Instrumentation
What is Instrumentation?
In the field of Industrial Automation, instrumentation is a sub-discipline that encompasses transmitters, final elements and other field devices interfacing directly with the process and which are monitored and/or controlled by the automation systems(DCS/PLCs or SCADA).
Transmitters and sensors are instruments used to measure process variables such as pressure, temperature, flow, and level.
Final elements, like valves, are used to interact directly with the process to manipulate it based on automated or manual commands.
What Skills are Required to Work in Instrumentation?
Instrumentation skillsets in industrial automation include specifying, designing, and commissioning field instruments. Engineers working in these roles require knowledge and skills to correctly size and specify field instruments in line with design inputs from process, electrical and other disciplines.
- Instrument Sizing and Selection: Instrument engineers must be fully conversant in the selection process of instrumentation, including a good understanding of constraints related to standards, environments, functional safety, and materials.
- Commissioning and Inspection: Instrument engineers working within a commissioning role will validate the installation and function of instruments by designing and executing detailed test procedures. This includes developing both static tests, to check installation and integrity, and dynamic tests, to assess operational performance.
- 3D Modeling: Instrument engineers with design responsibilities will need proficiency in 3D modeling of process plants. These tools are extensively used to designate the location and route of cable, cable tray, junction boxes, and field instruments, all typically within the scope of instrument engineers.
- Instrument Databases: Instrument engineers should be familiar with instrument database management tools such as SmartPlant Instrumentation (SPI). These software platforms are extensively used within the EPC domain for managing instrument loops and generating drawings.
- Control Systems: Instrument engineers will typically need some knowledge of control systems, particularly aspects related to integrating instruments and smart instruments. Typically, instrument engineers should be familiar with asset management systems (AMS) and software platforms that facilitate smart commissioning through fieldbus protocols such as HART.
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