ALVIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

PROCESS TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

PTAC 2436

PROCESS INSTRUMENTATION II

SYLLABUS
2014

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ALVIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

PROCESS TECHNOLOGY SYLLABUS
PTAC 2436 Process Instrumentation II
An updated syllabus will be distributed the first day of class.
INSTRUCTOR: Curtis Crabtree
E-MAIL: ccrabtree@alvincollege.edu
N103
PHONE: 281-756-3785
OFFICE:
OFFICE HOURS: 9:00 to 12:00 Noon, 3:00 to 5:00 Monday Wednesday
3:00 to 5:00 Tuesday - Thursday

COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR INSTRUCTOR:

The preferred method for communicating with your instructor is through the ACC email or
you may call me at 281-756-3785. Please leave your first and last name, a phone number
or e-mail address where I can contact you and tell me what you need to discuss with me. I
will normally respond within 24 hours Monday-Thursday and by the next business day on
Friday-Sunday.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course prepares students to recognize and understand instrumentation and controls as
applied to process operations. Process control systems for basic unit operations such as
furnace/boiler firing, distillation, and reactors are described and explained with actual
instrument-operations including manual, auto, proportional, integral, derivative modes.
Feedback and feed forward control systems, cascade, split range, ratio control systems are
covered. Process analyzers, computer, and programmable logic controllers are described.
(3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours per week)
METHODOLOGY
In-class lecture, lab-based instruction, in-class discussion, online communication, quizzes,
exams, team assignments and submission of assignments.
PRE-REQUISITES
PTAC 1332
CLASS POLICIES
Process Technology courses are intended to develop the students knowledge of the
process industries while preparing the student for an operating position in these industries.
Identified are the important technical, operational, safety, and environmental skills and
knowledge which provide employers with more effective entry-level process operators.
Enhanced job requirements will require operators to contribute beyond current expectations,
to demonstrate adaptability and the ability to learn quickly, and to communicate effectively.
It is the individual students responsibility to contact potential employers to make application
for employment. Alvin Community College makes no claim that the successful completion of
the program will lead to employment in the industry.
The Process Technology A.A.S. degree will be awarded to students who successfully
PTAC 2436 Process Instrumentation II

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complete all required courses in the program. To satisfactorily complete the class, the
student must:
1.

Be absent no more than four 2-hour classes or two 4-hour classes per term. A student
may make up the missed classes at a later time with the approval of the instructor and
incur any penalty that may apply.

2.

Instructors have the option to strongly advise students to drop a course, who have
absence records poorer than that described in paragraph #1 above.

3.

Attendance at the final exam is a requirement. Unexcused absence from this session
will result in an F grade for the course.

4.

Classes will generally conclude with a test of the material assigned and covered.

5.

Complete Process Technology courses with an average grade of C or higher. Grade

point values and percentage ranges:

Grade
A
B
C
D
F
6.

Excellent
Good
Average
Poor
Failure

Grade
Points per
Points
Semester
Hour
4
93-100
3
85-92
2
75-84
1
70-74
0
less than 70

Percent
93-100%
85-92%
75-84%
70-74%
< 70%

Return all checked-out study materials to the course instructor.

TEXTBOOKS:
Instrumentation, 5th Edition by Kirk, Franklyn W. and Thomas A Weedon, American
Technical Publishers
ISBN: 9780826934307
For information on the textbook and other course materials, including details about how you
can order your book online and have it delivered to you, visit the ACC College Store's Web
page.
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS (as specified by each instructor)
Scantron Grade sheets (if requested by instructor)
BLACKBOARD
This course will use MyBlackboard for various class related requirements.
COURSE GOALS & OBJECTIVES
This course is designed to help the student develop the skills and knowledge necessary
to control process operations and to understand:
1.

Process control drawings (C05, C06, C07, C08, F01, F02)

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2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.

Using symbols and diagrams (C05, C06, C07)

Fundamental control loops (C05, C06, C07)
Control loop characteristics (C05, C06, C07, C15)
Loop dynamics (C05, C06)
Advanced control methods (C05, C06, C15)
Loop protection (C05, C06, C15)
Measuring conductivity (C05, C06, C15)
Measuring pH and ORP (C05, C06, C15)
Optical measurement (C05, C06, C15)
Measuring products combustion (C05, C06, C15)
Chromatography (C05, C06, C15)
Computer: history and overview (C05, C06, C15)
Small computers in process control (C05, C06, C15)
Distributive control systems - architecture (C05, C06, C15)
DCS configuration and operation (C05, C06, C15)
DCS system and applications integration (C05, C06, C15)
Introduction to programmable logic controllers (C05, C06, C15)
System integration (C05, C06, C15)
Troubleshooting (C05, C06, C15)

ASSIGNMENTS, EXAMS AND GRADING SUMMARY

See information under Course Schedule/Information.
GRADING SCALE
See # 5 under Class Policies
LATE COURSE WORK POLICY
Absolutely no late work will be accepted.
EXAM POLICY
No late exams or make-up exams allowed. Failure to pass the final exam may result in a
failing grade in the class. Cheating on any exam will result in a failing grade for the course.
CLASSROOM PROTOCOL
It is the right of each student to participate in his or her learning, and it is the responsibility of
each student to not interfere with the learning of other students. Policies governing the
classroom will be provided in the ACC student Handbook and students who repeatedly
violate one or more of these policies will be subject to disciplinary action.

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POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Six Drop Limit Rule: Federal Financial Aid regulations and a recent audit now require the college to
report the last date of attendance for students who withdrew during the semester or received an end
of course grade of F. First-time freshmen Fall 2007 or later, who enroll in a Texas public institution of
higher education, are subject to this law which limits to six the total number of drops allowed.
Students may not drop more than six courses regardless of how many institutions attended, how
many courses enrolled in or how many years attended. Drops beyond the maximum of six will be
allowed for students who can show good cause for dropping more, including severe illness, active
duty military service, or work obligations beyond the students control. Procedures for implementation
may vary between institutions. (The Six Drop Limit Rule)
Incomplete: No Incompletes or I grades will be given for this course except under extreme
circumstances.
Withdrawal: It is recommended that the student talk to the instructor before withdrawing. Current
course withdrawal information can be found in the online or printed version of the ACC Schedule for
this semester. Students who file withdrawal requests by the published deadline and have not
exceeded the withdrawal maximum will receive a grade of W.
1. The last date to submit a withdrawal for this term is: July 29, 2014
2. Include: Name, Student ID or SSN, course (ENGL), number (1301), and section (01).

Email: Withdraw@alvincollege.edu
Email withdrawals are accepted only when sent from the official email address on file
with the college. Email addresses may be verified and updated using WebACCessProfile Information. A confirmation receipt for the withdrawal will be sent within 24
business hours. Please contact sstockstill@alvincollege.edu if a receipt is not
received.

Mail: Alvin Community College

Enrollment Services Center
3110 Mustang Road
Alvin, TX 77511

In Person: Enrollment Services Center A100

*Withdrawals could result in repayment of financial aid or veterans benefits and may impact eligibility for insurance claims and
future financial aid.

Non Payment Fee (reinstatement subsequent to the census date): Students withdrawn for failure
to pay by the established deadline may be assessed a Non-payment fee equal to the current out-ofdistrict tuition rate based on the number of hours reinstated.
SUPPORT INFORMATION AND RESOURCES:
1.

The ACC Library website: http://www.alvincollege.edu/Library.aspx

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2.

MyBlackboard -Any technical problems or issues with MyBlackboard should be directed to the
Distance Education Department at de@alvincollege.edu. Include your first and last name, student
ID number and a description of the problem. Students will not be penalized if there is an
interruption in MyBlackboard service and the instructor is notified of such an issue by the Distance
Education Department.

3.

Cyber Lab: Computers are available for use by all registered ACC students in the Cyber Lab
located in A-173. Call 281-756-3544 for hours of operation.

4.

The Enrollment Services Center (ESC): The Enrollment Services Center (ESC) is located in
the front lobby of Building A, and is the center for information regarding admission, financial aid,
student records, enrollment and Continuing Education. Students who need to see an academic
advisor or drop a class will begin the process in the ESC.

5.

IT (Information Technology) Help Desk: 281-756-3544 (Log in problems, forgotten

passwords, WebACCess)

6.

ACC Learning Lab and Writing Center: Located in A-204 (inside the library), this lab is for
tutoring, exams, and additional computer access. Call 281-756-3566 for hours of operation.

7.

WebACCess: Students may make changes to their address, phone and email through
WebACCess as well as register for classes and other student related items.

8.

Email - Official Method of Communication - College to Student: Email is the official means
of communication at Alvin Community College. Please ensure you have a valid email address on
file with ACC. The ACC Google email service provides students with a free
name@stu.alvincollege.edu email address thru Yahoo, Hotmail or Gmail. Students can call the
IT Help Desk at 281-756-3544 or come by the CyberLab in A-173 for help in getting one of these
e-mail addresses.

9.

Email Communication For This Course Make sure that your email is current in the college
system as this course uses email for various important messages relating to the course, program
and/or job opportunities. You may make changes to your personal information/email online
through WebACCess. Please also inform the instructor if your email changes after the semester
has begun.

10.

HyperAlert ACC Emergency Notification System: All students are encouraged to register
and become part of this system. It is designed to quickly warn students of possible threats,
severe weather and school closings. Options for receipt of a warning are available through text,
phone, and email.
HyperAlert Student Registration Instructions
1.
Go to www.HyperAlert.com
2.
User name and password are the same for your initial set up:
User Name: Enter - Alvin, first initial, last name (no spaces or commas, not case
sensitive)
Example - if your name were John Doe, your username would be: alvinjdoe
Password: enter your Student ID Number: (be sure to include leading zeroes)
3. Choose the method of notification

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AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

ACC complies with ADA and 504 Federal guidelines by affording equal access to individuals who are
seeking an education. Students who have a disability and would like classroom accommodations
must register with the Office of Disability Services, A 136, (281)756-3533. Instructors are not able to
provide accommodations until the proper process has been followed.

Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) Letting someone know

The Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) at Alvin Community College is committed to improving
community safety. College faculty, staff, students and community members may communicate safety
concerns to the BIT team by email, bitcore@alvincollege.edu or through an electronic reporting option
located on the BIT page of the college website.

CODE OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY AND HONESTY

Alvin Community College students are members of an institution dedicated to the pursuit of
knowledge through a formalized program of instruction and learning. At the heart of this endeavor,
lie the core values of academic integrity which include honesty, truth, and freedom from lies and
fraud. Because personal integrity is important in all aspects of life, students at Alvin Community
College are expected to conduct themselves with honesty and integrity both in and out of the
classroom. Incidents of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and students guilty of such
conduct are subject to severe disciplinary measures.

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Alvin Community College

COURSE SCHEDULE / INFORMATION
Process Technology AAS Degree Program

PTAC 2436 Process Instrumentation II

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Alvin Community College

COURSE SCHEDULE / INFORMATION
TBA

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SCANS COMPETENCIES AND FOUNDATIONS SKILLS:

COMPETENCIES

FOUNDATION SKILLS

RESOURCES

BASIC SKILLS

C01

Allocates time

F01

Reading

C02

Allocates money

F02

Writing

C03

Allocates materials and facility resources

F03

Arithmetic

C04

Allocates human resources

F04

Mathematics

F05

Listening

F06

Speaking

INFORMATION
C05

Acquires and evaluates information

C06

Organizes and maintains information

C07

Interprets and communicates information

F07 Creative thinking

C08

Uses computers to process information

F08 Decision making

THINKING SKILLS

F09 Problem solving

INTERPERSONAL
C09 Participates as a member of a team

F10 Seeing things in the minds eye

X

C10 Teaches others

F11 Knowing how to learn

F12 Reasoning

C11 Serves clients / customers

C12 Exercises leadership

PERSONAL QUALITIES

C13 Negotiates to arrive at a decision

C14 Works with cultural diversity

SYSTEMS
C15

Understands systems

C16

Monitors and corrects performance

C17

Improves and designs systems

TECHNOLOGY
C18

Selects technology

C19

Applies technology to task

C20

Maintains and troubleshoots technology

PTAC 2436 Process Instrumentation II

F13

Responsibility

F14

Self esteem

F15

Social

F16

Self-management

F17

Integrity / honesty

SCANS stands for the U.S. Labor Department Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills. This
federal commission has determined what skills workers
need in order to succeed in the work place. This page
shows you what SCANS skills and competencies that
PTAC 2436 helps you develop and apply to your
process technology training.
If you want further
information about SCANS, you may see the Process
Technology department chairperson.

Syllabus Page 10 of 15

ALVIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROCESS TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

SCANS COMPETENCIES AND FOUNDATION SKILLS
"SCANS" stands for the U.S. Labor Department "Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary
Skills". This federal commission has determined what skills workers need in order to succeed in the
work place. This document describes SCANS skills and competencies that the Process technology
curriculum helps you develop and apply to the practice of process technology. If you want further
information about SCANS, you may see the department chairperson.
COMPETENCIES
Resources
C1

Allocates Time - Selects relevant, goal-related activities, ranks them in order of importance,
allocates time to activities, and understands, prepares, and follows schedules.

C2

Allocates Money - Uses or prepares budgets, including making cost and revenue forecasts,
keeps detailed records to track budget performance, and makes appropriate adjustments.

C3

Allocates Material and Facility Resources - Acquires, stores, and distributes materials, supplies,
parts, equipment, space, or final products in order to make the best use of them.

C4

Allocates Human Resources - Assesses knowledge and skills and distributes work accordingly,
evaluates performance and provides feedback.

Information
C5

Acquires and Evaluates Information - Identifies need for data, obtains them from existing
sources or creates them, and evaluates their relevance and accuracy.

C6

Organizes and Maintains Information: - Organizes, processes, and maintains written or

computerized records and other forms of information in a systematic fashion.

C7

Interprets and Communicates Information - Selects and analyzes information and

communicates the results to others using oral, written, graphic, pictorial, or multi-media
methods.

C8

Uses Computers to Process Information - Employs computers to acquire, organize, analyze,

and communicate information.

Interpersonal
C9

Participates as a Member of a Team - Works cooperatively with others and contributes to group
with ideas, suggestions, and effort.

C10 Teaches Others - Helps others learn.

C11 Serves Clients/Customers - Works and communicates with clients and customers to satisfy their
expectations.
C12 Exercises Leadership - Communicates thoughts, feelings, and ideas to justify a position; and
encourages, persuades, convinces, or otherwise motivates an individual or group, including
responsibly challenging existing procedures, policies, or authority.
C13 Negotiates - Works towards an agreement that may involve exchanging specific resources or
resolving divergent interests.
C14 Works with Cultural Diversity - Works well with men and women, and with a variety of ethnic,
social, or educational backgrounds.
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Systems
C15 Understands Systems - Knows how social, organizational, and technological systems work and
operates effectively within them.
C16 Monitors and corrects Performance - Distinguishes trends, predicts impact of actions on system
operations, diagnoses deviations in the function of a system/ organization, and takes necessary
action to correct performance.
C17 Improves and Designs Systems - Makes suggestions to modify existing systems to improve
products or services, and develops new or alternative systems.
Technology
C18 Selects Technology - Judges which set of procedures, tools, or machines, including computers
and their programs, will produce the desired results.
C19 Applies Technology to Tasks - Understands the overall intent and the proper procedures for
setting up and operating machines, including computers and their programming systems.
C20 Maintains and Troubleshoots Technology - Prevents, identifies, or solves problems in machines,
computers, and other technologies.
FOUNDATION SKILLS
Basic Skills
F1 Reading
F2 Writing
F3 Arithmetic
F4 Mathematics
F5 Listening
F6 Speaking

PTAC 2436 Process Instrumentation II

Thinking Skills
F7 Creating thinking
F8 Decision making
F9 Problem solving
F10 Seeing things in the minds eye
F11 Knowing how to learn
F12 Reasoning

Syllabus Page 12 of 15

Personal Qualities
F13 Responsibility
F14 Self-esteem
F15 Social
F16 Self-management
F17 Integrity / honesty

Original: 4/5/2011

ALVIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROCESS TECHNOLOGY

COURSE COMPETENCIES
PTAC 2436 Process Instrumentation II
Upon successful completion of this course, a student will be able to accomplish the following
competencies.
I.

LAB ASSIGNMENTS Simtronics

A.Access and complete Simtronics exercises #1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, & 1600

II.

ASSIGNMENTS Microsoft Visio Introduction

A.Access and complete Visio workbook and deliver an simple Lockout Plan

III.

ANALYZERS - Gas Analyzers

A.Define the terms analysis, analyzer, and analyzer sampling system.
B.Define thermal conductivity analyzer and explain its use.
C.Identify the types of radiant-energy absorption analyzers and explain their use.
D.Identify the types of oxygen analyzers and explain their use.
E.Define opacity analyzer.

IV.

ANALYZERS - Humidity and Solids Moisture Analyzers

A.Define the common terms associated with humidity.
B.Identify the types of humidity analyzers.
C.Identify the types of solids moisture analyzer.

V.

ANALYZERS - Liquid Analyzers

A.Identify common types of liquid analyzers and explain their uses.
B.Describe a slurry density analysis.
C.Describe a hydrostatic pressure density analysis.
D.Describe the function of turbidity analysis, refractive index analysis, and automatic titration analyzers.

VI.

ANALYZERS - Electrochemical and Composition Analyzers

A.Identify the analyzers that use conductivity and explain their use.
B.Compare pH analysis and oxidation-reduction potential (OPR) analysis.
C.Define composition analyzer and explain its use.

VII.

POSITION MEASUREMENT - Mechanical and Proximity Switches

A.Describe the use of industrial switches and sensors.
B.List the common types of proximity sensors and describe their applications.
C.List additional types of proximity sensors and describe their applications

VIII.

POSITION MEASUREMENT - Practical Position Measurement

A. Describe some of the factors that affect sensor installation.
B.Describe how sensors are used for rotary speed sensing.
C.Describe how sensors are used for continuous web handling.
D.Explain how an optical sensor is used as a light curtain.

IX.

TRANSMISSION AND COMMUNICATION Transmission Signals

A.Define transmission and important terms associated with transmission.
B.Identify the methods of electrical transmission, and describe current transmission systems.
C.Describe voltage, pulse, frequency and tone transmission systems.
D.Describe the use of formulas for converting between measurements and transmission values.

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X.

TRANSMISSION AND COMMUNICATION Digital Numbering Systems and Codes

A.List the numbering systems and codes that are important for communications.
B.Describe how to convert numbers between different bases.

XI.

TRANSMISSION AND COMMUNICATION Digital Communications

A.Define digital communication and describe the main types of network configurations,
addressing, and protocols.
B.List and describe the types of circuits used in digital communications wiring formats.
C.Identify common cable and wiring formats.

XII.

TRANSMISSION AND COMMUNICATION Industrial Networks

A.Define Fieldbus and describe the network, classifications for Fieldbus systems.
B.Identify the major Fieldbus systems.

XIII.

TRANSMISSION AND COMMUNICATION Wireless Systems

A.Define wireless transmissions and list its advantages and disadvantages.
B.Describe the relationship between communications speed and distance.
C.List and describe the different types of antennas.
D.Compare the different types of spread spectrum transmission methods, wireless standards and
security standards.
E.Describe the different industrial requirements and applications.

XIV.

TRANSMISSION AND COMMUNICATION Practical Transmission and Communication

A.Explain the importance of loop impedance in a current transmission line.
B.Define ground loop and identify ways that a ground loop can be avoided.
C.Define electromagnetic interference (EMI).
D.List the common connectors.
E.List the types of transmitters and describe a smart transmitter.

XV.

AUTOMATIC CONTROLS - Automatic Control & Process Dynamics

A.Define automatic control and identity common terms associated with it.
B.Explain process dynamics and define the terms associated with it.
C.Identify the functions of controllers and define these functions.

XVI.

AUTOMATIC CONTROLS - Control Strategies

A.Define control strategy and identify common control strategies.
B.List and define the common types of advanced control strategies.

XVII.

AUTOMATIC CONTROLS - Controller Tuning

A.Describe the purpose of controller tuning and tuning coefficients.
B.Identify the different tuning performance standards.
C.Explain the methods of tuning controllers.

XVIII.

AUTOMATIC CONTROLS - Digital & Electric Controllers

A.List and define the different types of digital controllers and control systems.
B.Define electric controllers and describe the types of electric controllers.
C.Describe the common operator interfaces.
D.Describe the various configuration formats.

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XIX.

SAFETY SYSTEMS Safety Devices and Equipment

A.Explain the use of personal protective equipment.
B.List the types of valves used in safety systems and describe their use.
C.Explain the function and use of rupture discs. Describe the operation of burner control
systems.
D.Explain the function of alarm systems.
E.Describe the use of hazardous atmosphere detectors.

XX.

SAFETY SYSTEMS Electrical Safety Standards

A.Describe the role of NEC in establishing hazardous location classifications.
B.Describe electrical protections used with safety systems.

XXI.

SAFETY SYSTEMS Safety Instrumented Systems

A.Describe the factors used to evaluate a process.
B.Define safety instrumented systems (SIS) and describe its importance.

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Original: 4/5/2011