ALVIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

PROCESS TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

PTAC 2436

PROCESS INSTRUMENTATION II

SYLLABUS
2014

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ALVIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

PROCESS TECHNOLOGY SYLLABUS
PTAC 2436 Process Instrumentation II
INSTRUCTOR: Curtis Crabtree
E-MAIL: ccrabtree@alvincollege.edu
N103
PHONE: 281-756-3785
OFFICE:
OFFICE HOURS: 9:00 to 12:00 Noon, 3:00 to 5:00 Monday Wednesday
3:00 to 5:00 Tuesday - Thursday

COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR INSTRUCTOR:

The preferred method for communicating with your instructor is through the ACC email or
you may call me at 281-756-3785
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course prepares students to recognize and understand instrumentation and controls as
applied to process operations. Process control systems for basic unit operations such as
furnace/boiler firing, distillation, and reactors are described and explained with actual
instrument-operations including manual, auto, proportional, integral, derivative modes.
Feedback and feed forward control systems, cascade, split range, ratio control systems are
covered. Process analyzers, computer, and programmable logic controllers are described.
(3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours per week)
METHODOLOGY
In-class lecture, lab-based instruction, in-class discussion, online communication, quizzes,
exams, team assignments and submission of assignments.
PRE-REQUISITES
PTAC 1332
TEXTBOOKS:
Instrumentation, 5th Edition by Kirk, Franklyn W. and Thomas A Weedon, American
Technical Publishers
ISBN: 9780826934307
For information on the textbook and other course materials, including details about how you
can order your book online and have it delivered to you, visit the ACC College Store's Web
page.
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS (as specified by each instructor)
Scantron Grade sheets (if requested by instructor)

CLASS POLICIES
Process Technology courses are intended to develop the students knowledge of the
process industries while preparing the student for an operating position in these industries.
Identified are the important technical, operational, safety, and environmental skills and
knowledge which provide employers with more effective entry-level process operators.
Enhanced job requirements will require operators to contribute beyond current expectations,
PTAC 2436 Process Instrumentation II

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to demonstrate adaptability and the ability to learn quickly, and to communicate effectively.
It is the individual students responsibility to contact potential employers to make application
for employment. Alvin Community College makes no claim that the successful completion of
the program will lead to employment in the industry.
The Process Technology A.A.S. degree will be awarded to students who successfully
complete all required courses in the program. To satisfactorily complete the class, the
student must:
1.

Be absent no more than four 2-hour classes or two 4-hour classes per term. A student
may make up the missed classes at a later time with the approval of the instructor and
incur any penalty that may apply.

2.

Instructors have the option to strongly advise students to drop a course, who have
absence records poorer than that described in paragraph #1 above.

3.

Attendance at the final exam is a requirement. Unexcused absence from this session
will result in an F grade for the course.

4.

Classes will generally conclude with a test of the material assigned and covered.

5.

Complete Process Technology courses with an average grade of C or higher. Grade

point values and percentage ranges:

Grade
A
B
C
D
F
6.

Excellent
Good
Average
Poor
Failure

Grade
Points per
Points
Semester
Hour
4
93-100
3
85-92
2
75-84
1
70-74
0
less than 70

Percent
93-100%
85-92%
75-84%
70-74%
< 70%

Return all checked-out study materials to the course instructor.

COURSE GOALS & OBJECTIVES

This course is designed to help the student develop the skills and knowledge necessary
to control process operations and to understand:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Process control drawings (C05, C06, C07, C08, F01, F02)

Using symbols and diagrams (C05, C06, C07)
Fundamental control loops (C05, C06, C07)
Control loop characteristics (C05, C06, C07, C15)
Loop dynamics (C05, C06)
Advanced control methods (C05, C06, C15)
Loop protection (C05, C06, C15)

PTAC 2436 Process Instrumentation II

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8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.

Measuring conductivity (C05, C06, C15)

Measuring pH and ORP (C05, C06, C15)
Optical measurement (C05, C06, C15)
Measuring products combustion (C05, C06, C15)
Chromatography (C05, C06, C15)
Computer: history and overview (C05, C06, C15)
Small computers in process control (C05, C06, C15)
Distributive control systems - architecture (C05, C06, C15)
DCS configuration and operation (C05, C06, C15)
DCS system and applications integration (C05, C06, C15)
Introduction to programmable logic controllers (C05, C06, C15)
System integration (C05, C06, C15)
Troubleshooting (C05, C06, C15)

ASSIGNMENTS, EXAMS AND GRADING SUMMARY

See course schedule.
LATE COURSE WORK POLICY
Absolutely no late work will be accepted.
EXAM POLICY
No late exams or make-up exams allowed. Failure to pass the final exam may result in a
failing grade in the class. Cheating on any exam will result in a failing grade for the course.
CLASSROOM PROTOCOL
It is the right of each student to participate in his or her learning, and it is the responsibility of
each student to not interfere with the learning of other students. It is the expectation of the
college that each student assumes the responsibility to follow college policies and
procedures governing campus and classroom conduct. This information is published in the
ACC Student Handbook
http://www.alvincollege.edu/resources/pdfs/student_handbook.pdf
I...Incomplete. No Incompletes or I grades will be given except for extreme circumstances. If an
I grade is assigned and the course work is not completed by the pre-arranged time limit, this grade
will convert to an F.
W.......Withdrawal. It is recommended that the student talk to the instructor before withdrawing.
Current course withdrawal information can be found in the printed version of the ACC Schedule for
this semester or online at ACC Course Withdrawal Instructions. Students who file withdrawal
requests by the published deadline and have not exceeded the withdrawal maximum will receive a
grade of W.
ACC ACADEMIC SUCCESS AND SUPPORT SERVICES:

Americans with Disabilities Act

ACC complies with ADA and 504 Federal guidelines by affording equal access to individuals who are
seeking an education. Students who have a disability and would like classroom accommodations
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must register first with the Office of Disability Services, A 136, (281)756-3533. Instructors are not able
to provide accommodations until the proper process has been followed.
Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) Letting someone know
The Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) at Alvin Community College is committed to improving
community safety. College faculty, staff, students and community members may communicate safety
concerns to the BIT team by email, bitcore@alvincollege.edu or through an electronic reporting
option located on the BIT page of the college website.
The ACC Library is an excellent source for research and writing help. Quiet rooms are available for
studying and doing class work. For more information, visit the ACC Library Website or call 281-7563559.
The ACC Tutoring/Learning Lab, located upstairs in building A, provides students with a variety of
services including tutoring (math, writing, and other disciplines); computers and printers; a testing
facility; and tables/carrels. Call 281-756-3566 or visit the ACC Tutoring/Learning Lab Website for
more information.
MyBlackboard
Support for MYBlackboard can be obtained by completing the Online Support Form.
WEBACCESS, Passwords or ACC Computer Lab Information- -Help Desk Website or contact the
IT Dept. Help Desk at 281-756-3544.

PTAC 2436 Process Instrumentation II

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COURSE SCHEDULE / INFORMATION

Process Technology AAS Degree Program
FALL 2014
PTAC-2436-60 Process Instrumentation II
Lecture:
Mon. 6:00 pm 9:50 pm
Alvin Campus D-117
Lab. TBA Simtronics, Visio
CLASS
DATE
LECTURE & LAB TOPIC
ASSIGNMENT
1

8-25

Introduction to Instrumentation II,

Access Simtronics

Intro. to Simtronics & Memory Drawing

Group Assignments

9-1

Training Module Walk-thrus, Simtronics

9-8

Sec. 6 Analyzers,

9-15

9-22

9-29

Lab Plan

Work Period

10-6

Lab Plan

Work Period

10-13

Sec. 8 Transmission & Communication,

BB due 10-24

Chapt 29 ,31, 32, 34Tests

10-20

Sec. 9 Automatic Controls,

BB due 11-14

Chapter 35 38 Tests

10

10-27

Mid-Term, Lab Plan, Simtronics Due

Work Period

11

11-3

Lab Plan

Work Period

12

11-10

13

11-17

Lab Plan

Work Period

14

11-24

Sec. 12 Instrumentation & Control Applications, BB due 11-28

Simtronics & Blackboard will close: Friday, Nov. 28 @6 pm

Read Chapters

15

12-1

Lab Plan

Work Period

16

12-8

REVIEW, Memory Drawing

17

12-15

FINAL EXAM

Open Lab
BB due 9-26

Lab Plan - Intro, Team Assignment for Memory project

Sec. 7 Position Measurement,

BB due 10-17

Sec. 11 Safety Systems,

BB due 11-28

Chapter 23 26 Tests
Work Period
Chapter 27 28 Tests

Chapter 43 45 Tests

Work Period
Open Notes. No Text

Text: Instrumentation, 5th Edition, Kirk, Weedon, Kirk

ISBN: 978-0-8269-3430-7

Class Procedure:
1.Chapter Tests due per Blackboard schedule.
2. Grade System:
Chapter Tests + Mid Term Test + Class
Participation + Memory drawing = 33%
Simtronics = 33%
Final Test = 33%

PTAC 2436 Process Instrumentation II

3. Simtronics/Blackboard will turn off:

Friday, November, 28 @ 6 pm
4. Chapter Tests are delivered via Blackboard / Midterm and Final by Scan-Tron.
Instructor: Curtis Crabtree
Office: N-103 See office hours posted on bulletin
board and Syllabus
281-756-3785
Syllabus Page 6 of 13

ccrabtree@alvincollege.edu

Fall 2014 PTAC-2436 Lab Plan

Objective:
1. Students will trace and understand the operation of all process and control loops on the Polaris and DeltaV Units
over the course of the semester.
2. Students will demonstrate their understanding of the Distillation and DeltaV Units by drawing a selected process
with its control scheme from memory.

Week 4

9-15

Lab Plan Intro, Team Assignment for Memory/Vision

project

Work Period

Week 6

9-29

Group I Lab Trace Distillation Unit

Work Period

Group II Lab Trace Delta V Unit

Group III Lab - Simtronics
Group IV Lab - Trace Polaris

Week 7

10-6

Group IV Lab Trace Distillation Unit

Work Period

Group I Lab Trace Delta V Unit

Group II Lab - Simtronics
Group III Lab Trace Polaris

Week
10

11-27

Group III Lab Trace Distillation Unit

Work Period

Group IV Lab Trace Delta V Unit

Group I Lab - Simtronics
Group II Lab - Trace Polaris

Week
11

11-3

Group II Lab Trace Distillation Unit

Group III Lab Trace Delta V Unit
Group IV Lab Simtronics
Group I Lab Trace Polaris

PTAC 2436 Process Instrumentation II

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Work Period

Week
13

11-17

Each group will practice memory drawing of selected unit

Work Period

Week
15

12-1

Each group will practice memory drawing of selected unit

Work Period

Week
16

12-8

Memory Drawing

Test

SCANS COMPETENCIES AND FOUNDATIONS SKILLS:

COMPETENCIES
RESOURCES
C01

Allocates time

C02

Allocates money

C03

Allocates materials and facility resources

C04

Allocates human resources

C18

Selects technology

C19

Applies technology to task

C20

Maintains and troubleshoots technology

FOUNDATION SKILLS
BASIC SKILLS

INFORMATION

F01

Reading

C05

Acquires and evaluates information

F02

Writing

C06

Organizes and maintains information

F03

Arithmetic

C07

Interprets and communicates information

F04

Mathematics

C08

Uses computers to process information

F05

Listening

F06

Speaking

INTERPERSONAL
C09 Participates as a member of a team

THINKING SKILLS

C10 Teaches others

F07 Creative thinking

C11 Serves clients / customers

F08 Decision making

C12 Exercises leadership

F09 Problem solving

C13 Negotiates to arrive at a decision

F10 Seeing things in the minds eye

C14 Works with cultural diversity

F11 Knowing how to learn

F12 Reasoning

SYSTEMS
C15

Understands systems

C16

Monitors and corrects performance

C17

Improves and designs systems

PERSONAL QUALITIES
F13

Responsibility

F14

Self esteem

F15

Social

TECHNOLOGY
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F16

Self-management

F17

Integrity / honesty

need in order to succeed in the work place. This page

shows you what SCANS skills and competencies that
PTAC 2436 helps you develop and apply to your
process technology training.
If you want further
information about SCANS, you may see the Process
Technology department chairperson.

SCANS stands for the U.S. Labor Department Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills. This
federal commission has determined what skills workers

ALVIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROCESS TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

SCANS COMPETENCIES AND FOUNDATION SKILLS
"SCANS" stands for the U.S. Labor Department "Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary
Skills". This federal commission has determined what skills workers need in order to succeed in the
work place. This document describes SCANS skills and competencies that the Process technology
curriculum helps you develop and apply to the practice of process technology. If you want further
information about SCANS, you may see the department chairperson.
COMPETENCIES
Resources
C1

Allocates Time - Selects relevant, goal-related activities, ranks them in order of importance,
allocates time to activities, and understands, prepares, and follows schedules.

C2

Allocates Money - Uses or prepares budgets, including making cost and revenue forecasts,
keeps detailed records to track budget performance, and makes appropriate adjustments.

C3

Allocates Material and Facility Resources - Acquires, stores, and distributes materials, supplies,
parts, equipment, space, or final products in order to make the best use of them.

C4

Allocates Human Resources - Assesses knowledge and skills and distributes work accordingly,
evaluates performance and provides feedback.

Information
C5

Acquires and Evaluates Information - Identifies need for data, obtains them from existing
sources or creates them, and evaluates their relevance and accuracy.

C6

Organizes and Maintains Information: - Organizes, processes, and maintains written or

computerized records and other forms of information in a systematic fashion.

C7

Interprets and Communicates Information - Selects and analyzes information and

communicates the results to others using oral, written, graphic, pictorial, or multi-media
methods.

C8

Uses Computers to Process Information - Employs computers to acquire, organize, analyze,

and communicate information.

Interpersonal
C9

Participates as a Member of a Team - Works cooperatively with others and contributes to group
with ideas, suggestions, and effort.

C10 Teaches Others - Helps others learn.

PTAC 2436 Intro

Syllabus

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C11 Serves Clients/Customers - Works and communicates with clients and customers to satisfy their
expectations.
C12 Exercises Leadership - Communicates thoughts, feelings, and ideas to justify a position; and
encourages, persuades, convinces, or otherwise motivates an individual or group, including
responsibly challenging existing procedures, policies, or authority.
C13 Negotiates - Works towards an agreement that may involve exchanging specific resources or
resolving divergent interests.
C14 Works with Cultural Diversity - Works well with men and women, and with a variety of ethnic,
social, or educational backgrounds.
Systems
C15 Understands Systems - Knows how social, organizational, and technological systems work and
operates effectively within them.
C16 Monitors and corrects Performance - Distinguishes trends, predicts impact of actions on system
operations, diagnoses deviations in the function of a system/ organization, and takes necessary
action to correct performance.
C17 Improves and Designs Systems - Makes suggestions to modify existing systems to improve
products or services, and develops new or alternative systems.
Technology
C18 Selects Technology - Judges which set of procedures, tools, or machines, including computers
and their programs, will produce the desired results.
C19 Applies Technology to Tasks - Understands the overall intent and the proper procedures for
setting up and operating machines, including computers and their programming systems.
C20 Maintains and Troubleshoots Technology - Prevents, identifies, or solves problems in machines,
computers, and other technologies.
FOUNDATION SKILLS
Basic Skills
F1 Reading
F2 Writing
F3 Arithmetic
F4 Mathematics
F5 Listening
F6 Speaking

PTAC 2436 Process Instrumentation II

Thinking Skills
F7 Creating thinking
F8 Decision making
F9 Problem solving
F10 Seeing things in the minds eye
F11 Knowing how to learn
F12 Reasoning

Syllabus Page 10 of 13

Personal Qualities
F13 Responsibility
F14 Self-esteem
F15 Social
F16 Self-management
F17 Integrity / honesty

Original: 4/5/2011

ALVIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROCESS TECHNOLOGY

COURSE COMPETENCIES
PTAC 2436 Process Instrumentation II
Upon successful completion of this course, a student will be able to accomplish the following
competencies.
I.

LAB ASSIGNMENTS Simtronics

A.Access and complete Simtronics exercises #1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, & 1600

II.

ASSIGNMENTS Microsoft Visio Introduction

A.Access and complete Visio workbook and deliver an simple Lockout Plan

III.

ANALYZERS - Gas Analyzers

A.Define the terms analysis, analyzer, and analyzer sampling system.
B.Define thermal conductivity analyzer and explain its use.
C.Identify the types of radiant-energy absorption analyzers and explain their use.
D.Identify the types of oxygen analyzers and explain their use.
E.Define opacity analyzer.

IV.

ANALYZERS - Humidity and Solids Moisture Analyzers

A.Define the common terms associated with humidity.
B.Identify the types of humidity analyzers.
C.Identify the types of solids moisture analyzer.

V.

ANALYZERS - Liquid Analyzers

A.Identify common types of liquid analyzers and explain their uses.
B.Describe a slurry density analysis.
C.Describe a hydrostatic pressure density analysis.
D.Describe the function of turbidity analysis, refractive index analysis, and automatic titration analyzers.

VI.

ANALYZERS - Electrochemical and Composition Analyzers

A.Identify the analyzers that use conductivity and explain their use.
B.Compare pH analysis and oxidation-reduction potential (OPR) analysis.
C.Define composition analyzer and explain its use.

VII.

POSITION MEASUREMENT - Mechanical and Proximity Switches

A.Describe the use of industrial switches and sensors.
B.List the common types of proximity sensors and describe their applications.
C.List additional types of proximity sensors and describe their applications

VIII.

POSITION MEASUREMENT - Practical Position Measurement

A. Describe some of the factors that affect sensor installation.
B.Describe how sensors are used for rotary speed sensing.
C.Describe how sensors are used for continuous web handling.
D.Explain how an optical sensor is used as a light curtain.

IX.

TRANSMISSION AND COMMUNICATION Transmission Signals

A.Define transmission and important terms associated with transmission.
B.Identify the methods of electrical transmission, and describe current transmission systems.
C.Describe voltage, pulse, frequency and tone transmission systems.
D.Describe the use of formulas for converting between measurements and transmission values.

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Original: 4/5/2011

X.

TRANSMISSION AND COMMUNICATION Digital Numbering Systems and Codes

A.List the numbering systems and codes that are important for communications.
B.Describe how to convert numbers between different bases.

XI.

TRANSMISSION AND COMMUNICATION Digital Communications

A.Define digital communication and describe the main types of network configurations,
addressing, and protocols.
B.List and describe the types of circuits used in digital communications wiring formats.
C.Identify common cable and wiring formats.

XII.

TRANSMISSION AND COMMUNICATION Industrial Networks

A.Define Fieldbus and describe the network, classifications for Fieldbus systems.
B.Identify the major Fieldbus systems.

XIII.

TRANSMISSION AND COMMUNICATION Wireless Systems

A.Define wireless transmissions and list its advantages and disadvantages.
B.Describe the relationship between communications speed and distance.
C.List and describe the different types of antennas.
D.Compare the different types of spread spectrum transmission methods, wireless standards and
security standards.
E.Describe the different industrial requirements and applications.

XIV.

TRANSMISSION AND COMMUNICATION Practical Transmission and Communication

A.Explain the importance of loop impedance in a current transmission line.
B.Define ground loop and identify ways that a ground loop can be avoided.
C.Define electromagnetic interference (EMI).
D.List the common connectors.
E.List the types of transmitters and describe a smart transmitter.

XV.

AUTOMATIC CONTROLS - Automatic Control & Process Dynamics

A.Define automatic control and identity common terms associated with it.
B.Explain process dynamics and define the terms associated with it.
C.Identify the functions of controllers and define these functions.

XVI.

AUTOMATIC CONTROLS - Control Strategies

A.Define control strategy and identify common control strategies.
B.List and define the common types of advanced control strategies.

XVII.

AUTOMATIC CONTROLS - Controller Tuning

A.Describe the purpose of controller tuning and tuning coefficients.
B.Identify the different tuning performance standards.
C.Explain the methods of tuning controllers.

XVIII.

AUTOMATIC CONTROLS - Digital & Electric Controllers

A.List and define the different types of digital controllers and control systems.
B.Define electric controllers and describe the types of electric controllers.
C.Describe the common operator interfaces.
D.Describe the various configuration formats.

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Original: 4/5/2011

XIX.

SAFETY SYSTEMS Safety Devices and Equipment

A.Explain the use of personal protective equipment.
B.List the types of valves used in safety systems and describe their use.
C.Explain the function and use of rupture discs. Describe the operation of burner control
systems.
D.Explain the function of alarm systems.
E.Describe the use of hazardous atmosphere detectors.

XX.

SAFETY SYSTEMS Electrical Safety Standards

A.Describe the role of NEC in establishing hazardous location classifications.
B.Describe electrical protections used with safety systems.

XXI.

SAFETY SYSTEMS Safety Instrumented Systems

A.Describe the factors used to evaluate a process.
B.Define safety instrumented systems (SIS) and describe its importance.

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Original: 4/5/2011