Basic Instrument Terminology

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BASIC INSTRUMENT
TERMINOLOGY

Brains well prepared are the monuments where

human knowledge is most surely engraved.
- Jean Jacques Rousseau

Course 9050 - October 1996

Principles of Instrumentation and Control

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Basic Instrument Terminology

Synopsis
In this section, we will deal with those definitions:
(i)

Relevant to the typical Field Measurement and Control situation.

(ii)

Which are more global or supplement the basic concepts.

The common Field Measurement and Control situation might be summarised in the following way:
Process Point Of Measurement Primary Element Sensing
Element Transducer Transmitter Controller Converter Actuating
Element Correcting Element
Process -

This is the series of continuous or regularly recurring steps or actions

intended to achieve a predetermined result, as in refining oil, heat treating
metal, or manufacturing paper.

Primary Element -

The element or device which generates conditions in the measured variable

that may be detected by a sensing element. eg. orifice plate
(Note: a primary element may also be a sensing element).

Transducer -

An element or device which receives information and outputs in any other

physical quantity. eg. differential capacitance pressure transducer.

Transmitter -

A transducer which responds to a measured variable and converts it to a

standardised transmission signal which is a function only of the
measurement. There are typically 4 types: Pneumatic, Electrical Analogue,
Electrical Digital, Hydraulic.

Controller -

A device or program which operates automatically to regulate variable.

Converter -

A transducer which responds to an instrument signal and changes its form.

eg. Current to Pressure (or I/P)

Correcting Unit comprising of:

Actuating Element - That part which adjusts the correcting element in
response to a signal. eg. Actuator
Correcting Element - The part of a correcting unit which directly adjusts
the value of the operating conditions.
eg. valve

Principles of Instrumentation and Control

Course 9050 - October 1996

Basic Instrument Terminology

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Further important definitions include:

An Instrument can be a combination of devices used to measure, display or control a variable.
This term does not apply to the internal components of the instrument.
(eg. resistor, receiver bellows)
Instruments can account for 2 - 10% of Plant hardware.

An instrument will generally be given a Tag. This is a unique set of identifying letters and numbers
allocated to each functional element of a loop.

A Loop is a combination of one or more interconnected instruments arranged to measure or control

a process variable. It comprises the whole chain (above) from Primary Element to Correcting
Element.

The Signal is the event or phenomena that conveys data from one point to another.

Typically it will be -

Pneumatic
Electric
Hydraulic
Electronic - Analogue or Digital

An Indicator is an instrument which visually (graphically, dial, scale or numerically) shows the
value of the variable.

A Recorder is an instrument that makes and displays a continuous graphic, acoustic or magnetic
record of a measured variable.

A DCS (Distributed Control System) consists of functionally integrated subsystems. Although

these subsystems may be remotely located from each other, they are connected by a communication
linkage.
eg. data bus, data highway.

Open Loop Control doesnt incorporate feedback.

Closed Loop Control incorporates feedback.

Course 9050 - October 1996

Principles of Instrumentation and Control

1-4

Basic Instrument Terminology

Summary
The typical Control Loop is composed of the following elements:
(i)

Point of Measurement

(ii)

Primary Element

(iii)

Sensing Element

(iv)

Transducer

(v)

Transmitter

(vi)

Controller

(vii)

Converter

(viii)

Actuating Element

(ix)

Correcting Element

(x)

Signal

(xi)

Indicator

(xii)

Recorder

Correcting unit

An instrument is a combination of devices used to measure, display or control an element of a

process. They are usually designated by a Tag.
A signal conveys data from the field for indication, recording or control.
In a DCS, control is maintained by integral subsystems linked by a data bus or highway.

Principles of Instrumentation and Control

Course 9050 - October 1996

Basic Instrument Terminology

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Discussion
(i)

Give examples of as many of the defined terms as you are aware of in you plant.

(ii)

Outline variations of the typical control loop found in your plant.

Activity

Fig. 1.2 The diagram using the appropriate

terminology in this module.

Course 9050 - October 1996

Principles of Instrumentation and Control

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Basic Instrument Terminology

Test
Which defined term is closest to the description or encompasses the example given.
Q1

Process temperature increases the measurable resistance in a monitored electrical circuit.

Q2

Pulsed output from a turbine meter

Q3

Heat-injected plastic moulding

Q4

Temperature transmitter

Q5

Device which adjusts the measured value of the process the requirements of the operator.

Q6

Galvanometer

Q7

Element, flow transmitter, controller and correcting unit.

Q8

A pipe piece is tapped for a sample fluid.

Q9

A device changes an industry standard pneumatic signal to an industry standard hydraulic

signal.

Q10 The glass electrode in a pH probe.

Third Printing: October 1996

Second Printing: July 1993
First Printed: October 1991

Principles of Instrumentation and Control

Course 9050 - October 1996