Instrumentation and control engineering: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Branch of engineering studying process variables}}

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'''Instrumentation and control engineering''' (ICE) is a [[List of engineering branches|branch of]] [[engineering]] that studies the measurement and control of [[process variable]]s, and the design and implementation of [[system]]s that incorporate them. Process variables include [[pressure]], [[temperature]], [[humidity]], [[Fluid dynamics|flow]], [[pH]], [[force]] and [[speed]].

ICE combines two branches of engineering. [[Instrumentation#Instrumentation engineering|Instrumentation engineering]] is the science of the measurement and control of process variables within a production or manufacturing area.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nait.ca/program_home_78211.htm|title=Instrumentation Engineering Technology|publisher=Northern Alberta Institute of Technology|access-date=17 October 2012}}</ref> Meanwhile, [[control engineering]], also called control systems engineering, is the engineering discipline that applies [[control theory]] to design systems with desired behaviors.

'''Introduction:'''

Instrumentation and control engineering is one of the brightest fields in engineering today. Instrumentation and control engineering is a specialised stream of engineering that deals with measurement and control of process variables in a production process. This discipline finds its origin in both electrical and electronics engineering, and it covers subjects related to electronics, electrical, mechanical, chemical and computing streams. In short, it deals with measurement, automation and control processes.If you look at the today's scenario, there are many people who are willing to make a career in this stream. A talented instrumentation and control engineer need not worry about getting a job because he has a sky full of opportunities to explore.

Control engineers are responsible for the research, design, and development of control devices and systems, typically in manufacturing facilities and [[Oil production plant|process plants]]. Control methods employ sensors to measure the output variable of the device and provide feedback to the controller so that it can make corrections toward desired performance. Automatic control manages a device without the need of human inputs for correction, such as cruise control for regulating a car's speed.

'''Nature of job'''

An instrumentation and control engineer is required to:

1. Design and develop control systems

2. Maintain the existing control systems

3. Manage the control systems

4. Collaborate with design engineers, purchasers and other staff members involved in the production processes

5. Manage projects within the given restraints including cost and time

6. Troubleshoot

7. Ensure that the instruments comply with health and safety regulations

8. Ensure that quality standards are maintained

9. Provide consultancy support

Control systems engineering activities are multi-disciplinary in nature. They focus on the implementation of control systems, mainly derived by mathematical modeling. Because instrumentation and control play a significant role in gathering information from a system and changing its [[parameter]]s, they are a key part of [[control loop]]s.

'''Requirement'''

An instrumentation and control engineer is expected to learn subjects like industrial instrumentation, system dynamics and process control.

== As profession ==

High demand for engineering professionals is found in fields associated with process automation. Specializations include [[Industrial engineering|industrial]] [[instrumentation]], [[system dynamics]], [[process control]], and [[control system]]s. Additionally, technological knowledge, particularly in computer systems, is essential to the job of an instrumentation and control engineer; important technology-related topics include [[human–computer interaction]], [[programmable logic controller]]s, and [[SCADA]]. The tasks center around designing, developing, maintaining and managing control systems.<ref>[http://electronicsforu.com/resources/instrumentation-control-engineering-perfectionists "Instrumentation and Control Engineering is for Perfectionists"], ''Diksha P Gupta''</ref>

AnThe goals of the work of an instrumentation and control engineer is requiredare to maximize:

* Productivity

* Optimization

* Stability

* Reliability

* Safety

* Continuity

== As academic discipline ==

Instrumentation and control engineering is a vital field of study offered at many universities worldwide at both the [[graduate school|graduate]] and [[postgraduate]] levels. This discipline integrates principles from various branches of engineering, providing a comprehensive understanding of the design, analysis, and management of automated systems.

Typical coursework for this discipline includes, but is not limited to, subjects such as [[control systems|control system design]], instrumentation fundamentals, [[process control]], sensors and [[signal processing]], automation, [[robotics]], and industrial data communications. Advanced courses may delve into topics like intelligent control systems, [[digital signal processing]], and embedded systems design.

Students often have the opportunity to engage in hands-on laboratory work and industry-relevant projects, which foster practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge. These experiences are crucial in preparing graduates for careers in diverse sectors including [[manufacturing]], [[power generation]], oil and gas, and healthcare, where they may design and maintain systems that automate processes, improve efficiency, and enhance safety.

Interdisciplinary by nature, the field is accessible to students from various engineering backgrounds. Most commonly, students with a foundation in [[Electrical Engineering]] and [[Mechanical Engineering]] are drawn to this field due to their strong base in [[control systems]], system dynamics, electro-mechanical machines and devices, and electric circuits (course work). However, with the growing complexity and integration of systems, students from fields like [[computer engineering]], [[chemical engineering]], and even [[biomedical engineering]] are increasingly contributing to and benefiting from studies in instrumentation and [[control engineering]].

Furthermore, the rapid advancement of technology in areas like the Internet of Things (IoT), [[artificial intelligence]] (AI), and [[machine learning]] is continuously shaping the curriculum of this discipline, making it an ever-evolving and dynamic field of study.

==See also==

* [[Industrial system]]

* [[Instrumentation in petrochemical industries]]

* [[List of sensors]]

* [[Metrology]]

* [[Measurement]]

* [[Programmable logic controller]]

* [[International Society of Automation]]

==References==

{{Reflist}}

== External links ==

* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140517130918/http://iicta.org/ Industrial Instrumentation and Controls Technology Alliance]

* {{cite web|url=https://instrumentationandcontrol.net|title=Instrumentation and Control}}

[[Category:Process engineering]]

[[Category:Sensors]]

[[Category:Measuring instruments]]