Web Based Training Packages

  • Fundamentals Series

    The Fundamentals Series is an excellent introduction to the foundational knowledge needed to enter the industrial workplace. This introductory series provides companies with a tool to develop the skilled workforce needed for modern manufacturing. Using time proven content developed by TPC Training Systems, this package will quickly close the knowledge gap for entry level employees. 

    For more information, please contact the Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing at 423.354.5149.

    Course#

    Course Name and Description

    Number
    of
    Lessons

    FUNDAMENTALS (Series 100)

     

    101

    Reading Blueprints

    10

     

    Covers all types of blueprints used in industrial plants. Discusses machine parts and machine drawings. Features drawings of a compound rest and a clutch-brake control. Examines hydraulic, pneumatic, piping, plumbing, electrical, air-conditioning, and refrigeration drawings. Introduces sketching used in industrial plants.

     

    102

    Reading Schematics and Symbols

    10

     

    Covers all types of schematics and symbols used in commercial and industrial settings. Examines symbols on schematics, electrical symbols and diagrams, piping symbols and diagrams, hydraulic and pneumatic diagrams and symbols. Discusses air conditioning and refrigeration systems, including explanations of electrical/electronic control schematics. Covers welding and joining symbols.

     

    103

    Mathematics in the Plant

    10

     

    Begins by introducing mathematical basics-numbers and numerals, subtraction, addition, multiplication, and division. Examines common fractions and decimal fractions, ratios and proportions, powers and roots. Discusses the calculator: usage, basic and special functions, internal logic, and special purpose calculators. Moves on to cover geometry, algebra, and formulas for problem solving. Concludes by explaining properties of triangles and trig and inverse trig functions.

     

    104

    Making Measurements

    10

     

    Covers units of measurement used in commercial and industrial applications. Examines all aspects of basic measurement concepts and procedures, including accuracy and tolerance. Discusses techniques and devices for comparison measurements (dial indicators and gauge blocks). Shows common methods for measuring volume, motion, force, temperature, fluid flow, and electricity. Explains how to use scales and rules, combination calipers, and micrometers

     

    105

    Metals in the Plant

    10

     

    Introduces metals, metallurgy, and metalworking. Discusses the properties of metals, including their mechanical properties. Examines several industrial manufacturing processes. Covers iron and standard steels. Explains the different kinds of heat treatment and their usage. Discusses some techniques of working with copper, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, lead, nickel, tin, and zinc.

     

    106

    Nonmetals in the Plant

    10

     

    Introduces major nonmetal materials and how they are most frequently used. Describes properties, characteristics, and classifications of each material. Covers synthetic and natural materials. Examines various paints and coatings, their proper use, preparation, and application. Surveys industrial chemicals. Chemical safety precautions are covered, along with the proper use of protective equipment.

     

    107

    Hand Tools

    10

     

    Covers the most important hand tools used on the job. Begins with measuring tools, including a discussion of units of measurement. Examines the various kinds of wrenches and screwdrivers, their uses and handling techniques. Explains other hand tools by specialty: pipefitting tools, plumbing tools, electrician's tools, sheet metalworking tools, machinists' metal-working tools. Ends with hoisting and pulling tools.

     

    108

    Portable Power Tools

    10

     

    Explains the uses, selection, safety, and care of industrial power tools: electric drills, electric hammers, pneumatic drills and hammers, screwdrivers, nutrunners, wrenches, linear-motion and circular saws, routers and planes, electric sanders, grinders, and shears. Covers tool sharpening techniques for selected tools.

     

    109.1

    Industrial Safety and Health

    12

     

    Explains government involvement in ensuring a safe workplace. Discusses safety in various situations. Discusses personal protective equipment and fire safety. Includes expanded coverage of many health hazards. Covers ergonomics, environmental responsibility and importance of maintaining a safe work environment.

     

    110

    Troubleshooting Skills

    10

     

    Explores the subject of troubleshooting and the importance of proper maintenance procedures. Covers working with others, aids in communication, and trade responsibilities. Outlines troubleshooting techniques and aids, using schematics and symbols. Focuses on specific maintenance tasks, breakdown maintenance, and planned maintenance.

     
  • Maintenance Mechanic Series

    The RCAM Maintenance Mechanic Series provides 300 hours of critical job related instruction in a convenient online format. These essential courses are needed to develop the fundamental skills of the 21st century multi-craft industrial maintenance employee. Developed by TPC Training Systems, and managed by the experienced RCAM staff, this package delivers improved maintenance skills needed for the complex 21st century industrial environment.

    To enhance these skills, RCAM has developed hands-on labs designed to put the knowledge into practice. These labs are conducted by experienced maintenance professionals who have proven track records in the industrial maintenance environment.

    The courses listed below define the series outline. For more information, please contact the Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing at 423.354.5149.

    Course#

    Course Name and Description

    Number
    of
    Lessons

    FUNDAMENTALS (Series 100)

     

    101

    Reading Blueprints

    10

     

    Covers all types of blueprints used in industrial plants. Discusses machine parts and machine drawings. Features drawings of a compound rest and a clutch-brake control. Examines hydraulic, pneumatic, piping, plumbing, electrical, air-conditioning, and refrigeration drawings. Introduces sketching used in industrial plants.

     

    102

    Reading Schematics and Symbols

    10

     

    Covers all types of schematics and symbols used in commercial and industrial settings. Examines symbols on schematics, electrical symbols and diagrams, piping symbols and diagrams, hydraulic and pneumatic diagrams and symbols. Discusses air conditioning and refrigeration systems, including explanations of electrical/electronic control schematics. Covers welding and joining symbols.

     

    103

    Mathematics in the Plant

    10

     

    Begins by introducing mathematical basics-numbers and numerals, subtraction, addition, multiplication, and division. Examines common fractions and decimal fractions, ratios and proportions, powers and roots. Discusses the calculator: usage, basic and special functions, internal logic, and special purpose calculators. Moves on to cover geometry, algebra, and formulas for problem solving. Concludes by explaining properties of triangles and trig and inverse trig functions.

     

    104

    Making Measurements

    10

     

    Covers units of measurement used in commercial and industrial applications. Examines all aspects of basic measurement concepts and procedures, including accuracy and tolerance. Discusses techniques and devices for comparison measurements (dial indicators and gauge blocks). Shows common methods for measuring volume, motion, force, temperature, fluid flow, and electricity. Explains how to use scales and rules, combination calipers, and micrometers

     

    105

    Metals in the Plant

    10

     

    Introduces metals, metallurgy, and metalworking. Discusses the properties of metals, including their mechanical properties. Examines several industrial manufacturing processes. Covers iron and standard steels. Explains the different kinds of heat treatment and their usage. Discusses some techniques of working with copper, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, lead, nickel, tin, and zinc.

     

    106

    Nonmetals in the Plant

    10

     

    Introduces major nonmetal materials and how they are most frequently used. Describes properties, characteristics, and classifications of each material. Covers synthetic and natural materials. Examines various paints and coatings, their proper use, preparation, and application. Surveys industrial chemicals. Chemical safety precautions are covered, along with the proper use of protective equipment.

     

    107

    Hand Tools

    10

     

    Covers the most important hand tools used on the job. Begins with measuring tools, including a discussion of units of measurement. Examines the various kinds of wrenches and screwdrivers, their uses and handling techniques. Explains other hand tools by specialty: pipefitting tools, plumbing tools, electrician's tools, sheet metalworking tools, machinists' metal-working tools. Ends with hoisting and pulling tools.

     

    108

    Portable Power Tools

    10

     

    Explains the uses, selection, safety, and care of industrial power tools: electric drills, electric hammers, pneumatic drills and hammers, screwdrivers, nutrunners, wrenches, linear-motion and circular saws, routers and planes, electric sanders, grinders, and shears. Covers tool sharpening techniques for selected tools.

     

    109.1

    Industrial Safety and Health

    12

     

    Explains government involvement in ensuring a safe workplace. Discusses safety in various situations. Discusses personal protective equipment and fire safety. Includes expanded coverage of many health hazards. Covers ergonomics, environmental responsibility and importance of maintaining a safe work environment.

     

    110

    Troubleshooting Skills

    10

     

    Explores the subject of troubleshooting and the importance of proper maintenance procedures. Covers working with others, aids in communication, and trade responsibilities. Outlines troubleshooting techniques and aids, using schematics and symbols. Focuses on specific maintenance tasks, breakdown maintenance, and planned maintenance.

     

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS (Series 200)

     

    201

    Basic Electricity and Electronics

    10

     

    Covers basic, nonmathematical approach to understanding principles of electricity. Introduces electron theory, static electricity, electrons in motion, and magnetism. Covers basic methods of measuring current, voltage, and resistance. Explains circuit components-conductors, insulators, resistors, capacitors-and simple Ohm's Law calculations for DC and AC circuits.

     

    202

    Batteries and DC Circuits

    10

     

    Covers how electrochemical action is used. Covers batteries, electrolytic action, electroplating, Characteristics of storage batteries, application and maintenance of lead-acid, nickel-alkaline, and nickel-cadmium batteries, putting batteries into service, charging batteries, maintaining records, fundamentals of DC circuits, and using Ohm's Law to solve problems in DC series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits.

     

    203

    Transformers and AC Circuits

    10

     

    Covers differences between DC and AC circuits. Explains AC sine wave, using vectors to solve AC problems, calculating impedance in circuits having inductance, capacitance, and resistance, AC power relationships in single-phase and three-phase circuits, and principles of transformer maintenance.

     

    204.1

    Electrical Measuring Instruments

    5

     

    Covers the principles on which electrical test instruments operate. Basic instruments covered include voltmeter, ammeter, wattmeter, ohmmeter, and megohmmeter. Covers AC metering, split-core ammeter, use of current and potential transformers. Includes detailed coverage of modern multimeters. Explains functions and uses of oscilloscopes.

     

    205.1

    Electrical Safety and Protection

    7

     

    Examines electrical hazards and stresses the importance of electrical safety. Covers the equipment and procedures necessary to work safely with electricity, including PPE, lockout/tagout, and first aid. Explains the importance of grounding. Describes many kinds of fuses, circuit breakers, and motor protection devices and their uses.

     

    206

    DC Equipment and Controls

    10

     

    Covers DC power applications in industry, types of DC generators, operating characteristics of DC motors, DC armature principles, and armature maintenance and repair. Includes types of DC relays, DC controllers, overspeed and overload protection, drum and reversing controllers, dynamic braking, DC power supplies, diodes, semiconductors, SCR principles, and DC maintenance practices.

     

    207

    Single-Phase Motors

    10

     

    Covers the types and operating principles of common single-phase motors. Explains NEMA motor standards. Explains how to identify motor leads on split-phase, capacitor-start, capacitor-run, permanent split capacitor, and repulsion motors. Also covers universal motors, shaded-pole motors, and other special types, including synchro and servo systems. Gives general maintenance procedures on all single-phase motors.

     

    208

    Three-Phase Systems

    10

     

    Covers three-phase motor principles for induction, synchronous, and multi-speed dual-voltage motors. Gives recommended maintenance practices for large AC motors. Covers principles of three-phase motor starters, part winding, reversing, jogging, alternator principles and operation. Describes three-phase power distribution.

     

    209

    AC Control Equipment

    10

     

    Covers the broad range of industrial motor starting and control equipment, including NEMA sizes and ratings. Includes pushbutton control stations, limit switches, mercury switches, mechanical and magnetic plugging, foot switches, and pressure, temperature, and float switches. Covers control panel wiring and special applications.

     

    210

    Electrical Troubleshooting

    10

     

    Covers use of schematic diagrams, determining sequence of operation, and use of building diagrams and single-line diagrams. Includes troubleshooting procedures for control circuits and combination starters. Explains troubleshooting practices on DC and AC motors, identifying unmarked leads on three-phase delta and Y-connected motors, and troubleshooting lighting systems.

     

    211

    Electrical Safety in the Workplace—Understanding NFPA 70E®

    8

     

    Introduces the trainee to the purpose of NFPA 70E and explains the history of its creation. After discussing the relationship between OSHA and NFPA 70E, the course moves through the standard, article by article, highlighting the important points in each. Concludes with a lesson on the annexes and supplemental material found in the NFPA 70E Handbook.

     

    MECHANICAL SYSTEMS (Series 300)

     

    301

    Basic Mechanics

    10

     

    Covers force and motion, work and energy, and fluid mechanics as applied in industrial maintenance. Explains principles of operation for simple machines, such as the lever, inclined plane, wheel and axle, pulley, and screw. Explains the basic elements of industrial machines, as well as common measurement tools used to monitor and adjust equipment. Covers hand tools, power tools and fasteners, ending with a discussion of ways to reduce friction and wear.

     

    302

    Lubricants and Lubrication

    10

     

    Covers a complete lubrication training program, including functions and characteristics of lubricants, factors in selection of lubricants, and effects of additives. Oils, greases, and other compounds used for lubrication are described, as well as their applications. Lubrication methods and recommended storage and handling procedures are included.

     

    303.1

    Power Transmission Equipment

    8

     

    Covers belt drives, chain drives, gears and gear drives, adjustable-speed drives, shaft alignment, shaft coupling devices, and clutches and brakes.

     

    304

    Bearings

    10

     

    Covers principles and applications of various types of bearings, including plain journal, ball, and roller bearings. Explains installation, inspection and repair of bearings. Deals with specialized bearings, including powdered-metal, nonmetallic, and hydrostatic bearings. Covers bearing seals, lubrication, and maintenance practices.

     

    305

    Pumps

    10

     

    Covers typical applications of various types of pumps. Describes factors affecting pump selection. Explains operating principles of centrifugal, propeller, and turbine, rotary, reciprocating, and metering pumps. Includes special-purpose pumps, diaphragm pumps, and others designed to handle corrosive and abrasive substances. Covers pump maintenance, packing gland, seal, and bearing replacement.

     

    306

    Piping Systems

    10

     

    Covers piping and tubing systems used for fluid transport in the plant: hydraulic fluids, steam, liquefied product, refrigerant, and water. Shows typical metallic and nonmetallic piping systems, pipe-joining methods, and how tubing and hoses differ from piping. Covers valves, pipe fittings, hangers, supports, and insulation, and shows how tubing is sized, fitted, bent, and joined. Explains uses of traps, filters, and strainers.

     

    307

    Basic Hydraulics

    10

     

    Covers hydraulic principles, types of hydraulic fluids and their characteristics. Describes components of the hydraulic system and their functions, including filters and strainers, reservoirs and accumulators, pumps, piping, tubing and hoses, control valves, relief valves, and actuating devices. Covers a variety of cylinders and hydraulic motors.

     

    308

    Hydraulic Troubleshooting

    10

     

    Covers understanding the systems, using schematic diagrams, installation procedures, cleanliness and safety. Includes tubing cutting, bending, and flaring, identification and selection of proper fluid, and charging the system. Discusses planned maintenance, specific repair/replacement recommendations, system diagnosis, and troubleshooting.

     

    309

    Basic Pneumatics

    10

     

    Covers how work, force, and energy are applied to principles of pneumatics. Shows operating principles of reciprocating, positive displacement, rotary, and dynamic air compressors. Covers primary and secondary air treatment. Includes valves, logic devices, cylinders, and air motors.

     

    310

    Pneumatic Troubleshooting

    10

     

    Covers pneumatic systems, schematic symbols and diagrams, installing system components, planned maintenance, system diagnosis, and troubleshooting. Includes maintenance of air compressors, control valves, air motors, electrical components, and hybrid systems.

     
  • Maintenance Management

    The RCAM Maintenance Management Series provides 41 hours of relevant online maintenance management training designed for the industrial maintenance professional. Developed by TPC Training Systems, and managed by the experienced RCAM staff, this package delivers improved maintenance performance for the complex industrial or commercial environments.

    In this series, maintenance managers and supervisors will learn to better prepare their organizations for asset management success.

    For more information, please contact the Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing at 423.354.5149.

    Course#

    Course Name and Description

    Number
    of
    Lessons

    MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT (Series 900)

     

    901

    Maintenance Organization

    7

     

    Covers the basic types of maintenance organizations. Discusses cost-saving concepts of using work order systems. Explains how to develop and use information sources to implement maintenance management. Shows how to apply work standards and planning procedures to simplify a supervisor’s job. Introduces the use of computers for first-line supervisors.

     

    902

    Implementing Preventive Maintenance

    5

     

    Covers what PM is and why it is necessary. Develops procedures for setting up a practical PM program, and describes effects of PM on scheduled and unscheduled work. Explains the requirements and advantages of the program as it applies to maintenance management. Provides information on the relationship of PM to production and quality control.

     

    903

    Controlling Maintenance Resources

    5

     

    Covers methods of using maintenance resources for greatest efficiency, and tells how to implement the techniques effectively. Explains what workload is and how to measure it. Provides a thorough investigation into the control of labor, parts, and materials—both in the field and in the shop. Examines the budget process and how to control costs through budgeting.

     

    904

    Improving Performance in Maintenance

    5

     

    Covers instructions to first-line supervisor in the strategies involved in improving performances, and presents proven methods for increasing maintenance productivity. Develops ways of evaluating training effectiveness and the management of time. Describes the information necessary to stimulate improvement in all facets of the maintenance program.

     

    905

    Effective Communication for Supervisors

    7

     

    Covers how to use verbal and written communication tools, including the importance of listening. Explains how to motivate personnel through effective communication. Discusses how to organize written communication, best utilizing the elements of writing—parts of speech, phrases, clauses, sentences, structure, punctuation, and syntax. Gives examples of business writing used for reporting progress and motivating employees.

     

    906

    Employee Relations

    8

     

    Defines the supervisor’s job in terms of maintenance planning, operations, and employee interaction. Demonstrates how good leadership requires administering discipline fairly, recognizing employee needs, and preventing employee strife. Discusses the basic information supervisors need in handling grievances and union disputes.

     

    907

    Managing a Training Program

    4

     

    Covers analysis of training needs. Describes various kinds of training and lists important steps in administering training. Compares group management techniques to self-study. Discusses the training environment. Examines how to keep training records and how to evaluate training results.

     
  • Troubleshooting

    The RCAM Troubleshooting Series provides 40 hours of relevant online troubleshooting training designed for the industrial and commercial maintenance professional. Developed by TPC Training Systems, and managed by the experienced RCAM staff, this package delivers improved maintenance performance for the complex industrial or commercial environments.

    In this series, participants will study the skills needed to solve complex technical problems in the 21st century industrial environment. However, skills are developed over time as these tools are put into practice. To expedite this process, RCAM offers both a mechanical and electrical troubleshooting lab which allows participants to practice these new skills.      

    For more information, please contact the Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing at 423.354.5149.

    Course#

    Course Name and Description

    Number
    of
    Lessons

    110

    Troubleshooting Skills

    10

     

    Explores the subject of troubleshooting and the importance of proper maintenance procedures. Covers working with others, aids in communication, and trade responsibilities. Outlines troubleshooting techniques and aids, using schematics and symbols. Focuses on specific maintenance tasks, breakdown maintenance, and planned maintenance.

     

    210

    Electrical Troubleshooting

    10

     

    Covers use of schematic diagrams, determining sequence of operation, and use of building diagrams and single-line diagrams. Includes troubleshooting procedures for control circuits and combination starters. Explains troubleshooting practices on DC and AC motors, identifying unmarked leads on three-phase delta and Y-connected motors, and troubleshooting lighting systems.

     

    308

    Hydraulic Troubleshooting

    10

     

    Covers understanding the systems, using schematic diagrams, installation procedures, cleanliness and safety. Includes tubing cutting, bending, and flaring, identification and selection of proper fluid, and charging the system. Discusses planned maintenance, specific repair/replacement recommendations, system diagnosis, and troubleshooting.

     

    310

    Pneumatic Troubleshooting

    10

     

    Covers pneumatic systems, schematic symbols and diagrams, installing system components, planned maintenance, system diagnosis, and troubleshooting. Includes maintenance of air compressors, control valves, air motors, electrical components, and hybrid systems.

     
  • Process Instrumentation

    The RCAM Process Instrumentation Series provides 71 hours of job related instruction in a convenient online format. These courses are designed to develop the fundamental instrumentation skills of the 21st century industrial chemical processing environment. Developed by TPC Training Systems, and managed by the experienced RCAM staff, this package delivers improved technical skills needed for the complex industrial environment.

    To apply these skills, RCAM has developed hands-on instrumentation labs designed to put the knowledge into practice. These labs are conducted by experienced maintenance professionals who have proven track records in the industrial instrumentation environment.

    To complete a comprehensive training program, the RCAM staff can assist your organization in the development of structured on-the-job (OJT) training that aligns with your job specific training needs.

    For more information, contact the Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing at 423.354.5149.

    Course#

    Course Name and Description

    Number
    of
    Lessons

    PROCESS CONTROL INSTRUMENTATION (Series 270)

     

    271

    Introduction to Process Control

    6

     

    Covers the function of basic devices for measuring and controlling different kinds of variables in process control. Introduces closed-loop control and PID functions. Introduces analog and digital devices and programmable logic controllers (PLCs). ISA and SAMA instrumentation symbols and interpretation and use of process diagrams are covered.

     

    273

    Pressure Measurement

    5

     

    Covers units of pressure and discusses Boyle's and Charles' laws to explain relationships among pressure, volume, and temperature. Describes sensor operation of manometers, bourdon tubes, diaphragms, and bellows. Explains the operation of potentiometric, capacitive, reluctive, servo, strain-gauge, and piezoelectric transducers. Describes devices used in low-pressure control. Discusses proper and safe methods for installing and servicing pressure instruments.

     

    274

    Force, Weight, Motion Measurement

    5

     

    Covers force, stress, and strain and explains the operation of strain-gauge systems. Relates weight to mass and scales to balances. Explains the operation of load-cell scales. Describes belt-scale, nuclear-scale, and weigh feeder operation. Covers position measurements by means of proximity detection, air gauging, LVDT gauges, synchros, code disks, and other devices. Explains machine tool control and accelerometer operation. Describes the measurement of angular velocity and acceleration, vibration detection, and machinery balancing.

     

    275

    Flow Measurement

    10

     

    Covers principles of fluid flow and how primary devices affect fluid flow. Describes flow measurement using several kinds of secondary devices. Discusses rotameters and other variable-area instruments. Explains how weirs, flumes, and other arrangements measure open-channel flow. Compares many kinds of positive-displacement meters and explains the operation of several kinds of turbine and magnetic flowmeters. Describes less-common flowmeters (including vortex-precession, mass flow, and ultrasonic devices) and instruments that meter the flow of solids. Provides guidelines for safe installation and maintenance of flow devices.

     

    276

    Level Measurement

    5

     

    Covers principles governing various methods of measuring level. Explains operation of conductive, capacitive, resistive, ultrasonic, and photoelectric devices. Compares the operation of several kinds of pressure-head instruments. Explains the measurement of solids by ultrasonic, microwave, radiation, and other methods. Discusses several special-application devices for both continuous and point level measurement.

     

    277

    Temperature Measurement

    5

     

    Covers units in thermal measurement and operation of RTDs (and wheatstone bridges), thermistors, and thermocouples and thermometers. Includes principles of pyrometry and operation of narrowband, broadband, and bandpass pyrometers. Discusses calibration standards, typical calibrating methods, and instrument testing.

     

    278

    Analytical Instrumentation

    5

     

    Covers principles, installation, calibration, and maintenance of conductivity probes, and methods of stack gas monitoring. Includes how to install, calibrate, and maintain pH and ORP measurement instruments and operation, installation, calibration, and maintenance of several optical analyzers. Discusses principles and safe practices governing sensors used in measuring oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other products of combustion. Concludes with operation, calibration, and system components in liquid and gas chromatography.

     

    279

    Final Control Elements

    5

     

    Covers how elements in a closed-loop system affect final control element. Describes components in final control subsystems. Discusses operations of solenoids, motors, relay systems, and PLCs. Explains pneumatic actuators and positioners. Describes mechanical advantage in several hydraulic control systems. Compares construction, characteristics, and applications of eight control valves. Traces operation of each element in typical feedwater, turbine, and robotic control systems.

     

    280

    Safety, Calibration, and Testing Procedures

    5

     

    Covers the responsibilities of employer, employee, and regulatory agencies in maintaining safety. Discusses ways of identifying and handling chemical, electrical, biological, radiation, and mechanical hazards. Discusses importance of maintenance (including calibration) and proper record keeping. Describes use of common electrical and electronic test instruments. Offers guidelines for handling heavy equipment, decontaminating and servicing pneumatic and hydraulic equipment, and troubleshooting.

     

    PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS (Series 280)

     

    281

    Working with Controllers

    5

     

    Covers the purposes and kinds of controllers and their relationship to other components in process control systems. Explains the concepts of current-, position-, and time-proportioning control. Compares the operation of several kinds of controllers. Describes the operation of proportional, integral, and derivative modes, and discusses tuning procedures for each. Discusses cascade, feedforward, ratio, and auctioneering control systems as well as other operations. Describes ways to eliminate or reduce controller problems.

     

    282

    How Control Loops Operate

    5

     

    Covers definition of control loop terms and characteristics. Includes specific examples of operation of control loops of many kinds. Discusses proportional, integral, and derivative modes in detail. Describes advanced control methods by means of four strategies with specific examples. Examines the effects of loop dynamics on system stability.

     

    283

    Data Transmission

    5

     

    Covers mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and telemetric data transmission methods. Discusses indicators, other devices, and methods used for electrical/electronic data transmission in detail. Compares methods and standards for parallel and serial digital data transmission. Describes optical isolation and the operation of optical data transmission systems in detail. Provides specific methods for preventing common kinds of data transmission interference.

     

    284

    Computers in Process Control

    5

     

    Covers the evolution of today's process control computer systems. Compares smart components to older conventional system devices. Covers the architecture (hardware and software), configuration, and operation of distributed control systems in depth (two entire lessons) by using as an example a typical DCS controlling an ice cream plant. Defines common terms used in today's integrated plant and discusses the integration of discrete and continuous processes with plant business functions.