MT 215 Instrumentation

Lecture Hours: 2
Lab Hours: 2
Credits: 3

Presents a systematic approach to troubleshooting and start-up of single- and multi-loop control loops. Focuses on how pressure, level, flow, and temperature loops operate to maintain good process control systems.

Prerequisite: ELT 100 or ELT 131; MT 101 and MT 211; or consent of instructor. (All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.)
Student Learning Outcomes:

Set up a systematic approach to troubleshooting.
Explain why a systematic approach to troubleshooting is most effective.
Follow specified procedures for proper loop check-out.
Verify, locate, and identify performance problems and the causes of the problems.
Take or recommend appropriate follow-up procedures to minimize problem recurrence.
Identify the common causes of sensor, transmitter, controller, and final control element problems.
Troubleshoot control systems.
Apply distributed control systems (DCS) functions for troubleshooting.
Apply industry standard safety practices for start-up.
Check and utilize control loop documentation.
Discuss applications and procedures to troubleshoot conventional analog control systems.
Describe the general operation features of control systems.

Content Outline

Introduction
- Purpose of troubleshooting
- Reasons for troubleshooting
Approaches to Troubleshooting
- Equipment history
- Input/output (serial)
- Shotgun approach
- Logical analysis
Logical Analysis Troubleshooting
- Verify
- Identify
- Repair
- Test
- Follow-up on problems
Review of Industry Standard Diagrams and Symbols
- Process and instrument drawings
- Loop drawings
- Process flow diagrams
Single-Loop Feedback Control Troubleshooting
- Measurement concerns
- Valve concerns
- Controller operations
- Signal conditioners
- Troubleshooting simulation
Multi-Loop Control Systems Troubleshooting
- Ratio (controlled stream, wild stream)
- Cascade (primary and secondary loop)
- Three-element drum level control
- Troubleshooting simulation
Introduction to Digital Control Systems
- Advantages
- Digital control (DDC)
- Supervisory
- Supervisory plus DDC
- Analog back-up
- HART™ systems
- FIELDBUSTM systems
Distributed Control Functions for Troubleshooting
- Elements
- Display (graphic, trend, alarm)
Start-up Concerns
- Safety
- Documentation
- Tuning review
- Component check-out