This course is a dynamic exploration of practical applications, real-world scenarios, and hands-on labs in the area of measurement technology. This course equips students with essential knowledge and skills to excel in various industries where accurate measurements are critical. Students will explore various types of sensors and their uses, as well as how to calibrate their input data to an accurate measurement.
Students enrolling in this class must meet the following Math requirements:
Completion of MATH 94, MAP 117 (5 credits), or Placement in MATH 98/99, or higher level.
Prerequisites
or Instructor Permission
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to demonstrate the following knowledge or skills:
- Define metrology and the difference between sensors and instruments.
- Interpret Piping and Instrument Diagrams (P&IDs) used in process industries.
- Demonstrate usage of reference materials & manufacturer’s instructions for industrial instrumentation equipment.
- Determine appropriate instrument for specific use cases.
- Apply basic calibration techniques of precision equipment.
- Introduction to Metrology and Sensing Systems
- Metrology: Understanding the science of measurement
- Traceability and standards: Why accurate measurements matter
- Sensor types: An overview of various sensors (pressure, temperature, flow, etc.)
- Piping and Instrument Diagrams (P&IDs) in Process Industries
- P&IDs: Essential tools for process engineers
- Instrument tags and their significance
- Process control loops: Linking P&IDs to real-world systems
- Pressure Sensors and Transducers
- Pressure measurement: From manometers to electronic transducers
- Applications: Pressure gauges, barometers, and industrial pressure sensors
- Calibration techniques: Ensuring accuracy under varying conditions
- Hands-on Lab: Pressure measurement
- Temperature Sensors and Thermal Measurement
- Thermocouples, RTDs, and thermistors: How they work
- Temperature compensation: Dealing with environmental effects
- Industrial applications: Furnaces, HVAC systems, and more
- Hands-on Lab: Temperature measurement
- Flow Sensors and Flow Measurement
- Flow meters: Differential pressure, electromagnetic, ultrasonic, etc.
- Mass flow vs. volumetric flow: Choosing the right approach
- Flow control strategies: Closed-loop systems and feedback
- Hands-on Lab: Flow Measurement
- Level Sensors and Tank Gauging
- Ultrasonic, capacitive, and magnetic level sensors
- Continuous vs. point level measurement
- Inventory management: Monitoring fluid levels in tanks
- Hands-on Lab: Tank level
- Density, Specific Gravity, and Analytical Instruments
- Density measurement methods: Hydrometers, oscillating U-tubes, etc.
- Specific gravity calculations: Importance in material testing
- Analytical instruments: Spectrometers, gas chromatographs, and their role in quality control
- Hands-on Lab: Specific Gravity
- Proximity Sensors and Position Encoders
- Inductive, capacitive, and photoelectric sensors
- Position encoders: Rotary and linear encoders
- Robotics applications: Using sensors for precise positioning
- Hands-on Lab: Proximity Sensors
- Digital Instrumentation and Measurement Systems
- Analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and digital signal processing (DSP)
- Overview of PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition)
- Real-time data acquisition: Case studies in industrial automation
- Calibration Techniques and Instrument Accuracy
- Calibration procedures: Zero-point calibration, span calibration, and linearity checks
- NIST traceability: Ensuring reliable measurements
- Hands-on Lab: Practice calibrating sensors and instruments
PO4 Conduct measurements, analyze and interpret data, and propose methods for resolving problems
All subject matter in the course outline will be taught to the depth of learning necessary to ensure students are prepared for the next class in the sequence/program.
The learning outcomes and content outline on this MCO must be reviewed for updates at least every three years.