Tag: industrial instrumentation

  • 11.2 Relay circuits

    Electromechanical relays may be connected together to perform logic and control functions, acting as logic elements much like digital gates (AND, OR, etc.). A very common form of schematic diagram showing the interconnection of relays to perform these functions is called a ladder diagram. In a “ladder” diagram, the two poles of the power source are…

  • 8.3 Electrical signal and control wiring

    There is much to be said for neatness of assembly in electrical signal wiring. Even though the electrons don’t “care” how neatly the wires are laid in place, human beings who must maintain the system certainly do. Not only are neat installations easier to navigate and troubleshoot, but they tend to inspire a similar standard…

  • 7.4 Functional diagrams

    A unique form of technical diagram for describing the abstract functions comprising a control system (e.g. PID controllers, rate limiters, manual loaders) is a functional diagram4 . This form of document finds wide application in the power generation industry to document control strategies. Functional diagrams focus on the flow of information within a control system rather than on…

  • 6.4 Other types of instruments

    So far we have just looked at instruments that sense, control, and influence process variables. Transmitters, controllers, and control valves are respective examples of each instrument type. However, other instruments exist to perform useful functions for us. 6.4.1 Indicators One common “auxiliary” instrument is the indicator, the purpose of which is to provide a human-readable indication of…

  • Chapter 6. Introduction to industrial instrumentation

    Instrumentation is the science of automated measurement and control. Applications of this science abound in modern research, industry, and everyday living. From automobile engine control systems to home thermostats to aircraft autopilots to the manufacture of pharmaceutical drugs, automation surrounds us. This chapter explains some of the fundamental principles of industrial instrumentation. The first step,…