Temperature
Thermocouples and RTDs
PICSPhilippine Instrumentation & Control Society Back to homepage01 · Core discipline
Instrumentation
Instrumentation is the science and engineering of measuring, monitoring and controlling process variables using instruments and control systems.
See how it works
What it measures
Turning physical conditions into useful information.
Instruments detect what is happening inside a machine or industrial process. Their measurements allow people and control systems to make safe, accurate and timely decisions.
Pressure
Gauges and pressure transmitters
Flow
Flowmeters and flow transmitters
Level
Level sensors and transmitters
Position & speed
Encoders and proximity sensors
Composition
Industrial analyzers
How it works
From the process to the right response.
A basic instrumentation loop senses a condition, communicates the measurement, compares it with the desired value and adjusts the process when necessary.
- 01Process
The equipment or operation being measured.
- 02Sensor
Detects temperature, pressure, flow, level or another variable.
- 03Transmitter
Converts the measurement into a usable signal, such as 4–20 mA.
- 04Controller
Compares the measured value with the desired setpoint.
- 05Final element
A valve, drive or actuator changes the process.
The profession in action
What instrumentation technicians and engineers do.
Instrumentation professionals help industrial plants operate safely, efficiently and consistently. Their work connects field devices with PLC, DCS and SCADA systems.
- Select and install instruments for the application
- Calibrate sensors, gauges and transmitters
- Configure signals, control loops and communication networks
- Inspect, test and troubleshoot instruments and wiring
- Maintain documentation and support safe plant operation
In simple terms
Instrumentation gives a machine or industrial process the ability to sense what is happening, communicate the information and support the correct response.