Instrument issue
Thread Content
I’m planning to switch to working with instruments in terms of my field of expertise; an experienced technician said that once you learn how to use the handheld controllers for on-site instruments, you’ve already mastered half of what’s needed. I want to improve my skills in both internal and external aspects related to instruments; could some experts advise me on how to learn this, what points need special attention, as well as the direction and process of learning it. Thank you
You mean your master is a instrumentation worker, not an instrument control engineer.
A handheld operator is merely a tool for maintaining smart instruments; to become a qualified automation instrument technician, one needs to understand basic concepts such as the principles of instrument measurement, control principles, and process flows.
You do have an advantage in shifting from process work to instrumentation, which is your familiarity with processes. Instruments are ultimately designed to serve the process; having an understanding of the process makes it easier to comprehend why a particular measurement point is installed, what its normal operating conditions are, and what the specific functions of the interlocks are, among other things. In my opinion, the first step in learning about instruments is to understand the measurement principles of various types of instruments. Only by understanding these principles can one analyze the causes of instrument failures and find solutions based on those causes. Then, learn some standard-related things, such as installation standards; by knowing these, one can understand the various requirements for installation and identify any unreasonable aspects, such as grounding issues, explosion-proofing problems, and interference resistance issues. Next is to learn control systems such as DCS or PLC. To learn this, one should start with hardware and network architecture, then move on to basic applications such as configuration and programming. Once sufficient skills have been acquired, it is possible to consider optimizing control systems in order to achieve more advanced and sophisticated control methods. Of course, while undergoing these studies, it is also necessary to expand the scope of learning – for example, acquiring knowledge in areas such as engineering, electricity, mechanics, and so on – in order to learn more effectively and better serve the instrumentation field.
There is some truth to that statement. As for the handheld controller itself, as long as one can read, it is not more difficult to use than a smartphone. However, to understand the full meaning of each word and its complete connotation requires a vast body of knowledge. At least it’s more than enough as a field instrument technician.
There is so much to learn: engineering, mechanics, electrical systems… all of these are useful for doing a good job with instruments. Of course, the focus should still be on the basic knowledge of instruments, such as instrument principles, automation, control systems, and so on.
We are part of the online monitoring project team at Shanghai Jiao Tong University; our work involves monitoring various parameters such as concentration and viscosity in chemical production processes, to facilitate better control over production. Those who are interested can leave an email address so that I can send the information over for you to take a look.
Haha, being able to use a controller proves you’re just starting out. Just as in World of Warcraft when you reach level max, there’s still a long way to go.
It is recommended to first read the \"Instrument Technician’s Manual\", and then look for manufacturer manuals related to field instruments and control valves