Instrumentation

1. Objective To ensure that all automation instruments used in chemical production—such as temperature, pressure, flow, level, and analytical instruments—operate in an accurate, reliable, and safe condition. This aims to: Prevent production fluctuations, product quality issues, safety incidents, and environmental pollution caused by instrument failures. Extend the service life of instruments and optimize maintenance costs. […]

From Weekly Instrument Replacement to Over a Decade of Stable Operation — A Classic Low-Cost Retrofit in a Harsh Chemical Environment 📌 Background In a low-temperature methanol wash unit used in coal gasification downstream processing, an external level transmitter was originally installed to measure the acidic gas condensate in a stripper separator. However, just six

Overview In pressure vessels, pipeline systems, and high-temperature/high-pressure industrial equipment, flanged connections serve as crucial detachable joints. Bolts play a core role in transferring preload to the gasket, directly impacting sealing performance. Although austenitic stainless steel bolts such as 304 and 316 are sometimes used, many installations report frequent leakage. This document analyzes the reasons

Despite the promise of automation, manual interventions and recurring oscillations still haunt many industrial processes. Are these signs of control limitations — or misconceptions about what “automatic” truly means? 👻 The Two Ghosts of Automation: Manual Intervention & Oscillations In the battlefield of industrial control, two persistent “ghosts” continue to challenge engineers and operators alike:

In industrial operations, an excessive maintenance workload for instrumentation equipment is rarely caused by a single issue. Rather, it is the result of multiple interrelated factors—ranging from flawed initial planning to inadequate operational management. Based on common issues observed across various industries, this document categorizes the root causes into six key dimensions: 1. Initial Planning

In the field of industrial instrumentation, it’s common for engineers and suppliers to request detailed parameters for flow and level instruments, but not for pressure and temperature devices. At first glance, this might seem inconsistent—but there are sound technical and practical reasons behind this practice. In this article, we’ll explore why flow and level measurements

In industrial automation, sensors are essential for detecting position, presence, distance, or motion. Among the most common types are three-wire DC sensors, typically categorized as NPN (sinking) or PNP (sourcing). Although they perform similar functions, they differ significantly in wiring logic and compatibility with control systems such as PLCs. Understanding the difference between NPN and

1. Introduction In the chemical industry, a process package—often referred to as a technology package or engineering design package—is the foundational set of documents and specifications for designing, constructing, and operating a chemical production unit. It plays a central role in ensuring safety, operability, and efficiency throughout the plant lifecycle. The development of a process

Abstract:Stainless steel is widely regarded for its corrosion resistance and is extensively used in construction, food processing, marine engineering, and medical equipment. However, real-world cases of stainless steel rusting—such as tea-colored rust spots on coastal handrails or pitting corrosion in 316L worktops—reveal that “stainless” does not mean “never rusts.” This article explains the underlying mechanisms,

In chemical processing plants, equipment start-up and shutdown are common operations. For short-term shutdowns, instrumentation impact is minimal. However, during large-scale maintenance shutdowns or extended outages due to specific events, instrument personnel must follow strict procedures to ensure safety and reliability. This article outlines the key tasks and precautions for instrument technicians during plant shutdown