By: Daud Dominador Velasco

for
HAYA WATER-Muscat, Oman
 Abstract
This presentation gives a brief introduction to
instrumentation and its relevance to the process
industry.

5. Introduction
As introduction to Instrumentation, let us see
the science and technology that affect and interact
with measurement & control.
 Physics Mathematics
Chemistry &

Chemical Engg

Instrumentation

Nucleonic &
ECE

Control
Mechl & Elect
Metallurgical &
Engg.
Manufacturing Engg

IT & Comp Engg

2. 0 Definition
To have better understanding of the word instrumentation
let us first study the meaning of its root word “Instrument”,

2.1 What is an Instrument?

According to Webster’s Dictionary, is
- any mechanical device or contrivance
- a tool, implement, or apparatus
- a contrivance for producing music
- a formal legal document, a deed or contract
- an agent, agency
- an apparatus for measuring distance
- others

After knowing the meaning of the word “Instrument” let us

find the meaning of “instrumentation” as defined by the
Instrument Society of America (ISA).
2.2 What is Instrumentation?
2.2.1 ISA Definition
The official definition of Instrumentation is – a
collection of instrument or their application for the purpose of
observation, measurement or control.
2.2.2 “Filipino” Definition
The version is easy to remember and hard to
forget. You just have to answer the (4) W’s.
What? - Application of instruments
Where? - into a process
Why? - in order to measure & control
Which? - its activity.

2.2.3 “Other Definition”

Instrumentation is an art and science using
instruments in a control process for the purpose of
observation, measurement and control.
 Decides
Controller/
Receiving
element

Senses Influence
s
Measuring Final control
Device/element device/element

Reacts

The Process
 Process control

Algorithm of Controller

PV – SP = e
PV – Measured Variable
SP – Set Point
e – error signal
Objective is to make the measured value
to Set point or error is equal to
zero.
Process:
Furnace
Separator
Boiler

Measuring element:
Sensor
Transmitter
Transducer
Receiving element:
Indicators
Recorders
Controller
Alarm units

Final Control element:

Control Valves
Dampers
Drives
3.0 Scope of Instrumentation & Control
3.1 Division of Instrumentation (According to ISA)
3.1.1 Computers, Information Technology,
Communications,
Telecommunications, Data handling, Telemetry. This
includes:
- Data communications
- Scanning and data logging, SCADA
(Supervisory
Control and Data Acquisition)
- Data processing
- Data storage and transmission
- Information theory
- Telemetry – transmitting Data from
measuring systems
by telemetering; from data acquisition or
processing
centers, or from supervisory dispatching
centers for
communication
- Telemetering transmission methods;
hardwired,
 3.1.2 Aerospace/Avionics
Instrumentation associated with
- ground testing
- flight testing
- control of aircraft, missiles and space vehicles.
3.1.3 Marine Sciences/biology
Instrumentation associated with
- oceanography
- marine and underwater applications
3.1.4 Metrology
The science of test and measurements utilizing
- precise measurements
- Calibration standards, calibrator
- primary standards
- secondary standards
- working standards
For calibrating instruments that measure pressure,
temperature, mass,
weights, dimensional, etc.
3.1.5 Automation – Mechanical Instrumentation of mechanical
movements
- Machine automation, mechanization
- Bottling
- Packaging
- Robotics
- CNC (Computerized numerical control of machining)
3.1.6 Automation – Process
Instrumentation of process variables
- Process controls
- Measurement of control of
- pressure
- level
- flow
- Temperature
- others
 3.1.7 Analytical
Measurement of composition/ percent concentration, and other
properties such as;
- pH, turbidity, O2, CO, CO2, H2, H2S, SO2, NO, etc
- Moisture, relative humidity
- Density, viscocity
3.1.8 Bio – Medical
Medical and bio medical instruments needed for research and
experimental works as well as for diagnostic and therapeutic
treatment.
Example; X-Ray, ECG, EKG, CAT (Computerize Axial
Topography), NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resource), Lung capacity
meter (Spiro meter), CT Scan, Ultrasound, etc
3.1.9 Cryogenics
The science that deal with the production of very low
temperature and their effect on the properties of matter.
These are
instruments that are specifically for very low temperature.
3.1.10 Nuclear Instrumentation
- Instruments that measure the strength or activity of
radioisotope,
- Instrument that measure process variables such as
weight,
density, thickness, moisture thru the use of
radioisotopes like
Cesium 137, Cobalt 60, etc.
3.1.11 Power Instrumentation
- Instrument that measure electrical properties such
as current,
voltage, horsepower, phase angle, power factor,
frequency, etc
3.1.12 Others/Unclassified
Instruments used in the
- Audio, video, TV, cinema and entertainment industry