
Process Control Systems
TPC Training Systems’ Process Control Systems training series explains how the elements discussed in Process Control Instrumentation work together. The included courses develop concepts of system control from basic controller and control loop PID operation through integrated systems, with emphasis on distributed control systems. In addition, this training series discusses data transmission methods, including fiber optics, and describes safe ways of maintaining system quality.
Unit 281: Working with Controllers ($100)
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.
Lesson 1 – Introduction to Controls
Lesson 2 – Controller Operations
Lesson 3 – Controller Modes and Tuning
Lesson 4 – Special Controller Applications and Options
Lesson 5 – Maintaining Controller Systems
Unit 282: How Control Loops Operate ($100)
Covers definition of control loop terms and characteristics. The course includes specific examples of operation and maintenance 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.
Lesson 1 – Fundamentals of Control Loops
Lesson 2 – Control Loop Characteristics
Lesson 3 – Advanced Control Methods
Lesson 4 – Loop Dynamics
Lesson 5 – Loop Protection
Lesson 6 – Process Control Symbols and Drawings
Lesson 7 – Flowcharts and Electrical Diagrams
Unit 283: Data Transmission ($100)
This course 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. The course describes optical isolation and the operation of optical data transmission systems in detail. Provides specific methods for preventing common kinds of data transmission interference.
Lesson 1 – Process Data Transmission Methods
Lesson 2 – Electrical Data Transmission
Lesson 3 – Digital Data Transmission
Lesson 4 – Optical Data Transmission
Lesson 5 – Data Transmission Interference
Unit 284: Computers in Process Control ($100)
The Computers in Process Control course 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.
Lesson 1 – History and Overview
Lesson 2 – Small Computers in Process Control
Lesson 3 – DCS Architecture
Lesson 4 – DCS Configuration and Operation
Lesson 5 – Systems and Application Integration