How Control Instrumentation Engineers Can Learn Systematically* (Petrochemicals)
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As a recent college graduate, I have been at the company for over three months now. I’m able to handle some simple tasks, but I feel that I don’t know enough about this industry. Perhaps due to my weak foundation, it’s difficult for me to grasp the knowledge needed for my work, such as process control, DCS, and PLC. I’m not sure how to learn these things; I hope those with more experience can offer me some guidance~~~
As a control instrumentation engineer, you can adopt the following methods to systematically learn knowledge in the petrochemical industry: 1. Learn the basic knowledge: First, you can acquire this basic knowledge through self-study or by attending training courses, including the fundamental principles of petrochemical processing, process flows, and the basic principles of equipment and instruments. This will lay a solid foundation for you. 2. Systematic *process control: Process control is one of the core aspects in the petrochemical industry. You can learn the basic concepts of process control, control strategies, as well as methods for designing and debugging control loops. It is possible to gain a deeper understanding and put it into practice by reading relevant textbooks, taking online courses, or participating in actual projects. 3. Learn DCS and PLC systems: DCS (Distributed Control System) and PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) are commonly used automation control systems in the petrochemical industry. You can learn their principles, structural composition, programming methods, and application techniques. Understanding and mastery of the system can be deepened by participating in projects or through hands-on practice. 4. Participate in practical projects: Practice is an important way to improve your skills and gain insight into the industry. Try to get involved in actual engineering projects to gain practical experience and learn how to handle problems and challenges in real-world work. 5. Seek guidance from mentors or experts: Within a company or industry, find experienced mentors or experts to consult with and learn from their experience. They can provide you with guidance, advice, and practical tips. 6. Continuous learning* and knowledge updating: Technologies and knowledge in the petrochemical industry are constantly evolving and being updated. To become an excellent process control instrument engineer, you need to maintain a learning attitude, stay informed about industry developments, attend relevant training and seminars, and read the latest technical materials. In short, by learning the basic knowledge, delving into process control, mastering DCS and PLC systems, gaining practical experience, and continuously learning to update your knowledge, you will be able to systematically improve your skills as an automation instrument engineer in the petrochemical industry. Wish you success in your studies! .
What company and what position? It’s normal to feel this way when you first start in the industry; learn more and communicate more. When we first started in this field (chemical process instrumentation), we all studied question sets for instrument technicians and similar manuals
Thank you for the answer! I bought a set of practice questions and went through a small portion of them; it didn’t seem to be very useful to me:sleepy:
This post was last edited by Agelxx on 2023-10-11 08:07 :) I have a few basic questions: What error does the accuracy of a gauge refer to? What is the general minimum temperature for low-temperature silicone oil? What angular range is the pressure or differential pressure tap for measuring steam pipes located in? What is the principle behind a float-type level gauge? How many times the diameter of straight pipe section is required in front of a rotameter? What type of control valve should be used in cases of flashing? :Lol, DCS and PLC are even simpler – they’re all mature and modular. The main thing is to be familiar with the operation interface and to have logical thinking skills; if one has a basic understanding of on-site instruments, then controlling such instruments will be a piece of cake! :victory:
Most of these questions can be answered; perhaps it’s really necessary to go through a few projects before the doubts in one’s mind are dispelled. Besides the question sets, do seniors have any other recommendations?
No, I can’t be considered an experienced professional – I’ve only been in this industry for over a decade, and I’m still the kind of person who occasionally has to look up answers in question banks. I think I need to learn from you! :Lol, old and outdated! Automation has no future; intelligence is what’s popular these days
Automation engineers face three types of problems: 1. The controlled process/controlled object. Such as distillation processes, chemical reaction processes, heat exchange processes, etc. Lacking sufficient understanding of the process/object under control is a barrier to achieving good automation. It boils down to the question of ‘what to control’ ； 2. Control system/control scheme. It covers principles of automatic control, basic control systems, control strategies, etc. It boils down to the question of ‘how to control’ ； 3. Control tools. What is used for control, including various detection principles for sensing instruments, actuators (the vast majority of which are automatic control valves), and control devices (DCS, PLC, etc.) ； 4. Safety protection. Protection and safety: explosion protection, SIS systems, etc. Study based on this content.
Automation engineers face four types of issues: 1. The controlled process/controlled object. Such as distillation processes, chemical reaction processes, heat exchange processes, etc. Lacking sufficient understanding of the process/object under control is a barrier to achieving good automation. It boils down to the question of ‘what to control’ ； 2. Control system/control scheme. It covers principles of automatic control, basic control systems, control strategies, etc. It boils down to the question of ‘how to control’ ； 3. Control tools. What is used for control, including various detection principles for sensing instruments, actuators (mostly automatic control valves), and control devices (DCS, PLC, etc.) ； 4. Safety protection. Protection and safety: explosion protection, SIS systems, etc. Study based on this content.