INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL SYSTEMS

Abstract

This book provides a first-level introduction to instrumentation and control engineering and as such is suitable for the BTEC units of Industrial Process Controllers and Industrial Plant and Process Control for the National Certificates and Diplomas in Engineering, and the unit Control Systems and Automation for the Higher National Certificates and Diplomas in Engineering and also providing a basic introduction to instrumentation and control systems for undergraduates. The book aims to give an appreciation of the principles of industrial instrumentation and an insight into the principles involved in control engineering. The book integrates actual hardware with theory and analysis, aiming to make the mathematics of control engineering as readable and approachable as possible. STRUCTURE OF THE BOOK The book has been designed to give a clear exposition and guide readers through the principles involved in the design and use of instrumentation and control systems, reviewing background principles where necessary. Each chapter includes worked examples, multiple-choice questions and problems; answers are supplied to all questions and problems. There are numerous case studies in the text indicating applications of the principles. PERFORMANCE OUTCOMES The following indicate the outcomes for which each chapter has been planned. At the end of the chapters the reader should be able to: Chapter 1: Measurement systems Read and interpret performance terminology used in the specifications of instrumentation. Chapter 2: Instrumentation system elements Describe and evaluate sensors commonly used with instrumentation used in the measurement of position, rotational speed, pressure, flow, liquid level, temperature and the detection of the presence of objects. Describe and evaluate methods used for signal processing and display. Chapter 3: Instrumentation case studies Explain how system elements are combined in instrumentation for some commonly encountered measurements.