Module Details

Module Code: AGRI C3F03
Module Title: Process Instrumentation
Title: Process Instrumentation
Module Level:: 7
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Cathal Nolan
Module Author:: Joe Dillane
Domains:  
Module Description: The aim of this module is to enable students to develop an understanding of the principles of operation for a range of industrial measurement instruments (for Pressure, Level and Temperature measurement) and to use this knowledge to usefully consider selection, installation and application issues relating to the measurement systems.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Interpret and apply the terminology and methods used to describe the specification and performance of industrial measurements instruments.
LO2 Explain the principles of operation of the most common instruments used to measure Pressure, Level, Flow and Temperature in industrial applications.
LO3 Implement the equipment and procedural requirements for bench and field calibration of a range of the instruments covered.
LO4 Discuss the relevant process and application parameters to be considered for correct instrument selection and installation.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Measurement Terminology
Definition and explanation of terms used for instrument specification and to quantify the quality and reliability of measurements taken. Significance of process variable measurement to the overall production process and the ethics involved in measurement and control.
Pressure Measurement
Pressure Basics; Nature of pressure, types of measurement (absolute, gauge and differential). Measurement Principles; elastic deformation and liquid column. Practical Implementation; manometers, diaphragm, Bourdon tube etc. Pressure Switches and Transmitters (Smart & Dumb). The mA analogue current transmission loop. Installation and application. Precautions and ancillary equipment.
Level Measurement
Level Basics; definitions, nature of level, vessel designs, volume, contents (liquids/solids). Measurement Principles; hydrostatic, capacitance, ultrasonic and radar techniques. Practical Implementation. Level Switches. Installation and application.
Flow Measurement
Flow Basics; definition, type of flow measurement. Measurement principles; differential pressure, velocity, temperature, density. Practical Implementation. Installation and application.
Temperature & Heat Measurement
Temperature Temperature scales. Process issues specific to temperature measurement. Measurement Principles; expansion, bimetallic, resistance change, thermo-voltaic, Practical Implementation; RTDs, thermocouples etc. Thermostats. Installation and application.
Calibration
Calibration Principles including ethical consideration in instrument data collection, terminology, procedures, precautions, standards, limitations, documentation and scheduling. Solve linear equations to calculate instrument output in units and percentage of range along with percentage error for given process conditions. Individually and as part of a group carry out practical bench calibration on typical industrial pressure, level and temperature measurement instruments and collaboratively develop calibration procedures for wet (field) calibrations.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment75.00%
Practical25.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Examination % of Total Mark 15
Timing Week 5 Learning Outcomes 1
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Class Test
Assessment Type Examination % of Total Mark 30
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Class Test
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 30
Timing Sem 1 End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Written Assignment - Instrumentation selection and system design
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 25
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Labs: Pressure, temperature, level and flow measurement.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description 12 Weeks per Stage 3.00 36
Lab/Lecture Contact No Description 12 Weeks per Stage 2.00 24
Independent Learning Non Contact No Description 15 Weeks per Stage 4.33 65
Total Weekly Contact Hours 5.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Alan S. Morris,Reza Langari. Measurement and Instrumentation, Academic Press, p.752, [ISBN: 9780128171417].
  • Mike Cable. Calibration, ISA, p.273, [ISBN: 9781556179129].
  • William C. Dunn. Fundamentals of Industrial Instrumentation and Process Control, 2nd. McGraw-Hill Education, NY, [ISBN: 9781260122251].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Thomas A. Hughes. Measurement and Control Basics, 5th. ISA, [ISBN: 9780876640142].
  • William Bolton. Instrumentation and Control Systems, Newnes, p.360, [ISBN: 9780081006139].
  • N. E. Battikha. The Condensed Handbook of Measurement and Control, Fourth Edition, [ISBN: 9781945541384].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: