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Instrumentation - INST 333

Instrumentation Overview

• Explain the principle of a process control system; draw a block diagram of a process control loop and identify each element.
• Define parameters in a process control system and list practical examples.
• Describe three criteria to evaluate the performance of a process control loop.
• Recognize the common P&ID symbols and read the diagrams. Draw the block diagrams from a P&I diagram and describe the system work strategy.
• Draw a typical first-order time response curve and calculate the output value at different time.
• Perform calculation in a linear relationship of data representation.
• Explain the function of analog/digital signal conditioning.
• Design a Wheatstone bridge to convert resistance change to voltage change.
• Design low-pass and high-pass filter circuits to eliminate unwanted noises based on application requirements.
• Draw schematics of four common op amp circuits and provide the transfer functions. Select proper op amp circuits given an I/O equation.
• Design an analog signal conditioning system to convert an input range of voltages to some desired output range of voltage.
• Design an analog signal conditioning system so that some input range of resistance variation is converted into a desired output range of voltage variation.
• Develop Boolean equations for a multivariable system.
• Design an application of comparator.
• Calculate the input/output, reference voltage, resolution of a DAC.
• Calculate the input/output, reference voltage, resolution of an ADC.
• Design interface between a sensor and ADC or between a controller and DAC.
• Define and convert between different temperature scales.
• Describe the principle of different temperature sensors (RTD, thermistor, thermocouple and others). Calculate a sensor’s output using formula or tables.
• Design the application of an RTD sensor to specific problems in temperature measurement.
• Design the application of a thermistor to specific problems in temperature measurement.
• Design the application of a thermocouple sensor to specific problems in temperature measurement.
• Define the three parts of final control element and their functions.
• Explain the basic principles of the pneumatic nozzle/flapper system.
• Explain the operation of a pneumatic valve stem positioning actuator.
• Determine the control valve size.
• Define process load, process lag, self-regulation and other process concepts.
• Describe two-position and floating control mode.
• Describe and calculate the proportional control mode.
• Give an example and description of integral control mode.
• Describe the derivative control mode.
• Describe the three-mode controller.
• Find proper control modes for different applications.