a conductance probe system when level increases and when level decreases
• Be able to safely perform maintenance on the probes for a level measurement system that uses conductance probes
• Describe the relationship between capacitance and changes in level in a level measurement system that uses capacitance probes

Topic VI: Sonic and Nuclear Radiation Instruments

• Describe the use of sound waves in a continuous level measurement system and in a single-point level detection system
• Describe how radiation is used in a continuous level measurement system and in a single-point level detection system

Duration: 1.00Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

This course will familiarize you with various devices and systems that use pressure to measure liquid level. Indirect level measurement instruments measure quantities, such as liquid pressure, that vary due to liquid level changes. Indirect level measurement instruments are a practical way to measure liquid levels, and the converted signals are used for indication and control functions throughout the plant.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Topic I: Pressure and Level Measurement

• Define head pressure and use head pressure to compute the level of water in a tank
• Calculate the levels of liquids other than water

Topic II: Level Measurement in Open Tanks

• Describe how the following open tank systems measure liquid level: air trap, diaphragm box, bubbler system Describe how a bubbler system is typically maintained

Topic III: Principles of Differential Pressure Elements

• Define differential pressure
• Describe how the following differential pressure elements operate to reflect changes in liquid levels:
• Simple diaphragm
• Diaphragm capsule
• Well-type manometer and float
• Bell-type manometer

Topic IV: Using Differential Pressure for Level Measurement

• Describe how differential pressure is used to measure level in the following situations:
• Open tank
• Closed-tank, dry-leg
• Closed-tank, wet-leg

Topic V: Temperature Compensation

• Explain how changes in the temperature of a liquid in a tank affect its head pressure. Describe how a typical closed-tank, wet-leg system compensates for changes in the temperature of the liquid in the tank.

Topic VI: Maintenance of Wet-leg Systems

• Describe the following typical procedures involved in maintaining a DP device in a closed-tank, wet-leg system:
• Isolating the device
• Blowdown. Venting
• Returning the device to service

Duration: 1.00Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

Many of the instruments used to monitor systems or processes in a plant measure pressure. In order to understand how these instruments operate, instrument technicians must understand the concept of pressure; the ways in which solids, liquids, and gases exert pressure; and the standards established for pressure measurement.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Define pressure in terms of solids, liquids, and gases
• Define three types of scales commonly used to indicate pressure
• List basic units of measurement for pressure
• Describe three types of manometers
• Describe three common types of pressure elements
• Describe the basic operation of a pressure transmitter

Duration: 1.00Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

Accurate and reliable temperature measuring instruments help industrial facilities operate with maximum safety and efficiency. An understanding of how temperature measuring devices operate depends on an understanding of the concept of temperature and the ways in which solids, liquids, and gases respond to temperature changes. This course is intended to introduce technicians to the principles of operation and some common maintenance procedures related to the three basic types of mechanical thermometers: fluid thermometers, filled system thermometers, and bimetallic thermometers.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain the concept of temperature and ways in which solids, liquids, and gases respond to temperature changes
• Describe the components and operation of fluid thermometers
• Describe the components and operation liquid- and gas-filled thermometers
• Describe the components and operation of bimetallic thermometers
• Identify the methods used to check the accuracy of a thermometer

Duration: 1.00Hrs

Course Level: Intermediate
Languages: English
Capability: Audio, Video, MobileReady

Among the many temperature measuring instruments found in industrial facilities are several that use electricity as a basis for temperature measurement. Therefore, technicians are frequently called upon to install, remove, inspect, and troubleshoot a variety of electrical temperature measuring devices. This second course on Temperature and Temperature Measurement covers the basic operating principles behind the most commonly used electrical temperature sensors and an infrared temperature detector, all of which use electricity as a basis for temperature measurement. Also discussed are some common maintenance and troubleshooting procedures related to thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), and thermistors.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain the operating principles of thermocouples, types, electrical circuits, and electrical circuit troubleshooting
• Identify RTD components, and explain operation in a bridge circuit
• Describe thermistors, and compare their operation with the operation of RTDs
• Identify infrared temperature sensor components, and explain the principles of operation of infrared temperature components