Aims

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 students 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.

Outline Of Syllabus

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 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.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures are used as the primary vehicle for disseminating knowledge.
Tutorials (examples classes) and practicals are used for reinforcing understanding.
Demonstrations enable students 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.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

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 students’ ability to adapt and apply theory and technology to relevant open ended problems of an industrial nature.