Transmitters, Loops and HART
Students will explore the fundamental principles of various industrial transmitters, including pressure, temperature, level, and flow measurement devices, understanding their operation, selection criteria, and installation considerations. The course delves into the architecture and function of industrial control loops, from basic open and closed-loop concepts to tuning strategies. A significant portion focuses on the Highway Addressable Remote Transducer (HART) protocol, covering its communication layers, device configuration, and integration with control systems. Practical hands-on labs reinforce theoretical knowledge, providing experience with calibration procedures, diagnostics, and system configuration. Emphasis is placed on safe work practices, proper documentation, and effective troubleshooting techniques relevant to modern process control environments.
InstructorJacob CalhounPrerequisites
Course outline
Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.
Syllabus
["Week 1: Lesson 1: Introduction to Process Instrumentation and Measurement Fundamentals","Week 2: Lesson 2: Pressure Transmitters: Principles, Types, and Applications","Week 3: Lesson 3: Temperature Transmitters: RTDs, Thermocouples, and Advanced Sensors","Week 4: Hands-on Lab: Transmitter Calibration Fundamentals & Documentation","Week 5: Lesson 5: Level Transmitters: Hydrostatic, Radar, Ultrasonic, and Other Technologies","Week 6: Lesson 6: Flow Transmitters: Differential Pressure, Magnetic, Vortex, and Coriolis Principles","Week 7: Lesson 7: Control Loop Basics: Open Loop, Closed Loop, and Feedback Systems","Week 8: Hands-on Lab: Process Variable Measurement & Midterm Review","Week 9: Lesson 9: Introduction to the HART Protocol: Communication & Architecture","Week 10: Lesson 10: HART Device Configuration and Diagnostics","Week 11: Hands-on Lab: HART Device Commissioning & Troubleshooting","Week 12: Lesson 12: Loop Components: Actuators, Positioners, and Final Control Elements","Week 13: Lesson 13: Advanced Loop Tuning Concepts and Strategies","Week 14: Capstone Service Project: System Integration, Calibration & Troubleshooting Scenario"]