| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 15 |
|---|---|
| ECTS Credits: | 8.0 |
The aim of the module is to provide a thorough grounding in the principles, technology and practices of measurement, with an emphasis on the specification, installation and operation of the common types of instrumentation (including valves) used in the process industries.
The intent is that it may be assumed, in other modules, that delegates appreciate how measurements are made and have an understanding of the instrumentation used.
Objectives:
To develop an awareness of the principles of measurement and principal design features of a variety of instruments.
To appreciate the key issues in selecting instrument types (including valves) and specifying their requirements.
To become familiar with the operation and use of a variety of typical items of process instrumentation and control loop hardware.
To understand modern signal transmission techniques and relevant standards.
To recognise the importance of good measurement as a basis for effective control.
Metrics of measurement: accuracy, resolution, repeatability, etc. Measurement errors.
Signals: Use of pneumatic, electrical and digital signals. Standard signal ranges, e.g. 4-20 mA and 0.2-1.0 bar. Power and air supply.
Principles of measurement of temperature, pressure, level, flow, weight, pH, power, speed, position, etc.
Instrumentation: Principal features of design of common sensors, transducers, transmitters, controllers, actuators, recorders, switches, etc. Criteria for selection of instruments. Location of instruments. Sampling systems. Commissioning instruments.
Control valves: Principal features of construction. Valve bodies: e.g. butterfly, globe, etc. Plug and seat arrangements. Noise. Terminology. Inherent and installed characteristics. Specification and sizing. Control valve failure actions. Actuator types. Use of positioners. Split range (duplex) action. Installation practice. Methodology for calibration. Intelligent valves: integration with PID and measurement functions.
Digital communications: Pros and cons. HART and Fieldbus protocols. Layers. Topology. Interoperability. User layer functionality. Function blocks and device description language. IEC/ISA SP50 standard.
Control practice: Layout of control rooms and motor control centres, I/O racks, marshalling panels, field termination racks, etc. Signal distribution. Documentation. Electrical installation. Trays, trunking and conduit. Power and air supply and distribution. Earthing. Intrinsic safety. Hazardous area classifications: gas groups and zones. Enclosures. Ingress protection and IP66. Barrier systems. Segregation policy.
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Academic Staff Contact Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | Lectures/demonstrations |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 35 | 1:00 | 35:00 | 0:00 | Revision and further study prior to exam |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 4:00 | 4:00 | 0:00 | Exam and remote support (email, phone) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | 6:00 | Sturctured exercises in process control lab |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Tutorials/Case study |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Fieldwork | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | 0:00 | Completion of assignment (works based or otherwise) and writing of report |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 35:00 | 35:00 | 0:00 | Background reading for assignment |
| Total | 150:00 | 36:00 |
Lectures are used as the primary vehicle for disseminating knowledge.
Tutorials (examples classes) and practicals are used for reinforcing understanding.
Industrialists’ involvement is to emphasise applications orientation of module.
Demonstrations enable delegates to appreciate functionality of proprietary products.
Assignment provides opportunity to apply theory and principles to a real/realistic problem.
Exam and assignment enable success of the module to be assessed.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 120 | 3 | M | 50 | In-house closed book exam 2.5 months after the start of the module |
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report | 3 | M | 50 | Assignment issued during week of module. An 8-15 page report on the assignment submitted 2 months after start of module |
The objective is to assess as many of the learning outcomes as possible by means of the combination of both the formal exam and the report on the assignment.
The exam enables a formal assessment of theory and problem solving skills whereas the assignment enables assessment of delegates’ ability to adapt and apply theory and technology to relevant open ended problems of an industrial nature.
The 50/50 split between assignment and exam is deliberate to balance the needs of:
• delegates in full time employment working towards their MSc degree/Diploma on a remote basis, and
• the rigour necessary to have confidence in the examinations process.
The 150 student hours is split equally between the assignment and tuition/exam to reflect a 50/50 split in assessment.
Disclaimer: The University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver modules in accordance with the descriptions set out in this catalogue. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, however, the University reserves the right to introduce changes to the information given including the addition, withdrawal or restructuring of modules if it considers such action to be necessary.