ISA Interchange

Welcome to the official blog of the International Society of Automation (ISA).

This blog covers numerous topics on industrial automation such as operations & management, continuous & batch processing, connectivity, manufacturing & machine control, and Industry 4.0.

The material and information contained on this website is for general information purposes only. ISA blog posts may be authored by ISA staff and guest authors from the automation community. Views and opinions expressed by a guest author are solely their own, and do not necessarily represent those of ISA. Posts made by guest authors have been subject to peer review.

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ISA Training and Education Programs for February

This education & training roundup was compiled by Joel Don, ISA's social media community manager.

February training and education from ISA feature special programs including the Integrator Version of the Automation Engineering Survival Training course and the Process Automation Boot Camp. ISA’s Automation Engineering Survival Training course is designed for system integrators and focuses on concepts important to automation engineers and others involved in a project design and commissioning role. Process Automation Boot Camp drills down on the physical measurement technologies, the communication signals and the various applications of instrument equipment to achieve common process measurements and control. Scan the listing below for a wide range of automation and control class offerings, plus exam preparation courses, webinars and online training.

Onsite Training

In addition to taking ISA classroom training at ISA headquarters, regional locations and industry events, you can also receive customized ISA training at your facility through ISA Onsite Training.  This option can bring any ISA course or combination of courses – along with ISA’s world-class instructors, training materials and portable laboratories – directly to you.  Simply pick the time and place.  Contact ISA at +1 919-549-8411 or info@isa.org.

Note: If a class date is not showing in the course offerings page or registration appears closed, contact ISA at info@isa.org or call customer service at +1 919-549-8411 to get a registration update or waiting list status.

Fundamental Skills Training

Developing and Applying Standard Instrumentation and Control Documentation (FG15)
This course will present the methodology for designing and developing control systems documentation. The development of piping and instrument diagrams (P&IDs) and related ISA drawings are emphasized. This course covers both the development and the reading/interpreting of these documents, making it beneficial to engineers, designers, software programmers, system integrators, and technicians. The two-day class starts February 2 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

Introduction to Industrial Automation and Control (FG07)
This course combines lecture and hands-on labs to provide an overview of industrial measurement and control. Technicians, engineers, and managers are provided with a foundation for communication with other control system professionals. The class serves as a solid fundamental course for introduction to other ISA courses. The 4.5-day class starts February 23 in Houston, Tex.

Technical Skills Training – Instrumentation Maintenance

New_80x80Electrical Controls for the Controls System Technician (TI23)
This course will focus on electrical controls that are frequently overlooked in a formal training program. The content will begin with Ohm's Law and cover content all the way through technical troubleshooting aspects.  The course is geared toward any level technician who wants a thorough review of electrical process concepts to reinforce their knowledge of basic electricity and develop skills required to install and maintain electrical control devices. The 4.5-day class starts February 16 in Houston, Tex.

Installing, Calibrating, and Maintaining Electronic Instruments (TI25)
This popular course offers a combination of practical information and hands-on experience, covering proper installation, calibration, and maintenance of electronic instruments. You will examine characteristics of electronic control systems; techniques for installing electronic instruments; and procedures for configuring and calibrating transmitters, transducers, and controllers. Approximately 40 percent of your time in this course is spent working with equipment. The 4.5-day class starts February 23 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

Technical Skills Training – Control Systems

Tuning Control Loops (TC05)
This course is directed to anyone who would like to gain a better understanding of how to tune control loops − whether they have tuned loops but would like to become more proficient or they have never tuned a loop before. Registrants are expected to have a basic understanding of instrumentation and controls (either by working experience or taking fundamental courses such as ISA’s FG07: Introduction to Industrial Automation and Control) as this course does not cover that material. The three-day course starts February 9 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

Troubleshooting Instrumentation and Control Systems (TC10)
This course presents a systematic approach to troubleshooting and start-up of single- and multi-loop control loops. You'll see how pressure, level, flow, and temperature loops operate to maintain good process control systems. Knowledge of instrumentation and control is assumed. The two-day class starts February 12 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

Technical Skills Training – Industrial Data Communications

Industrial Data Communications Systems (TS06)
Starting from the basics, this course gives you the tools to design and maintain industrial communications systems on your plant floor. You'll learn the underlying principles behind today's industrial communications systems, including Modbus, Data Highway Plus, Ethernet, and TCP/IP. Real-life examples and case histories provide insight into the facts behind control networks and how to apply and maintain them effectively in your plant. The five-day class starts February 16 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

Automation and Control Training – Advanced Control

Transducer/Transmitter Installation for Nuclear Safety Applications Using ANSI/ISA-67.01.01 (IC67)
This course will cover the ANSI/ISA-67.01.01 standard relating to the installation of transducers for nuclear safety-related applications. The course emphasis will be a review of established requirements and recommendations for the installation of transducers and auxiliary equipment for nuclear applications outside of the main reactor vessel. The class is two days and starts February 9 in Houston, Tex.

ANSI/ISA-67.04-2006: Setpoints For Nuclear Safety-Related Instrumentation (IC68P)
The latest version of the ANSI/ISA67 standard is focused on performance monitoring. The course will discuss the terminology and the appropriate use of the standard and the steps necessary for the development of safety-related setpoint analysis. ANSI/ISA-67.04.01 has been used as the basis for many plant specific setpoint programs and setpoint calculations. The changes to this standard should be reflected in all programs where compliance to NRC requirements is necessary. The three-day class starts February 11 in Houston, Tex.

Automation and Control Training – Cybersecurity

Using the ANSI/ISA99 (IEC 62443) Standards to Secure Your Industrial Control System (IC32)
The move to using open standards such as Ethernet, TCP/IP, and Web technologies in supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and process control networks has begun to expose these systems to the same cyberattacks that have wreaked so much havoc on corporate information systems. This course provides a detailed look at how the ANSI/ISA99 standards can be used to protect critical control systems. It also explores the procedural and technical differences between the security for traditional IT environments and those solutions appropriate for SCADA or plant floor environments. The two-day course starts February 4 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

Automation and Control Training – Safety

Advanced Safety Integrity Level Selection (EC52)
This course focuses on further hands-on examples of safety integrity level (SIL) selection using a variety of different techniques. Students will be better able to save their companies time and money through the optimization of system performance requirements. This course is a follow-on to EC50 (Safety Instrumented Systems − Design, Analysis, and Justification). The course is required for the ISA84 Safety Instrumented Systems Certificate Program 2. You can register for the course only or for the certificate program which includes course and exam. The two-day course starts on February 17 in Cerritos, Calif.

Advanced Design and SIL Verification (EC54)
This two-day course focuses on more detailed design issues and further hands-on examples of system analysis/modeling. Students will be better able to perform system design and analysis thus saving their companies time and money in optimizing system designs. This course will enable you to analyze any system technology and configuration to see if it will meet the required SIL (safety integrity level) and determine if existing systems are safe enough, if they need to be upgraded, and whether proposed systems will meet the performance requirements. The class will start February 19 in Cerritos, Calif.

Certification and Licensure Preparation

ExamPrepChecklist_80x80Certified Automation Professional® (CAP®) Exam Review Course (EC00)
This three-day course reviews the knowledge and skills areas included on the CAP examination. The intent is to prepare an automation professional who meets the exam criteria to take the exam. The content is based on the job analysis domains, tasks, knowledge areas and skill areas developed as the basis for the CAP certification exam. The course starts on February 3 in Cerritos, Calif.

ExamPrepChecklist_80x80Certified Control System Technician (CCST) Level II Exam Review Course (TS02)
This is a fast-paced review of the knowledge and skills necessary for technicians with 7+ years of practical experience who are preparing to sit for the CCST Level II exam. An explanation of the requirements, examination process and practice certification-type exams are provided. The four-day course starts February 16 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

Special Training Offerings

Automation Engineering Survival Training – Integrator Version (AESTIV)
Do you work for a system integrator? Do you support client projects? Do you need to expand your skills in working in a project design or commissioning environment? ISA’s new Automation Engineering Survival Training: Integrator Version (AESTIV), designed specifically for system integrators, focuses on concepts important to automation engineers and others involved in a project design and commissioning role. This unique process automation engineering experience is designed to hone your process automation knowledge and skills. ISA’s seasoned “Survival Expert” will guide you through a fast-paced and rigorous course of topics from process measurement through advanced automation. Whether you are new to the system integration industry or are a seasoned professional, this course will challenge you and enhance your knowledge in key concepts beneficial to system integrators and allow you to perform at a higher level and will help you deliver superior value to your clients. The five-day course starts February 2 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

Process Automation Boot Camp For Non-Maintenance Personnel (PABC)
This course was specifically developed for non-maintenance personnel with little or no background in the field of process measurements and control. The class focuses on the physical measurement technologies, the communication signals and the various applications of instrument equipment to achieve common process measurements and control. The course is strategically designed around lab demonstrations and in depth class discussions. The course offers a fundamental knowledge for operations, technicians and engineers working in the process control industry. The five-day course starts February 9 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

Online, Instructor-Assisted Courses

ExamPrepChecklist_80x80OnlineCourse_80x80Certified Automation Professional® (CAP®) Online Exam Review Course (EC00E)
This self-paced, online course reviews the knowledge and skill areas included on the Certified Automation Professional® (CAP®) certification program examination. The intent is to prepare an automation professional who meets the exam criteria to take the exam. The content is based on the job analysis domains, tasks, knowledge areas, and skill areas developed as the basis for the CAP certification exam. This course is the recommended replacement for the discontinued CAP Learning System preparation tool, as it incorporates content similarly included in that tool. The online course starts February 2.

New_80x80OnlineCourse_80x80Applying Instrumentation in Hazardous Locations (ES10E)
This self-paced, online course provides a systematic approach to specifying and implementing instrumentation in hazardous locations. Related standards from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), American Petroleum Institute (API), and ISA are discussed. The eight-week course starts February 2.

New_80x80OnlineCourse_80x80Fundamentals of Industrial Process Measurement & Control (FG05E)
This self-paced, online course provide an overview of industrial measurement and control for technician, engineers, and managers providing a basic understanding and foundation for communication with other control systems professionals. The 12-week course starts February 9.

OnlineCourse_80x80Certified Control Systems Technician® (CCST®) Level I Review Course (TS00E)
This course is a fast-paced review of the knowledge and practical skills necessary to install and maintain standard measurement and control instrumentation. It is intended for practicing technicians preparing for the ISA Certified Control Systems Technician® (CCST®) Level I exam. Practice certification-type exams and an explanation of the examination process are provided. The 10-week Web class starts February 16.

OnlineCourse_80x80Certified Control System Technician® (CCST®) Level III Exam Review Course (TS03E)
This online course reviews the knowledge and skills areas included on the new Certified Control Systems Technician® (CCST®) Level III examination. The intent is to prepare an automation professional who meets the exam criteria to take the exam. The content is based on the latest job analysis domains, tasks, knowledge areas and skill areas developed and regularly reviewed and updated as the basis for the CCST certification exam. The 15-week course starts February 23.

Live Webinar Series – Introduction to Measurement & Control Series

(Listing includes completed webinars in the series)

Webinar_80x80Introduction to Process Control (FG05W1)
In this webinar, the importance of and an introduction to the methodology of measurement in control will be discussed and process control will be defined. The definition and technology of a loop and of the control loop will be covered. This seminar will also discuss control strategies and provide an introduction to controller tuning. ISA standard piping and instrument diagram (P&ID) symbols are introduced and used throughout the seminar materials. The webinar will be held January 7.

Webinar_80x80Introduction to Temperature Measurement (FG05W2)
This webinar provides an introduction to and overview of temperature measurement as current practice in measurement and control systems. Terminology, technology and applications are covered in this concise presentation. The webinar will be held January 14.

Webinar_80x80Introduction to Level Measurement (FG05W3)
This webinar provides an introduction and overview of level measurement as current practice in measurement and control systems. Terminology, technology, and applications are covered in this concise presentation. The webinar will be held January 21.

Webinar_80x80Introduction to Flow Measurement (FG05W4)
This webinar provides an introduction and overview of flow measurement as current practice in measurement and control systems. Terminology, technology, and applications are covered in this concise presentation. The webinar will be held January 28.

Webinar_80x80Introduction to Pressure Measurement (FG05W5)
This is an introduction and overview of pressure measurement as current practice in measurement and control systems. Terminology, technology and applications are covered in this concise presentation. The webinar will be held February 4.

Advanced Process Control Series

Webinar_80x80pH Control Solutions (EI01W)
This webinar covers the root causes of poor performance in pH control systems. The source of problems can originate in the process, piping, equipment, electrode, valve, or controller. Basic principles and key concepts are developed to provide an understanding of the basic nature of the challenges and options. The plant and control system design is analyzed to get the most cost effective solution. The webinar will be held February 11.

Webinar_80x80Temperature Control Solutions (EI02W)
This webinar will allow attendees to learn how to get the best temperature measurement and control performance for important unit operations in the process industry. It is recommended for control engineers, DCS configuration engineers, as well as instrument and process engineers. The webinar will be held February 18.

Webinar_80x80Overview of Enhanced EDDL (FG01W)
Learn how enhanced EDDL technology enables intelligent device management systems and handheld tools to provide long-term viability and investment protection, security, access to complete device functionality, and externally accessible information with interoperability certification, while at the same time avoiding version conflicts, difficulties removing unwanted devices, and licensing problems. The webinar will be held February 25.

Webinar_80x80Designing and Applying Model Predictive Control Strategies (EC60W1)
This course introduces model predictive control. The emphasis is on both the functionality of the technique as well as the economic benefits that can be obtained from its use. The participant should be able to build a simple controller after completing this course. The webinar will be held March 4.

Webinar_80x80System Identification for Control (EC60W2)
In this webinar the participants will learn about system identification for process control. Using the techniques learned, the participants can build models of their processes and use them for either advanced process control or for tuning a PID loop. The webinar will be held March 11.

You can save up to 25 percent with series pricing when you register for all the webinars in a series at one time. To take advantage of series pricing, please contact ISA customer service at +1 919-549-8411.

ISA Training Partners

ISA has teamed up with IDC Technologies & EIT to bring an array of technical-related training courses to various US locations as well as online courses, with special discounts for ISA members.

Upcoming topic:
Inspection, Testing and Commissioning of Electrical Switchboards, Circuit Breakers, Protective Relays, Cables and PLCs
Date/Time: 26 February 2015, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CST (14:00–18:00 UTC/GMT)
Format: Four-hour live, practical online course

When you become an ISA member, you’ll join thousands of automation and control professionals who collaborate to share ideas and insights, and solve technical challenges. And, you’ll receive up to 20 percent off on ISA products, including training courses. To review the complete array of ISA member benefits, click the link below or contact ISA customer service at +1 919-549-8411 or info@isa.org.

Click here to join ISA ... learn, advance, succeed!

Joel Don
Joel Don
Joel Don is an independent content marketing, social media and public relations consultant. Prior to his work in marketing and PR, Joel served as an editor for regional newspapers and national magazines throughout the U.S. He earned a master's degree from the Medill School at Northwestern University with a focus on science, engineering and biomedical marketing communications, and a bachelor of science degree from UC San Diego.

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