Module Details

Module Code: PHYS6031
Title: Process Instrumentation
Long Title: Process Instrumentation
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2024/25 ( September 2024 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4411 - Physics
Module Delivered in: 4 programme(s)
Module Description: This module will discuss knowledge and requirements of instrumentation used in process industries. The module will also cover scientific concepts required to support a comprehensive understanding of instrumentation.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Solve numerical problems associated with the theory of operation of process measurement instruments.
LO2 Describe and explain the principles of operation and installation of process measurement instruments for specific measurements of fluid level, fluid flow, temperature, position and weight.
LO3 Calculate dynamic errors indicated in first and second order measurement instrument response plots.
LO4 Calibrate measurement instruments and report on the indicated errors and required corrective instrument adjustments utilising Industry 4.0 software from CompuCal and the mobile App CompuCal GO.
LO5 Describe the role of standard operating procedures, validation software, regulatory and supervisory authorities, in the protocols of process industries.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).

Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.

No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Regulation, Validation and Standard Operating Procedures
The role, design and application of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) in industry. Validation and calibration software. The FDA’s role as a regulatory authority in this context and its interaction with Irish industries; European and Irish Food and Medicines regulatory authorities.
Level Measurement
Tank measurements: level, (%) fill, volume and mass. Direct level measuring systems. Selection, theory, installation and applications of microwave, radar, nucleonic and ultrasonic instruments for level measurement of liquids and granular solids.
Flow and Density Measurement
Definition of Pressure and Units. Absolute, Atmospheric and Gauge Pressure Volume and mass flow rate; Turbulent flow, streamlined flow and Reynolds number; The Continuity Equation, Bernoulli’s Equation and application to differential pressure devices. Flow characteristics and theory; DP cells applied to flow-metering; electromagnetic, turbine, vane, vortex, ultrasonic and coriolis flow meters; cross correlation meters, mass flow measurement for liquids and gases. Measurement of the density of liquids and gases using flow meters.
Weighing Systems
Measurement of strain; Use of strain gauges and load cells and their applications in weighing systems; Importance of meeting the requirements of quality control departments and statutory bodies.
Temperature Measurement
Definition of temperature and units. Thermometric properties of thermometers. Thermal expansion thermometers. Metal resistance thermometers and thermistors. Thermocouples. Theory, operation and applications of infra-red, total radiation and optical pyrometers; black body calibration and emissivity correction.
Position Sensors
Linear and rotational position sensors and applications.
Dynamic Errors and Signal Response
First and second order response of instruments: theory, interpretation of graphs and applications. Origins of errors in instruments.
Laboratory Programme
A selection of experiments associated with the theory programme involving the installation, operation, calibration and analysis of the measurements and associated errors from process measurement instruments.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 35
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,4
Assessment Description
Assessment of completed practical worksheets.
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2,5
Assessment Description
Theory assessment based on theoretical material covered by the date of the assessment.
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,5
Assessment Description
Theory assessment based on all material covered by the module.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Delivery of course material. Every Week 3.00 3
Lab Contact Laboratory practical Assignments. Includes demonstrations and a sample of CompuCal based calibration certificates. Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Case studies, extra reading & study material. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Delivery of course material. Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Laboratory practical Assignments. Includes demonstrations and a sample of CompuCal based calibration certificates. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Case studies, extra reading & study material. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • John G. Webster,Halit Eren. (2017), Measurement, Instrumentation, and Sensors Handbook, Second Edition, 2nd. CRC Press, p.1641, [ISBN: 1439848882].
  • Bela G Liptak (editor), Krista Venczel (editor). (2016), Instrument and Automation Engineers' Handbook: Measurement and Analysis, 5th. CRC Press, p.3102, [ISBN: 1466559322].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Anders Andersson. (2017), Measurement Technology for Process Automation, 1st. CRC Press, p.150, [ISBN: 1138035394].
  • Walt Boyes. (2010), Instrumentation Reference Book, 4. 45, Butterworth-Heinemann, p.936, [ISBN: 0750683082].
  • N. E. Battikha. (2018), The Condensed Handbook of Measurement and Control, 3rd. ISA, p.468, [ISBN: 1556179952].
  • Robert N Bateson. (2008), Introduction to Control System Technology, 7. Prentice Hall, p.706, [ISBN: 7111187091].
  • Keith R. Cheatle. (2006), Fundamentals of Test Measurement Instrumentation, 1. 14, ISA, p.329, [ISBN: 1556179146].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SINEN_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Instrument Engineering 4 Mandatory
CR_SPHYS_7 Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics and Instrumentation 4 Mandatory
CR_SICAL_6 Certificate in Process Instrumentation & Calibration 2 Mandatory
CR_SPHYS_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Applied Physics and Instrumentation 4 Mandatory