Upcoming Events 2008
Monday September 15 - Wednesday September 17, 2008, 8am - 4pm, Room 110-H, Technology 1 Bldg
ISA certification course "TC05 - Understanding and Tuning Control Loops." This course covers the principles of automatic industrial control and the operation of the feedback loop to include proportional, integral and derivative control modes. Advanced concepts of cascade, ratio, and feedforward control are presented. Methods of controller tuning are presented and practiced.
You will be able to :
- Understand the concepts of PID control
- Explain the operation of the components in a closed loop control system including static and dynamic functions
- Identify the requirements for open loop and closed loop stability
- Use three methods to tune a control system for stated quality control
- Understand the functions of cascade control loops and the advantage of cascade control over single element feedback control
- Tune a cascade control loop for optimum control
- Understand the principles and design features of feedforward control
- Tune a feedforward control system for optimum control
- Identify the advantages of feedforward control over feedback control
- Understand the operation and function of ratio control systems
- Tune ratio control systems
This course is organized by 
. For registration or more information go to isa.org.
Thursday September 18 and Friday September 19, 2008, 8am - 4pm, Room 110-H, Technology 1 Bldg
ISA certification course "TC10 - Troubleshooting Instrumentation and Control Systems." This course teaches a systematic approach to troubleshooting and start-up as they apply to single and multi-loop control loops. Covers how pressure, level, flow, and temperature loops operate to maintain good process control systems. A knowledge of instrumentation and control is assumed.
You will be able to :
- Understand why a systematic approach to troubleshooting is most effective
- Follow specified procedures for proper loop check-out
- Verify, locate, and identify performance problems and the causes of the problems
- Take or recommend appropriate follow-up procedures to minimize problem recurrence
- Identify the common causes of sensor, transmitter, controller, and final control element problems
- Troubleshoot control systems
- Apply DCS functions for troubleshooting
- Understand pneumatic and electronic loops
- Apply safety practices for start-up
- Check and utilize control loop documentation
This course is organized by . For registration or more information go to isa.org.
Tuesday October 15, 2008, 8:30am - 5pm, Room 110-H, Technology 1 Bldg
A hands-on workshop "Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Fundamentals and Security." This workshop is designed to provide the students with an understanding of the business, technical and security issues involved in implementing a VoIP solution. Knowledge of networking and computing is not required but it is a plus. The instructor, Dr. Mequanint Moges, is an Instructional Assistant Professor in the University of Houston College of Technology and has many years of experience in Telecommunications and Data Communications technologies.
Upon completion of this workshop, you will be able to:
- Know what Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is
- Understand the protocols and codecs involved in the delivery of voice over the Internet
- Learn what VoIP requires of the IP network (Quality of Service)
- Know how to determine a business case for VoIP
- Choose a VoIP system and equipment selection
- Design and hands-on implementation of a VoIP system in the lab
- Understand and manage security issues in VoIP
This course is organized by the UH College of Technology. For registration or more information, please contact Sergio Chacon, schacon@uh.edu or call 281-650-2328.
Tuesday November 11 - Thursday November 13, 2008, 8am - 4pm, Room 110-H, Technology 1 Bldg
ISA certification course "IC50 - The Windows of the World Are Open." Since its inception in 1996, OPC has been one of the fastest growing communication technologies for industrial users. Now, with over 300 manufacturers offering over 800 products, OPC delivers the tools that enable users to interface their products to all others. In the past, sharing data between current control system offerings required a myriad of hardware, software drivers, and configuration tools from each vendor. True interoperability has been an elusive goal. Today, OPC offers proven solutions. This newly revised course will use lecture, and hands-on exercises to help you understand how OPC works, and how to implement it in your plant environment. This seminar shows you the benefits and drawbacks of using OPC in your plant, how to link diverse industrial equipment into an effective plant–wide communications network, securely share plant data on the Internet, and how to justify the economics to move to OPC.
You will be able to :
- Link diverse industrial equipment into a plant–wide communications network
- Understand the mission of the OPC Foundation
- See what the OPC standards provide
- Compare OPC to current industrial protocols
- Gain experience and understanding of the protocols through 6 hands on lab exercises.
- Recognize the benefits and drawbacks to OPC
- Justify the economics to move to OPC
- Post your process data seamlessly onto the Internet or Intranet
- Migrate your plant and process data into your business applications
- Know where to go for off the shelf OPC solutionsRecognize the benefits and drawbacks to open control
This course is organized by . For registration or more information go to isa.org.
Monday November 17 - Friday November 21, 2008, 8am - 4pm, Room 110-H, Technology 1 Bldg
ISA certification course "FG07 - Introduction to Industrial Automation and Control." This popular course combines lecture and hands-on labs to provide an overview of industrial measurement and control. Technicians, engineers, and managers will gain a basic understanding of common terminology, practices and applications used in measurement and control systems. Serves as a solid fundamental course for introduction to other ISA courses.
You will be able to :
- Communicate with measurement and control professionals
- Understand the role of measurement and control in industrial processes
- Differentiate between continous, batch, and discrete control
- Apply specific ISA standards to interpret symbols and drawings associated with process control documentation
- Understand the most common methods and devices used in temperature, pressure, level, and flow measurement
- Know how control valves operate in a feedback control loop
- Understand the fundamentals of process control
- Be able to differentiate between control system architectures including single loop controllers, Distributed Control System (DCS), and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
- Review trends in measurement and control technology
- Understand safe laboratory practices
- Be able to apply hands-on skills learned in the laboratory exercises
- Understand basic devices and procedures for connecting and calibrating various measurement devices
- Be able to communicate the principles of operation of digital controllers and smart devices
This course is organized by . For registration or more information go to isa.org.
Tuesday December 2 and Thursday December 4, 2008, 8am - 4pm, Room 110-H, Technology 1 Bldg
ISA certification course "EA15 - Introduction to Building Automation Systems." This real-world-based course will give you a broad introductory understanding of the specific issues involved with Building Automation Systems (BAS). In this course, you will survey the world of BAS including: Future of BAS; Digital Direct Control (DDC) Basics; Field Devices; The Human Machine Interface (HMI); BAS Design and Specification; Energy Conservation Control Strategies; and System Maintenance .
You will be able to :
- Identify and describe the major components in a BAS
- Identify and describe the basic mechanical components and controls in an HVAC control system
- Describe and explain the basic functions of DDC systems
- Reference codes and standards applicable to BAS
- Describe and explain HMI basics
- Explain BAS in non-ATC systems (lighting, fire, security, etc.)
- Explain the process of implementing BAS
- Explain Energy Conservation Strategies
- Justify control components for project work
- Know where to look for additional references
- Describe the major components in a Building Automation System
This course is organized by . For registration or more information go to isa.org.
Upcoming Events - Year 2009
Monday February 2 - Thursday February 5, 2009, 8am - 4pm, Room 110-H, Technology 1 Bldg
ISA certification course "FG02 - Mathematics for Instrumentation Technicians." This course is specifically designed for the instrument technician who may be struggling with mathematical computations or those who need a basic refresher. The course is focused entirely on fundamental problems and solutions that an instrument tech continuously works with from entry to supervisory level experience. It also provides a good prerequisite basis for being able to perform the various math calculations involved in other ISA training courses.
You will be able to :
- Understand the role that mathematics plays in a technician's daily duties
- Manipulate formulas to obtain unknown value(s)
- Understand how and why to linearize an output
- Analyze and define a word problem and its related answers
- Manipulate very large (M, K) and very small #s (Milli, Micro, Nano, Pico, Femto, Atto)
This course is organized by . For registration or more information go to isa.org.
Monday February 9 - Friday February 13, 2009, 8am - 4pm, Room 110-H, Technology 1 Bldg
ISA certification course "FG07 - Introduction to Industrial Automation and Control." This popular course combines lecture and hands-on labs to provide an overview of industrial measurement and control. Technicians, engineers, and managers will gain a basic understanding of common terminology, practices and applications used in measurement and control systems. Serves as a solid fundamental course for introduction to other ISA courses.
You will be able to :
- Communicate with measurement and control professionals
- Understand the role of measurement and control in industrial processes
- Differentiate between continous, batch, and discrete control
- Apply specific ISA standards to interpret symbols and drawings associated with process control documentation
- Understand the most common methods and devices used in temperature, pressure, level, and flow measurement
- Know how control valves operate in a feedback control loop
- Understand the fundamentals of process control
- Be able to differentiate between control system architectures including single loop controllers, Distributed Control System (DCS), and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
- Review trends in measurement and control technology
- Understand safe laboratory practices
- Be able to apply hands-on skills learned in the laboratory exercises
- Understand basic devices and procedures for connecting and calibrating various measurement devices
- Be able to communicate the principles of operation of digital controllers and smart devices
This course is organized by . For registration or more information go to isa.org.
Monday February 16 - Wednesday February 18, 2009, 8am - 4pm, Room 110-H, Technology 1 Bldg
ISA certification course "TC05 - Understanding and Tuning Control Loops." This course covers the principles of automatic industrial control and the operation of the feedback loop to include proportional, integral and derivative control modes. Advanced concepts of cascade, ratio, and feedforward control are presented. Methods of controller tuning are presented and practiced.
You will be able to :
- Understand the concepts of PID control
- Explain the operation of the components in a closed loop control system including static and dynamic functions
- Identify the requirements for open loop and closed loop stability
- Use three methods to tune a control system for stated quality control
- Understand the functions of cascade control loops and the advantage of cascade control over single element feedback control
- Tune a cascade control loop for optimum control
- Understand the principles and design features of feedforward control
- Tune a feedforward control system for optimum control
- Identify the advantages of feedforward control over feedback control
- Understand the operation and function of ratio control systems
- Tune ratio control systems
This course is organized by . For registration or more information go to isa.org.
Thursday February 19 - Friday February 20, 2009, 8am - 4pm, Room 110-H, Technology 1 Bldg
ISA certification course "TC10 - Troubleshooting Instrumentation and Control Systems." This course teaches a systematic approach to troubleshooting and start-up as they apply to single and multi-loop control loops. Covers how pressure, level, flow, and temperature loops operate to maintain good process control systems. A knowledge of instrumentation and control is assumed.
You will be able to :
- Understand why a systematic approach to troubleshooting is most effective
- Follow specified procedures for proper loop check-out
- Verify, locate, and identify performance problems and the causes of the problems
- Take or recommend appropriate follow-up procedures to minimize problem recurrence
- Identify the common causes of sensor, transmitter, controller, and final control element problems
- Troubleshoot control systems
- Apply DCS functions for troubleshooting
- Understand pneumatic and electronic loops
- Apply safety practices for start-up
- Check and utilize control loop documentation
This course is organized by . For registration or more information go to isa.org.
Tuesday March 3 - Thursday March 5, 2009, 8am - 4pm, Room 110-H, Technology 1 Bldg
ISA certification course "TS00 - Understanding and Tuning Control Loops." This is a fast paced review of the knowledge required to properly install and maintain standard measurement and control instrumentation. It is designed specifically for practicing technicians preparing for the Level I Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST ® ) examination. An explanation of the examination process and practice taking a certification-type exam is provided.
You will be able to :
- Cite principles and theory that explain measurement and control instrument functions
- Describe procedures required to properly maintain the function of measurement and control instrumentation
- Understand the procedures and safety requirements for loop checking and its purpose
- Perform calculations and other analysis of information related to the calibration and troubleshooting of measurement and control instruments and systems
- Describe procedures required to safely start-up and shut-down a new or existing process
- Understand the education, experience, and examination requirements for becoming a CCST ®
- Identify important knowledge and skill requirements of a practicing CCST ®
- Describe the procedures involved in taking the CCST ® Level I exam
- Identify any need for further study or training in specific knowledge areas
- Complete a simulated CCST ® Level I Practice Exam at the end of each day
This course is organized by . For registration or more information go to isa.org.
Monday March 23 - Friday March 27, 2009, 8am - 4pm, Room 110-H, Technology 1 Bldg
ISA certification course "TC30P - Mathematics for Instrumentation Technicians." This course will enable you to understand PLC architecture, configuration, installation, maintenance and ladder logic programming with over 50% hands on training.
You will be able to :
- Work with all various vendors' PLCs
- Identify the basic components of a PLC system
- Understand the timing considerations when using the PLC to solve logic
- Develop and test a PLC program
- Install and wire I/O simulators to a PLC
- Fully document a PLC ladder program
- Apply the fundamentals of electric motor control using PLC instructions
- Understand the guidelines for the installation, wiring, and maintenance of PLC systems
- Understand the operation of PLC safety circuits
- Operate and calibrate an analog input and analog output module
This course is organized by . For registration or more information go to isa.org.
Monday April 20 - Friday April 24, 2009, 8am - 4pm, Room 110-H, Technology 1 Bldg
ISA certification course "TI25 - Installing, Callibrating and Maintaining Electronic Instruments." This combination of practical information and hands-on experiences covers proper installation, calibration, and maintenance of electronic instruments. You will examine characteristics of electronic control systems, techniques for installing electronic instruments, and procedures for configuring and calibrating transmitters, transducers, and controllers. Approximately 40% of your time in this course is spent in the lab, working with the equipment .
You will be able to :
- Employ proper safety practices during installation, calibration, and maintenance procedures
- Connect wiring in an electronic control loop
- Select and operate test equipment to measure electrical properties and calibrate instruments
- Calibrate electronic transmitters and controllers
- Recognize the importance of maintenance in the proper operation of instruments and control systems
- Use manufacturer's guidelines to configure instruments for specific process applications
- Explain installation considerations and practices for instruments and control systems
- Install electronic instruments using manufacturer's guidelines and ISA's recommended practices and procedures
- Use P&ID, wiring, schematic, and installation detail drawings to install, calibrate, and verify proper operation of instruments
- Explain methods for reducing electrical hazards including intrinsically safe installation
- Describe the trend toward using fieldbus systems and personal computers in process control
- Understand the relevance of ISO 9000 standards to maintenance practices and procedures
This course is organized by . For registration or more information go to isa.org.
Monday May 4 - Thursday May 7, 2009, 8am - 4pm, Room 110-H, Technology 1 Bldg
ISA certification course "FG02 - Mathematics for Instrumentation Technicians." This course is specifically designed for the instrument technician who may be struggling with mathematical computations or those who need a basic refresher. The course is focused entirely on fundamental problems and solutions that an instrument tech continuously works with from entry to supervisory level experience. It also provides a good prerequisite basis for being able to perform the various math calculations involved in other ISA training courses.
You will be able to :
- Understand the role that mathematics plays in a technician's daily duties
- Manipulate formulas to obtain unknown value(s)
- Understand how and why to linearize an output
- Analyze and define a word problem and its related answers
- Manipulate very large (M, K) and very small #s (Milli, Micro, Nano, Pico, Femto, Atto)
This course is organized by . For registration or more information go to isa.org.
Monday May 11 - Friday May 15, 2009, 8am - 4pm, Room 110-H, Technology 1 Bldg
ISA certification course "FG07 - Introduction to Industrial Automation and Control." This popular course combines lecture and hands-on labs to provide an overview of industrial measurement and control. Technicians, engineers, and managers will gain a basic understanding of common terminology, practices and applications used in measurement and control systems. Serves as a solid fundamental course for introduction to other ISA courses.
You will be able to :
- Communicate with measurement and control professionals
- Understand the role of measurement and control in industrial processes
- Differentiate between continous, batch, and discrete control
- Apply specific ISA standards to interpret symbols and drawings associated with process control documentation
- Understand the most common methods and devices used in temperature, pressure, level, and flow measurement
- Know how control valves operate in a feedback control loop
- Understand the fundamentals of process control
- Be able to differentiate between control system architectures including single loop controllers, Distributed Control System (DCS), and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
- Review trends in measurement and control technology
- Understand safe laboratory practices
- Be able to apply hands-on skills learned in the laboratory exercises
- Understand basic devices and procedures for connecting and calibrating various measurement devices
- Be able to communicate the principles of operation of digital controllers and smart devices
This course is organized by . For registration or more information go to isa.org.
Tuesday June 9 - Wednesday June 10, 2009, 8am - 4pm, Room 110-H, Technology 1 Bldg
ISA certification course "EN00 - Control Systems Engineering (CSE) PE Exam Review Course." "A good general overview of what to expect on exam. Good info on how to go about taking test (strategy). Pointed out to me what areas I need to work on." - Brian Keene. This course will give control system engineers a review of the knowledge and skills areas that are included on the CSE Professional Engineer (PE) examination produced by NCEES and administered by the state professional license boards each October. The intent of the class is to prepare an engineer with 4 or more years of experience to take the exam by providing instruction in the broad range of technical areas that will be tested. The content is based on the CSE Exam Specification that went into effect in October 2003.
You will be able to :
- Follow the guidelines for taking the CSE Exam
- Appreciate the breadth of the knowledge and skills areas
- Apply recognized standards for symbols and documents
- Recognize the basic calculation techniques for measurement devices
- Understand process variable measurements and sensor selection
- Compare the various final control elements/valves
- Understand basic process control loops: their configuration, operation, and performance
- Follow discrete logic in motor and interlock control
- Realize various signal conversion and wiring arrangements
- Compare various installation methods and techniques
- Determine material requirements from physical parameters
- Interpret system scope statements and apply to design needs
This course is organized by . For registration or more information go to isa.org.
Thursday June 11 - Friday June 12, 2009, 8am - 4pm, Room 110-H, Technology 1 Bldg
ISA certification course "TI06 - Maintaining Pneumatic Components in Measurement and Control." This course will allow you to understand the technology, operation, and maintenance of pneumatic instruments employed in modern process facilities.
You will be able to :
- Describe the operation of various pneumatic devices including bellows, diaphragm, Bourdon tube, flapper/nozzle mechanism and pressure transmitters
- Discuss performance characteristics and identify errors associated with the operation of pneumatic measurement and control instruments
- Describe the specific tools used for pneumatic maintenance in a contemporary plant environment
- Discuss pneumatic air supply and components of air distribution
- Calibrate a differential pressure transmitter for a dip tube application
- Describe operation of various I/Ps (transducers)
- Discuss the function of a control valve and actuator in a typical loop
- Describe various types of actuators and positioners and discuss the characteristics and applications of each
- Describe valve/trim characteristics set by a pneumatic positioner and discuss the effect each has on loop performance
- Bench check and operate a pneumatic valve actuator, performing a five point calibration check on the positioner
- Perform a feedback control loop demonstration using a pneumatic controller
This course is organized by . For registration or more information go to isa.org.
Monday June 15 - Wednesday June 17, 2009, 8am - 4pm, Room 110-H, Technology 1 Bldg
ISA certification course "SP15 - Understanding and Applying Motor Control." This course gives you a broad perspective of DC motors, AC motors (single and three-phase), stepper and servo motors, and their industrial applications. You will also cover motor starter circuits, reduced voltage starting techniques, and variable speed drives (VSD) for AC induction motors.
You will be able to :
- Understand motor torque and horsepower
- Calculate volts per hertz ratio
- Specify, select, and implement motors for variables torque and horsepower
- Interpret motor performance curves
- Differentiate between slip and synchronous speed
- Disciss stepper and servo motor systems for industrial applications
- Understand how variable frequency AC drives operate
- Understand the advantages of brushless DC motors
- Apply procedures to reverse direction of a three-phase motor
- Understand the differences in various motion control feedback devices
- Determine the need for variable speed drives in industrial processes
This course is organized by . For registration or more information go to isa.org.
