Instrumentation & control for dummies?

[3ooody]

I'm an Instrumentation foreman in an crude oil plant, my experience in this field is only 4 years, but still i need more information, easy information, I want to be able to know how to answer my boss at any time without telling him "I'll get back to you on that issue!!!" thanks

 

[xnuke]

Instrument Engineers Handbooks vol. 1-3 by Bela Liptak.

xnuke
"Live and act within the limit of your knowledge and keep expanding it to the limit of your life." Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged.
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[controlnovice]

xnuke got it right.

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This is normally the space where people post something insightful.

 

[JLSeagull]

Let's say you knew someone who had worked a bit of pipeline operations before getting a degree, then a few years as an isntrument and analyzer tech in a refinery after getting a degree. Perhaps subsequent experience could include working as an instrumentation and control systems engineer since 1974.

Perhaps some people like that are just a bith thick; but in the instrumentation and control systems business it is common for some such folks to tell the boss that they will get back to them on a particular topic. At least, that is what I hear. ;-)

The instrumentation business changes rapidly and continuously. Liptak provides good background. A Rosemount dp transmitter instruction manual (for example) is also helpful. I have over 6 gb worth of catalog and instruction manual in PDF's on my hard drive; and another 7.5 Gb in a folder labeled technical. Most of this material excludes DCS programming and configuration material.

 

[xJAyx]

In my opinion, you will never have enough reference material, and you will never be able to answer every question off the top of your head.
I am also somewhat new to the field, although I have nearly 10 years as a control systems engineer, and a few years as an industrial electrician apprentice before that, I still am constantly refreshing my knowledge. The rate at which the technology changes is stagering, and to keep on top of things you need a good resource network. Periodicals (Control engineering magazine comes to mind) have a lot of information and past issues online. You can sign up for their newsletters and once a week or so they will send out emails with articals, both new and old that will give you a random busrt of relevant inspiration, or make you remember something you have been applying out of instinct.
Liptak's is invaluable, but won't keep you up to date, and will put you to sleep more than once. They are a really good shelf reference though.
I would suggest you start by getting to know the processes you work with intimately, read up on the controls used and their functions outside of the obvious application, both the theoretical controls and the hardware. Look at applications of that hardware outside of your field, Google will help with this. As JLSeagull said manuals can be really helpful. The manual for the Watlow 96 series controller got me through my first 6 months of PID tuning and programming in real life, and I still have a copy of it on my computer.
After you know your processes well enough to shoot answers at your boss, start going outside of that realm and look for relevant things you can bring in.
Also if you don't have a lot of experience with hands on get out on the wrenches for a while, tune some loops by hand, basically spend some time getting your hands dirty in the field. Nothing beats field work for getting to know your processes.

 

[Weegie]

Have a look at API 551 through 554

 

[powerjunx]

liptak is a good reference but it is good point of xJayx; to spend field works as intimately knowing your process. Good point also to update yourself to the realm of the field as learning is never ends..i do have compiled old/new issues of magazines as knowing what the industry heading to or innovation their up to and most important thing is the OEM's Reference Manual (i'd made archive)these would make you highly competent in your workplace.


"..the more, the merrier" Genghis Khan

 

[Ashereng]

If the type of question is "What is this?", then perhaps go and look it up.

If the type of question is "Why?", then you may need to go ask someone with the experience to answer.

No one knows everything. Very few people remember everything. Having to check and get back with an answer is preferable to answering incorrectly, or incompletely.

Just my 2 cents.

"Do not worry about your problems with mathematics, I assure you mine are far greater."
Albert Einstein
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[3ooody]

Weegie (Petroleum) what is API 551 through 554?

 

[ScottyUK]

They're the Petroleum Industry Recommended Practices for various aspects of process control. As you work in an oil plant it is very likely that your company has access to the API documents - maybe you can enquire with your design office?



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If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!

 

[danw2]

API 551 Process Measurement (field instruments)

API 552 Transmission Systems (ie field instrument signal transmission; electronic, pneumatic, fiber optic, fieldbus)

API 553 Refinery Control Valves

API 554 Process Instrumentation and Control (more control than instruments)

API 555 Process Analyzers