A Complete Guide to Instrumentation
for Non-Instrumentation People

Are one of the thousands of people that have looked across at instrumentation personnel going about their daily tasks and silently thought “Wow, if I ever had the opportunity to re-choose my career, I would definitely select the field of instrumentation!”? If so, then this Complete Guide to Instrumentation for Non-Instrumentation People training course offers you the next best thing, namely a complete week in which to gain familiarity and hands-on experience in some of the more important aspects pertinent to instrumentation. The aim of this workshop is to “bridge the gap”, and to make instrumentation more accessible and easier to understand, to all.

During this PetroKnowledge training course, you will be introduced to transmitters, programmable equipment, computer simulators, instrumentation diagrams and other material. The aim of the workshop is to take the mystery out of the field of instrumentation, and to empower you to converse with instrumentation people with a lot more insight and knowledge, in their field of expertise. This will not only improve your self-confidence, but also allow you to play a more productive role in increasing the performance of your operation, regardless of your current position and experience.

This A Complete Guide to Instrumentation for Non-Instrumentation People training course will feature:

• The most common measuring devices (pressure, level, temperature and flow)
• Final control elements (focusing mainly on valves and actuators, but also an introduction to VSDs)
• SCADA, DCS and HMI
• Programmable Logic Controllers
• Process control, and the instrumentation behind it

• Learn about all the most common types of instrumentation signals that are used in your operation
• Familiarize yourself with instrumentation terminology, definitions and acronyms
• Interpret and create P&ID diagrams, applicable to your working environment
• Understand digital communication aspects (including Fieldbus and HART)
• Select the best equipment (and combinations of equipment) for a specific application

At the end of this A Complete Guide to Instrumentation for Non-Instrumentation People training course, you will learn to:

• Calculate vital calibration information, specific to certain transmitters
• Design and apply basic screens and features applicable to SCADA, DCS and HMI devices
• Develop basic PLC programs and understand how these devices work
• Consider Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS), and equipment utilization in hazardous areas
• Employ techniques to assist in optimizing control loops

This PetroKnowledge training course has been specially tailored for everyone that either encounters instrumentation (either directly or indirectly), or has a specific interest in it. It has been designed for all levels of personnel, regardless of their background. It would be hard to think of a discipline that would not benefit from this material.

This A Complete Guide to Instrumentation for Non-Instrumentation People training course is suitable to a wide range of professionals but will greatly benefit:

• Operators & Supervisors
• Engineers from non-instrumentation disciplines
• Artisans and foremen from non-instrumentation disciplines
• Financial staff & Cost controllers
• Safety and health coordinators
• Lower, middle and top management
• Mechanical and electrical apprentices
• Newly qualified instrumentation personnel
• Admin staff & HR representatives
  
  

This is, very much, a hands-on training course. The most important work is covered in a theoretical manner. But, there are several practical exercises that back up the course content. Pre- and post-course tests, individual and group-based exercises, open discussions and computer simulations are used to transfer vital knowledge. Delegates are encouraged to bring their own (non-Apple) computers, to take full benefit of the limited-time duration software simulators that will be utilized.

Instrumentation plays a vital role in most organizations, but is feared by many, as it is seen as being too complex. The reality is that the greater the number of workers that have full understanding of the subject matter, the more beneficial it will be to the organization. By implementing the right strategies, and knowing what type of results to expect, organizational impact would include:

• Having people with intimate knowledge, related to commonly found measuring principles
• Having staff that have a solid foundation of assorted instrumentation and process control knowledge
• Having staff that can effectively communicate on matters relating to instrumentation
• Having staff that can-do effective problem identification, and be able to propose viable solutions
• Having staff that can provide guidelines in the specification of essential measuring and control equipment

Delegates will learn vital knowledge and will gain skills that will enable them to apply themselves fully in the workplace. Better knowledge equates to a greater contribution to the overall workload and work ethic, and may lead to a more meaningful role, from a leadership perspective, in time to come. Personal impact would include:

• Improving skills, self-confidence and skill levels in measurement and control
• Learning to effectively communicate matters pertaining to instrumentation
• Enhancing understanding and knowledge of process control
• Being able to discuss relevant matters with peace of mind
• Be able to effectively assist with loop tuning guidance
• Becoming a valuable team member, and being able to develop meaningfully with your career