What else can a process control engineer do besides operating instruments?
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After working on control systems for a few years, I’ve encountered some bottlenecks in my work. It’s not that my technical skills are insufficient; rather, I’m feeling confused. To become an expert, in addition to knowing how to use system software and hardware for configuration and maintenance as well as designing control circuits, what else does one need to know? For example, when it comes to instruments, an automation engineer who does not understand them is essentially working with only one leg; but how can one determine the right balance? What instrument knowledge or instrument operation skills are needed to master. In my current job, the instruments and systems are separate, and sometimes it’s difficult to determine which side is the source of the problem. Not familiar with instruments, and does not judge work based on benefits. Welcome everyone to discuss and improve together.
Control instruments are inseparable; to become an expert, one also needs to understand the industrial production process.
It’s better to learn a bit more about electricity; foreigners generally prefer to hire electrical engineers. If one could truly span two terms, that would truly be remarkable.
Circuits, repairs, and such. No one else can fix it; only you can. You’re the expert
Automatic control and instrumentation are inseparable; it was an desalination treatment system for a previous project in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, as part of an EPC project. The system was an HMI based on Siemens S7 300 WINCC, and at that time the engineer on site was responsible for everything from system design, drawing, installation, system configuration to debugging. In short, this project can be completed with just one automation engineer and one process engineer, along with a few on-site installation workers. In my opinion, automation and maintenance personnel in chemical enterprises should be closely connected to the systems they work with; only by understanding both the manufacturing processes and electrical systems can they succeed in this industry.
If such an opportunity were available, it would indeed help a lot; working on maintenance in a chemical plant limits the range of things one comes into contact with. After commissioning, most of the work involves maintenance and troubleshooting, with few tasks related to technical upgrades.
If you want to be good at process control, what you really mean is that in this field it’s necessary to have knowledge of instruments, an understanding of control systems, and expertise in electrical systems (electrical equipment with voltages below 400V). Additionally, knowledge of the manufacturing process is essential to excel in process control. Process control, instrumentation, and low-voltage electrical systems are all interrelated; otherwise, one’s perspective becomes too narrow, and such a person will lack any competitiveness in the job market
That’s absolutely correct; I fully agree with you. If one works in instrumentation without understanding the manufacturing processes, they are likely to be treated as mere helpers in those processes. Similarly, those working in automatic control without knowledge of electrical automation often feel that they lack certain skills when looking for a job.
To work in instrumentation, it’s best to understand mechanics, electricity, and manufacturing processes – no need for in-depth knowledge, just the basic principles. On-site instruments and systems (DCS, PLC) must be capable of operating independently