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ELC 244 Automation and Control

The course includes detailed exploration of Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID) standards, process control fundamentals, and electrical concepts for transducers and transmitters. It covers the principles of various transducers for measuring temperature, pressure, flow, and level, as well as different control strategies and roles of control valves, actuators, and final control elements.

Credits

4

Prerequisite

PHY111 and ELC243

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

ELC 244 Automation and Control

Campus Location

  • Dover
  • Georgetown
  • Stanton

Effective Date

202651

Prerequisites

PHY111 and ELC243

Course Credits and Hours

4 credit(s)

3 lecture hours/week

3 lab hours/week

Course Description

The course includes detailed exploration of Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID) standards, process control fundamentals, and electrical concepts for transducers and transmitters. It covers the principles of various transducers for measuring temperature, pressure, flow, and level, as well as different control strategies and roles of control valves, actuators, and final control elements.

Additional Materials

Required: None

Recommended: TI-84+ or TI-89 Calculator, Digital Multimeter

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Disclaimer

None

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

    1. Analyze the definition of a safety instrumented system (SIS) and evaluate its significance in ensuring safety in industrial applications. (CCC 4; PGC 3)
    2. Evaluate and explain the instruments, lettering, and numbering standards used in piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs). (CCC 2, 5; PGC 2,3)
    3. Analyze the definition of process control and classify the types of variables utilized within it. (CCC 2, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 5)
    4. Apply electrical knowledge in the wiring, calibration and troubleshooting of sensors, actuators, motors and final control elements. (CCC 2, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 5)
    5. Analyze the fundamentals of various control strategies, including on-off, open-loop, and closed-loop control systems. (CCC 2, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 5)
    6. Evaluate the roles of control valves, actuators, and final control elements in industrial processes. (CCC 2, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 5)
    7. Analyze the definition of digital communications and evaluate the primary network configurations, addressing methods, and protocols. (CCC 2, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 5)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Analyze the definition of a safety instrumented system (SIS) and evaluate its significance in ensuring safety in industrial applications.
    1. Evaluate the role of the National Electric Code (NEC) in establishing hazardous location classifications.
    2. Assess the effectiveness of electrical protection and personal protective equipment in improving safety system outcomes.
    3. Analyze the various types of valves used in safety systems, emphasizing their specific applications.
    4. Examine the functions of alarm systems and categorize the different types of hazardous atmosphere detectors, detailing their operational principles.
    5. Research Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards for electrical safety for proper personal protection equipment (PPE).
  2. Evaluate and explain the instruments, lettering, and numbering standards used in piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
    1. Analyze the lettering and numbering standards derived from the International Society of Automation (ISA) instrumentation symbols.
    2. Evaluate how to deduce the instrument type based on the information conveyed by the symbols.
    3. Examine the established standards for line symbols used in instrumentation diagrams.
    4. Identify and interpret instrumentation on a drawing by utilizing a legend.
    5. Trace and evaluate a control loop within a Piping and Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID).
  3. Analyze the definition of process control and classify the types of variables utilized within it.
    1. Analyze the distinctions between process automation and factory automation.
    2. Evaluate the control elements of a control system and analyze their functionality and performance.
    3. Analyze various types of control loops and assess their effectiveness in ensuring system stability and optimizing performance within automation processes.
    4. Evaluate various types of signal transmission: pneumatic, analog current (4-20 mA), and voltage (0-5V), and mechanical signals.
  4. Apply electrical knowledge in the wiring, calibration and troubleshooting of sensors, actuators, motors and final control elements.
    1. Analyze sampling circuit (e.g. Wheatstone bridge) to translate various physical quantities into electrical current or voltage signals.
    2. Analyze the differences in wiring and accuracy among 2-, 3- and 4- wire sensor connections in RTDs.
    3. Analyze the amplification circuit used in thermocouples for signal amplification.
    4. Analyze the significance of physical parameters such as temperature, pressure, flow, and level by examining their roles in industrial control systems.
    5. Analyze wiring schematics to synthesize connections among sensors, transmitters, actuators, control valves, and motor drives to ensure accurate signal transmission and system integration.
    6. Troubleshoot wiring and signal issues using diagnostic tools such as multimeter, Fluke 754 Documenting Process Calibrator, and HART field communicators.
    7. Troubleshoot problems with variable frequency motor drives.
  5. Analyze the fundamentals of various control strategies, including on-off, open-loop, and closed-loop control systems.
    1. Evaluate different control strategies by assessing their advantages and disadvantages in various industrial applications.
    2. Analyze the function of a control loop by exploring its components and assessing its role in maintaining process stability.
    3. Interpret a P&ID diagram to identify and classify different control loops.
    4. Research the P&ID parameters on the controller performance.
    5. Apply advanced techniques to calibrate and optimize loop tuning using an on-board PID device for enhanced control system performance.
  6. Evaluate the roles of control valves, actuators, and final control elements in industrial processes.
    1. Describe the purpose and operation of control valves and regulators in regulating process variables within control systems.
    2. Examine the main components of a control valve, including the body, bonnet, disc, actuator, stem, seat, spring, valve positioner, handwheel, and current-to-pressure (I/P) transducer, and assess how each component contributes to overall valve function.
    3. Evaluate different operating scenarios to determine when fail-open, fail-closed, and fail-last positions are desirable, and justify the selection of each based on system safety and operational needs.
    4. Compare diaphragm and piston valve actuators, and critically assess their respective purposes and applications in various industrial control processes.
    5. Analyze the three key uses of a valve positioner and evaluate how they enhance control accuracy and responsiveness in automation systems.
    6. Interpret the function of each of the three gauges located on a pneumatic valve positioner and assess how their readings contribute to system monitoring and tuning.
    7. Critique the design and operation of control, three-way, and butterfly valves, and evaluate their applications in different process control scenarios.
    8. Interpret a process flow diagram or P&ID to identify and analyze the roles of pressure regulators and solenoid valves within the system’s flow control network.
  7. Analyze the definition of digital communications and evaluate the primary network configurations, addressing methods, and protocols.
    1. Analyze digital communications by evaluating the main types of network configurations, addressing schemes, and protocols, and their roles in industrial automation.
    2. Examine the principle of 2-wire HART communication protocols and critique their advantages in enhancing process control efficiency and reliability.
    3. Classify common cable and wiring formats and assess their applications in various communication and control system scenarios.
    4. Evaluate the concept of fieldbus systems and compare the major fieldbus systems based on their functionality and industrial applications.
    5. Assess Profibus, MODBUS, HART, and ControlNet protocols by comparing their features and evaluating their use cases in industrial communication networks.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade

Calculated using the following weighted average

Evaluation Measure

Percentage of final grade

Summative Assessments

3 - 4 exams (equally weighted)

50%

6 - 8 Laboratory Experiments (equally weighted)

30%

Formative Assessments

6 –8 Homework (equally weighted)

10%

3 - 4 Quizzes (equally weighted)

10%

TOTAL

100%

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

  1. Apply practical knowledge of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to electronics engineering technology problems.
  2. Conduct, analyze, and interpret experiments using analysis tools and troubleshooting methods.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to read and interpret electrical wiring, schematics and technical documentation.
  4. Utilize programming concepts to develop solutions for electronics engineering technology problems.
  5. Operate, integrate, and configure electronic components, ensuring proper functionality and adherence to safety and design specifications.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.

Academic Integrity

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Attendance

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Cell phone/Electronic Device

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Student-Policy/Cell-Phone-and-Electronic-Device-Policy

Tuition Adjustment Policy

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Financial/Tuition-Fee-Adjustment-Policy-Course-or-Semester-Withdrawal