ME504
Unit Name |
INDUSTRIAL INSTRUMENTATION |
Unit Code |
ME504 |
Unit Duration |
12 weeks |
Award |
Graduate Diploma of Engineering (Industrial Automation) Duration: 1 year
Master of Engineering (Industrial Automation) Duration: 2 years |
Year Level |
1st |
Unit Creator/Reviewer |
Dr. Srinivas Shastri |
Core/Elective |
Core |
Pre/Co-requisites |
None |
Credit Points |
3
Grad Dip total course credit points = 24 (3 credits x 8 (units))
Masters total course credit points = 48 (3 credits x 12 (units) + 12 credits (Thesis)) |
Mode of Delivery |
On-Campus or Online |
Unit Workload |
10 hours per week: Lecture - 1 hour Tutorial Lecture - 1 hours Practical / Lab - 1 hour (where applicable) Personal Study recommended - 7 hours (guided and unguided) |
Unit Description and General Aims
This subject aims to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of the techniques and technologies employed in the instrumentation systems deployed for the automation of industrial processes. The subject combines measurement theory and physics to establish a deep understanding of the leading transducer applications. Students will be able to describe the key features of widely used measurement techniques and will be able to show how transducers are combined with microprocessor devices to create robust and reliable industrial instruments such as pressure transmitters, flow metering systems and temperature transmitters. The subject will introduce students to the latest practices in industrial instrument communication networks including wireless technology and field bus. They will undertake case studies to prepare and evaluate instrumentation solutions for industrial automation problems including the evaluation of energy saving options in fluid control devices.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this subject/unit, students are expected to be able to:
- Design a typical process instrumentation system by using graphical symbols and numbering codes in accordance with the International Standards ANSI/ISA- S 5.01 and S 5.02.
Bloom’s Level 5 - Apply physical principles to discuss response characteristics of a transducer.
Bloom’s Level 5 - Analyse specific measurement problems, describe the appropriate sensing principles and propose suitable instrumentation.
Bloom’s Level 6 - Choose and apply appropriate data analysis and statistical methods on measurement data.
Bloom’s Level 6 - Choose appropriate control valve designs for a given flow or pressure control application.
Bloom’s Level 5
Bloom’s Taxonomy
The cognitive domain levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy:
Bloom’s Level |
Bloom’s Category |
Description |
Verbs |
1 |
Remember |
Exhibit memory of previously learned material by recalling facts, terms, basic concepts, and answers. |
Choose, Define, Find, How, Label, List, Match, Name, Omit, Recall, Relate, Select, Show, Spell, Tell, What, When, Where, Which, Who, Why |
2 |
Understand |
Demonstrate understanding of facts and ideas by organizing, comparing, translating, interpreting, giving descriptions, and stating main ideas. |
Classify, Compare, Contrast, Demonstrate, Explain, Extend, Illustrate, Infer, Interpret, Outline, Relate, Rephrase, Show, Summarize, Translate |
3 |
Apply |
Solve problems to new situations by applying acquired knowledge, facts, techniques and rules in a different way. |
Apply, Build, Choose, Construct, Develop, Experiment with, Identify, Interview, Make use of, Model, Organize, Plan, Select, Solve, Utilize |
4 |
Analyse |
Examine and break information into parts by identifying motives or causes. Make inferences and find evidence to support generalizations. |
Analyse, Assume, Categorize, Classify, Compare, Conclusion, Contrast, Discover, Dissect, Distinguish, Divide, Examine, Function, Inference, Inspect, List, Motive, Relationships, Simplify, Survey, Take part in, Test for, Theme |
5 |
Evaluate |
Present and defend opinions by making judgments about information, validity of ideas, or quality of work based on a set of criteria. |
Agree, Appraise, Assess, Award, Choose, Compare, Conclude, Criteria, Criticize, Decide, Deduct, Defend, Determine, Disprove, Estimate, Evaluate, Explain, Importance, Influence, Interpret, Judge, Justify, Mark, Measure, Opinion, Perceive, Prioritize, Prove, Rate, Recommend, Rule on, Select, Support, Value |
6 |
Create |
Compile information together in a different way by combining elements in a new pattern or proposing alternative solutions. |
Adapt, Build, Change, Choose, Combine, Compile, Compose, Construct, Create, Delete, Design, Develop, Discuss, Elaborate, Estimate, Formulate, Happen, Imagine, Improve, Invent, Make up, Maximize, Minimize, Modify, Original, Originate, Plan, Predict, Propose, Solution, Solve, Suppose, Test Theory |
Engineers Australia
The Australian Engineering Stage 1 Competency Standards for the Professional Engineer, approved as of 2013. This table is referenced in the mapping of graduate attributes to learning outcomes and via the learning outcomes to student assessment.
Stage 1 Competencies and Elements of Competency |
|
1. |
Knowledge and Skill Base |
1.1 |
Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline. |
1.2 |
Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline. |
1.3 |
In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline. |
1.4 |
Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline. |
1.5 |
Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline. |
1.6 |
Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of sustainable engineering practice in the specific discipline. |
2. |
Engineering Application Ability |
2.1 |
Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving. |
2.2 |
Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources. |
2.3 |
Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes. |
2.4 |
Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects. |
3. |
Professional and Personal Attributes |
3.1 |
Ethical conduct and professional accountability. |
3.2 |
Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains. |
3.3 |
Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour. |
3.4 |
Professional use and management of information. |
3.5 |
Orderly management of self, and professional conduct. |
3.6 |
Effective team membership and team leadership. |
Graduate Attributes
Successfully completing this Unit will contribute to the recognition of attainment of the following graduate attributes aligned to the AQF Level 9 criteria, Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standards for the Professional Engineer and the Washington Accord and the Program Level Outcomes (PLO):
Graduate Attributes / Program Level Outcomes (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Professional and Personal Development) |
EA Stage 1 Competencies |
Learning Outcomes |
|
A. Effective Communication (PLO 1) |
|||
A1. Cognitive and technical skills to investigate, analyse and organise information and ideas and to communicate those ideas clearly and fluently, in both written and spoken forms appropriate to the audience. |
2.2, 3.2 |
3, 5 |
|
A2. Ability to professionally manage oneself, teams, information and projects and engage effectively and appropriately across a diverse range of international cultures in leadership, team and individual roles. |
2.4, 3.2, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6 |
|
|
B. Critical Judgement (PLO 2) |
|
||
B1. Ability to critically analyse and evaluate complex information and theoretical concepts. |
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1 |
2 |
|
B2. Ability to creatively, proactively and innovatively apply theoretical concepts, knowledge and approaches with a high level of accountability, in an engineering context. |
1.5, 2.1, 3.3, 3.4 |
3, 5 |
|
C. Design and Problem Solving Skills (PLO 3) |
|
||
C1. Cognitive skills to synthesise, evaluate and use information from a broad range of sources to effectively identify, formulate and solve engineering problems. |
1.5, 2.1, 2.3 |
5 |
|
C2. Technical and communication skills to design complex systems and solutions in line with developments in engineering professional practice. |
2.2, 2.3 |
4 |
|
C3. Comprehension of the role of technology in society and identified issues in applying engineering technology ethics and impacts; economic; social; environmental and sustainability. |
1.5, 1.6, 3.1 |
|
|
D. Science and Engineering Fundamentals (PLO 4) |
|||
D1. Breadth and depth of mathematics, science, computer technology and specialist engineering knowledge and understanding of future developments. |
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 |
4 |
|
D2. Knowledge of ethical standards in relation to professional engineering practice and research. |
1.6, 3.1, 3.5 |
|
|
D3. Knowledge of international perspectives in engineering and ability to apply various national and International Standards. |
1.5, 1.6, 2.4, 3.4 |
1 |
|
E. Information and Research Skills (PLO 5) |
|||
E1. Application of advanced research and planning skills to engineering projects. |
1.4, 2.4, 3.6 |
|
|
E2. Knowledge of research principles and methods in an engineering context. |
1.4, 1.6 |
2 |
|
Unit Content and Learning Outcomes to Program Level Outcomes (PLO) via Bloom’s Taxonomy Level
This table details the mapping of the unit content and unit learning outcomes to the PLOs and graduate attributes at the corresponding Bloom’s Taxonomy level, specified by the number in the table.
|
Integrated Specification / Program Learning Outcomes |
|||||
PLO 1 |
PLO 2 |
PLO 3 |
PLO 4 |
PLO 5 |
||
Unit Learning Outcomes |
LO1 |
- |
- |
- |
5 |
- |
LO2 |
- |
5 |
- |
- |
5 |
|
LO3 |
6 |
6 |
- |
- |
- |
|
LO4 |
- |
- |
6 |
6 |
- |
|
LO5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
- |
- |
|
Unit Study |
Assessments |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
5 |
Lectures/Tutorials |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Max Bloom’s level |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
5 |
|
Total PLO coverage |
4 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
Student Assessment
Assessment Type (e.g. Assignment - 2000 word essay (specify topic) Examination (specify length and format)) |
When assessed (e.g. After Topic 5) |
Weighting (% of total unit marks) |
Learning Outcomes Assessed |
Assignment 1 Type: Multi-choice test / Group work / Short answer questions / Role Play / Self-Assessment / Presentation Example topics: To be suggested by lecturer |
After Topic 6 |
20% |
1, 2 |
Assignment 2 Type: Multi-choice test / Group work / Short answer questions / Role Play / Self-Assessment / Presentation Example topics: To be suggested by lecturer |
After Topic 10 |
20% |
3, 4, 5 |
Assignment 3 - Final Project (Typical thesis 4000 words, excluding references, figures and tables). Example Topic: Review and recommend an instrumentation system concept for a multistage processing plant with a large number of process variables. |
Final Week |
40% |
1, 3, 4 |
Practical Participation Example: May be in the form of quizzes, class tests, practical assessments, remote labs, simulation software or case studies |
Continuous |
15% |
1, 2 |
Attendance / Tutorial Participation Example: Presentation, discussion, group work, exercises, self-assessment/reflection, case study analysis, application. |
Continuous |
5% |
- |
Prescribed and recommended readings
Required textbook(s)
- Holman, Experimental Methods for Engineers. Mcgraw-Hill Series in Mechanical Engineering, 2011 – ISBN: 978-0073529301
- Tony R. Kuphaldt, Lessons In Industrial Instrumentation, 2019
- Chaparro, Luis F. Akan, Aydin, Signals and Systems Using MATLAB® (3rd Edition). Elsevier, 2019 - ISBN: 9780128142042
- Boyes, Walt. (2010). Instrumentation Reference Book (4th Edition), Elsevier, 2019, ISBN: 9780080941882
- EIT course notes
- Engineering Standard ANSI/ISA Instrument Symbols and Identification
Recommended textbook(s)
- Dunn, Fundamentals of Industrial Instrumentation and Process Control. McGraw-Hill Education, 2005 – ISBN: 978-0071457354
- Morris, Measurement and Instrumentation Principles, 3rd ed. Butterworth-Heinemann, 2001 – ISBN: 978-0750650816
- Du, Resistive, Capacitive, Inductive, and Magnetic Sensor Technologies. CRC Press, 2014 – ISBN: 978-1439812440
- Lipták, Instrument Engineers' Handbook, 4th ed., vol. 2 - Process Control and Optimization. CRC Press, 2005 – ISBN: 978-0849310812
- Whitt, Successful Instrumentation and Control Systems Design, ISA, 2004 – ISBN: 1-55617-844-1.
Reference Materials
- Number of journals and websites (advised during lectures).
- Examples of journals including the International Journal of Instrumentation
Unit Content:
One topic is delivered per contact week, with the exception of part-time 24-week units, where one topic is delivered every two weeks.
Topic 1
Instrumentation systems
- Instrumentation systems and control systems
- Dimensions and reference standards
- Instrumentation symbols, notations and diagrams
- Instrumentation project scope
Topic 2
Measurement principles
- Linearity, range and sensitivity
- Dynamic response
- Signal conditioning
- Operational amplifiers
- Linearisation
- Temperature correction
- Offset elimination
- Noise and interference
- Signal transmission
Topic 3
Transducers and data acquisition
- Transducer principles (resistive, inductive, piezo-electric, photoelectric, capacitance)
- Sampling and digitisation
- Data communication
- Fieldbus overview
- Ethernet-based systems
- Wireless
Topic 4
Measurement techniques (I)
- Principles of force and mass measurement
- Elastic elements and strain gauges
- Overview of pressure measurement methods
- Diaphragm gauges and sensors
- Thermal conductivity methods
Topic 5
Measurement techniques (II)
- Level measurement
- Liquid level by hydrostatic head
- Microwave and radar methods
- Ultrasonic methods
- Radiation methods
- Temperature measurement
- Resistance Temperature Detectors and thermistors
- Thermocouples
- Non-contact temperature sensing
Topic 6
Measurement techniques (III)
- Principles of fluid flow
- Flow-obstruction methods (orifice, flow nozzle, venturi)
- Pitot tubes and their applications
- Leading process flow metering methods (Vortex, Magnetic, Ultrasonic, Thermal)
- Integration and selection of flowmeters for process automation
Topic 7
Control valves and actuators
- Introduction to pipeline flow and the role of the control valve
- Installed flow characterization of control valves
- Valve sizing for liquids, gases and steam flow control
- Comparative features of variable speed pumps versus control valves for fluid flow control.
Topic 8
Errors and uncertainties
- Errors and uncertainties
- Combining uncertainties
- Instrument calibration
Topic 9
Digital Signal Processing for measurement
- Digital Signal Processing
- Frequency analysis
- Digital filters
- De-noising
Topic 10
Data analysis
- Data visualisation
- Data manipulation
- Statistical analysis
- Curve fitting
- Detecting outliers
Topic 11
Advanced topics
- Remote monitoring
- Fault detection
- Knowledge representation
Topic 12
Project and Course review
In the final week students will have an opportunity to review the contents covered so far. Opportunity will be provided for a review of student work, to clarify any outstanding issues, and to work on finalising the major assessment report