Introduction:

This is a highly relevant, industrially based course that will update the skills and knowledge of Technicians and Engineers alike. The course is ‘hands-on’ using industry standard PLC’s in a simulated environment. Through this approach the delegate will progress from learning the fundamentals of PLC application to writing, debugging and finally designing their own programs.

Radio and wire based telemetry systems, essential for an understanding of modern communication methods deployed in the field are also studied and explained. These are vital for a comprehensive understanding in their use with not only programmable controllers but any Instrumentation/Controller remote application. The course also includes a study of modern SCADA technologies. Again, together with a hands-on approach using a modern industrially compliant SCADA software package, the delegate will acquire new and updated skills essential in any fast moving industrial environment. Some of the main topics covered include:

• A study and explanation of the PLC for Control purposes
• Understanding through ‘hands-on’ approach using industry standard PLC’s in a simulated environment of PLC programming – design and debugging
• Investigation of Radio telemetry methods, frequencies used and application and limitation of each frequency band
• Case study in the design of a Radio Telemetry link
• Study of commonly used wire based telemetry methods and protocols such as RS232 and RS485
• Investigation of SCADA, its structure and application.
• Understanding of a typical SCADA application through a hands-on approach using an industry compliant SCADA software package

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, delegates will be able to:

• Have an understanding of the operation, architecture and use of an industry standard PLC for Control purposes
• Investigate  the operation of the PLC through designing, building and testing typical programs in the ladder programming language using industry standard PLC’s in a simulated environment
• Become familiar and confident with the PLC, Telemetry and SCADA environments
• Understand the concepts of Radio Telemetry and acquire the knowledge relating to the application, limitation and use of frequency bands used
• Gain an understanding  and knowledge of common wire based communication protocols
• Disseminate and share experience and knowledge with other delegates through open session discussions hence broadening the knowledge base of all
• Become familiar and knowledgeable with an industry compliant SCADA software package
• Have the confidence and knowledge to apply the above techniques and principles to solve unfamiliar and bespoke situations in the workplace

Who Should Attend?

Instrumentation and Control Engineers, Process Control Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Consulting Engineers, Design Engineers, Control Systems Sales Engineers, Maintenance Supervisors, Control System application engineers, Project Engineers, Technicians, Plant Engineers, IT Personnel, Instrumentation Technicians, Electronic Engineers and Technicians, Automation Engineers, Chemical Engineers and Technicians, Electrical Engineers and Technicians, Electronic Design Engineers, Electricians, Installation and Maintenance Technicians, Instrument and Process Control  Technicians, Instrument Fitters, Maintenance Engineers, Mechanical Engineers and Technicians, Operations Engineers, Process Technicians, Production Professionals, System Integrators, professions (Managers, Engineers, Technicians) involved in the Control and Process Industries who require a fuller understanding of that industry

Course Outline:

Introduction to Control Strategies

• Continuous Control systems
• Sequential Control systems
• Relay based systems

Practical Session 1

• Relay based programming examples

Introduction to PLC Systems

• PLC v relay systems
• Programming formats
• Logical continuity

Practical Session 2

• Software familiarization
• Introduction to industry standard PLC programming software
• Construction of test program

PLC Architecture

• System architecture
• Memory and I/O types
• Scanning algorithms
• Program Scan cycle

Radio Telemetry Systems

• Introduction
• Elements of a Radio Link
• The radio spectrum
• Frequency ranges
• System design considerations

Practical Session 3

• Serial transfer of Programs
• Design exercise 1

PLC Program Development

• Analysis of PLC programs
• Design methodology and development of PLC programs
• Timer method of program development

Practical Session 4

• Design exercise 2: Program design of Process Controller

Serial Data Communications

• Communication methods (Simplex, Half-Duplex, Full-Duplex)
• RS232 standard
• RS422 standard
• RS485 standard

Practical Session 5

• Sequence Controller and Application boards

Analogue I/O and Processing

• Analogue inputs and outputs
• A/D and D/A conversion
• Programming analogue modules and advanced instructions

Introduction to SCADA

• System architecture
• Configuration and operation

Practical Session 6

• Introduction to industry standard SCADA software
• Design and development of a new SCADA project

Practical Session 7 & 8

• Design and development of a  SCADA project (continued)
• Local Area Networks (LAN’s)
• Consolidation of Previous practical activities

COURSE LOCATIONS