Course Number and Title:
ELM 175 Process Control and Instrumentation
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: (Test Score or MAT 183 or higher) and (ELM 205 or concurrent)
Course Credits and Hours
4 credit(s)
3 lecture hours/week
3 lab hours/week
Course Description
This course covers the instrumentation fundamentals necessary to understand the process control aspects of industrial plant operations. Topics include the measurement and application of pressure, temperature, flow, and level devices.
Additional Materials
Scientific calculator
Disclaimer
This workforce solution was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites, and including, but not limited to accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability or ownership.
Unless otherwise specified, this work by Delaware Technical Community College is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. 
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Identify the major process variables and terminology used in the process industry. (CCC 6; PGC 1)
- Apply the fundamentals of electricity concepts to circuits and instrumentation. (CCC 6; PGC 2)
- Explain how to sense and measure pressure in industrial processes. (CCC 3, 6; PGC 1, 3)
- Explain how to sense and measure temperature in industrial processes. (CCC 3, 6; PGC 1, 3)
- Explain how to sense and measure levels in industrial processes. (CCC 3, 6; PGC 1, 3)
- Explain how to sense and measure flow in industrial processes. (CCC 3, 6 PGC 1, 3)
- Explain the process methods used to analyze products in industrial processes. (CCC 6; PGC 1)
- Describe the fundamentals of process control. (CCC 3, 6; PGC 1, 3)
- Explain primary sensors, transmitters, and transducers used in control loops in industrial processes. (CCC 3, 6; PGC 1, 3)
- Explain controllers and final control elements used in industrial processes. (CCC 3, 6; PGC 1, 3)
- Explain control valves, actuators, and final control elements used in industrial processes. (CCC 3, 6; PGC 1, 3)
- Identify and describe the instruments, lettering, and numbering standards in different types of instrumentation drawings. (CCC 6; PGC 1)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- Identify the major process variables and terminology used in the process industry.
- Describe pressure, temperature, flow, and level process variables.
- Explain how major process variables are related.
- Explain how major process variables can be measured or regulated.
- Discuss the terms local, remote, indicating, transmitting, recording, controlling, control loop pneumatic, electronics, analog, digital, and distributive control system.
- Apply the fundamentals of electricity concepts to circuits and instrumentation.
- Define voltage, current, resistance, power, and energy.
- Predict voltage, current, resistance, and power in simple direct current (DC) circuits.
- Use a digital multimeter to properly measure DC voltage, current, and resistance.
- Explain how to sense and measure pressure in industrial processes.
- Define pressure.
- Predict process pressure using different types of measurement techniques.
- Define terms associated with pressure and pressure instruments.
- Identify and describe the purpose and operation of pressure-sensing/measuring instruments used in a lab or industrial setting.
- Convert between pounds per square inch gauge (Psig) and pounds square inch absolute (psia).
- Convert between inches of mercury (Hg) and inches of water (H20).
- Use gauges to measure pressure.
- Explain how to sense and measure temperature in industrial processes.
- Define temperature, differential temperature, Fahrenheit, Celsius/centigrade, Rankin, and Kelvin.
- Identify and describe the operation of temperature sensing/measurement devices such as thermowell, thermometer, bimetallic strip, resistance temperature detector (RTD), thermistors, thermocouple, and temperature gauge.
- Convert between Fahrenheit, Celsius, and Kelvin temperature scales.
- Assemble, test, and measure temperature using acceptable industry standards.
- Explain how to sense and measure levels in industrial processes.
- Define level, direct/indirect measurement, interface level, meniscus, density, and hydrostatic head pressure.
- Identify and describe the purpose and operation of the following types of level-sensing devices used in the process industry: gauge/sight glass, float, tape gauge, differential pressure cell, bubbler, displacer, ultrasonic device, and nuclear device.
- Predict head pressure given the height and density of a liquid.
- Use direct and indirect level instruments to determine the level in a tank.
- Explain how to sense and measure flow in industrial processes.
- Define flow, laminar, turbulent, direct flow measurement, indirect flow measurement, positive displacement flow measurement, percent flow rate, and volumetric flow units.
- Identify and describe the purpose and operation of the following types of flow sensing/measuring devices used in the process industry: orifice plate, venturi tube, flow nozzle, pitot tube, annubar tube, rotameter, electromagnetic meter, turbine meter, mass flow meter, and totalizer.
- Explain the process methods used to analyze products in industrial processes.
- Define potential of hydrogen (pH), (acid/base) and oxidation reduction potential (ORP), conductivity, optical measurements, chromatography, excess oxygen, and environmental.
- Identify and describe the purpose and operation of analytical instruments used in the process industry: optical analyzer, color analyzer, conductivity meter, pH/ORP meter, gas chromatograph (GC), and GC mass spectrometer, spectrophotometer, total carbon analyzer, and explosimeter.
- Use a pH meter to measure pH.
- Describe the fundamentals of process control.
- Explain the function of a control loop.
- Identify the common components of a control loop such as sensor, transmitter, controller, transducer, and final control element.
- Sketch a function block diagram of both a closed and an open control loop.
- Explain various types of signal transmission: pneumatic, electronic (4-20 mA), digital (0-5V), and mechanical signals.
- Use process and control simulation software to simulate a generic industrial process.
- Explain primary sensors, transmitters, and transducers used in control loops in industrial processes.
- Describe the purpose and operation of a transmitter in a control loop.
- Discuss differential pressure in relation to the process input to the transmitter.
- Discuss 3-15 psig instrument signals.
- Describe the function of a current-to-pneumatic transducer.
- Explain controllers and final control elements used in industrial processes.
- Define auto/manual/cascade switch, local/remote switch, set point, tuning, direct acting, reverse acting, proportional band/gain, integral/reset, derivative/rate, and tuning.
- Identify and describe the purpose and operation of various controllers.
- Identify whether a control loop is in or out of control, and describe the information used to make the decision.
- Explain control valves, actuators, and final control elements used in industrial processes.
- Identify and describe the purpose, operation, and terms associated with control valves and regulators.
- Identify and explain the main components of a control valve: body, bonnet, disc, actuator, stem, seat, spring, valve positioner, handwheel, and current/power current to pressure (I/P) transducer.
- Describe operating scenarios in which fail open, fail closed, and fail last positions are desirable.
- Discuss the purpose of diaphragm valve actuators and piston valve actuators.
- Explain the three uses of a valve positioner.
- Explain the function of each of the three gauges located on a pneumatic valve positioner.
- Explain the purpose and operation of control, three-way, and butterfly valves.
- Identify and describe pressure regulators and solenoid valves on a process flow diagram and/or piping and instrumentation diagram (P&ID).
- Identify and describe the instruments, lettering, and numbering standards in different types of instrumentation drawings.
- Describe the lettering and numbering standards based on the International Society of Automation (ISA) instrumentation symbols.
- Describe how to determine the instrument type from the symbol information.
- Describe the standards for line symbols.
- Identify instrumentation on a drawing using a legend.
- Trace a control loop on a P&ID.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90-100 |
= |
A |
| 80-89 |
= |
B |
| 70-79 |
= |
C |
| 0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Final Course Grade
Calculated using the following weighted average
|
Evaluation Measure
|
Percentage of final grade
|
|
Summative: 2 Exams (equally weighted)
|
20%
|
|
Summative: 25 Laboratory Experiments (equally weighted)
|
45%
|
|
Formative: 10 Reading Assignments / Quizzes (equally weighted)
|
15%
|
|
Formative: 10 Quizzes (equally weighted)
|
5%
|
|
Formative: Research Project
|
15%
|
|
TOTAL
|
100%
|
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
- Perform the duties of an entry-level technician using the skills, modern tools, theory, and techniques of the electronics engineering technology.
- Apply a knowledge of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to electronics engineering technology problems that require limited application of principles but extensive practical knowledge.
- Conduct, analyze, and interpret experiments using analysis tools and troubleshooting methods.
- Identify, analyze, and solve narrowly defined electronics engineering technology problems.
- Explain the importance of engaging in self-directed continuing professional development.
- Demonstrate basic management, organizational, and leadership skills which commit to quality, timeliness, and continuous improvement.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.