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 May-June

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

In May, ISA will offer technical training in conjunction with the 16th ISA LDAR Fugitive Emissions Symposium and the 62nd International Instrumentation Symposium. Get ready for a full month of training in June, as ISA's Houston Section hosts an intensive educational experience designed to meet the automation and control community’s needs for comprehensive technical training in a highly condensed format. Technical Training Camp-Houston focuses on the practical application of knowledge and skills. This is an engineers-training-at-refineryopportunity for industry professionals to expand their abilities and experience in automation engineering and safety.

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) is designed specifically for system integrators and focuses on concepts important to automation engineers and others involved in a project design and commissioning role

Check out other education and training programs for May and June, which include classroom courses, online programs, webinars and certification exam preparation.

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 May 4 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 May 13 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

Technical Skills Training

Instrumentation Maintenance
Advanced Operation of Digital (Smart) Transmitters (TS17)
This lab-intensive course focuses on configuration fundamentals, the calibration process, the measurements of multiple variables, and the utilization of computer-based configuration tools for digital transmitters utilizing HART, fieldbus and wireless protocols. This course offers a hands-on, working knowledge of smart field devices with an emphasis on measurement accuracy, advanced information gathering, decreased maintenance time, ease-of-configuration and calibration, and diagnostic capabilities. You will cover uses in conventional systems and improved communications when combined with digital control networks. You will also be exposed to various hand-held communicators and computer-based configuration and diagnostic software. The 4.5-day starts May 2 in Houston,Tex. 

Note:  Formerly ISA TS16.  This new course now entails the technologies of fieldbus and wireless smart devices.

Electrical 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 May 23 in Newark, Del.

Instrument Calibration and Documentation for FDA-Regulated Industries (TI24)
Do you want an untrained technician working on equipment that directly affects the quality and integrity of the product being manufactured at your facility? This course offers a combination of practical information and hands-on experience, covering fundamental principles of electronic process control instrumentation used in pharmaceutical and other life science industries. Proper calibration will be covered in hands-on lab exercises using common electronic instrumentation including analyzers. You will examine characteristics of electronic control systems and procedures for configuring transmitters, transducers, and controllers. A good portion of time is spent working hands-on with typical industry equipment. The 4.5-day class starts June 6 at ISA headquarters in King of Prussia, Penn.

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 June 20 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

Industrial 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 May 16 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

Industrial Networking & Security (TS12)
This five-day course focuses on the latest developments in networking, including practical tips on designing, implementing and testing TCP/IP-based networks and how to apply them securely and reliably in an industrial environment. You will discuss the functions and purposes of the elements used to create and protect an industrial network including switches, routers, firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems. This course will expand your practical knowledge of LAN, WAN and Web technologies. It illustrates what is safe and practical for today’s plant floor, including Internet technologies such as Web servers, TCP/IP and fiber optics. Special focus will be placed on the questions of security in the industrial setting drawing on the work of the SP-99 committee and NIST. The course will cover the details of IP addressing and how functions and protocols such as DHCP, DNS, ARP/RARP and fast spanning tree are essential to make such networks function.  The course will include network troubleshooting and the use of network diagnostic tools. The class starts May 23 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

IT Survival Basics for I&C Personnel (TS04)
Ethernet networking, switches, routers, servers, PCs and firewalls, as well as wireless Ethernet networks and TCP/IP communications. The student will learn how to configure them and how cyber security is applied to protect them. Upon completion of this course, individuals will have a familiarity with basic IT concepts and technology which will enable them to effectively collaborate and communicate with IT personnel and perform basic IT functions essential in a modern plant and with modern control systems technology. The 5-day class starts June 20 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

Advanced Industrial Networking and Cybersecurity (TS20)
In this course you will learn about the latest developments in Industrial Control System (ICS) networking and cybersecurity. The course provides a review of basic networking and cybersecurity technology and expands your understanding of industrial network concepts by reviewing basic networking principals including TCP/UDP, IPv4/IPv6, ICS protocols, addressing and troubleshooting. You will explore network security architectures and learn how to use layering and segmentation to improve security, as well as how web technology works and how web server capability is used in industry and the security problems engendered by such use. Practical application use of cybersecurity technologies such as firewalls, VPN, virtualization, virus scanning and intrusion detection tools will be covered, including how to industrially harden and secure your networks and perform "red team" testing of your systems using penetration testing software. Special focus is placed on the assessment of security risks and hazards in the industrial setting using ANSI/ISA-62443, NIST and ICS cybersecurity frameworks and standards. Laboratory exercises performed in class are designed to re-enforce learning objectives and allow for active participation using a classroom network setup leveraging virtual environments. The 4.5-day course starts June 27 in Houston, Tex.

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 June 20 in Houston, Tex.

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 June 23 in Houston, Tex.

Automation Professional Skills

Building Automation
Introduction to Building Automation Systems (EA15)
This real world-based course will give you a broad introduction to the specific issues involved with building automation systems (BAS). You will explore the processes that occur at every level in the air conditioning industry, including digital controls. Learn about sensing and measurement, actuation, analog output devices, and relays. Computer interfaces are discussed including web interfaces. Your survey of the world of BAS includes: future of bas, digital direct control (DDC) basics, field devices, the human machine interface (HMI), bas design and specification, energy conservation control strategies, and system maintenance. The three-day class starts May 3 in King of Prussia, Penn.

Control Systems
Designing & Tuning Feedback and Advanced Regulatory Control Strategies (EC05)
The required field of knowledge of a process control engineer has expanded significantly in recent years.  What once was limited to measurement technology, signal transmission and feedback control has now expanded to include alarm management, safety instrumented systems, integration of automation and business systems, plus a host of other technologies.  Good process control techniques are still as important as ever.  This course will provide the foundation which will allow a process control engineering to make appropriate use of all technologies available. The three-day class starts June 1 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

Designing and Applying Model Based Control Strategies (EC60)
This course will cover designing and applying Model Based Control (MBC) strategies, including the basic structure of all MBCs, the basic technology of Model Predictive Control (MPC), and how to successfully build and monitor controllers. The three-day class starts June 6 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

Cybersecurity
New_80x80Assessing the Cybersecurity of New or Existing IACS Systems (IC33)
The first phase in the IACS Cybersecurity Lifecycle (defined in ISA 62443-1-1) is to identify and document IACS assets and perform a cybersecurity vulnerability and risk assessment in order to identify and understand the high-risk vulnerabilities that require mitigation. Per ISA 62443-2-1 these assessments need to be performed on both new (i.e. greenfield) and existing (i.e. brownfield) applications. Part of the assessment process involves developing a zone and conduit model of the system, identifying security level targets, and documenting the cybersecurity requirements into a cybersecurity requirements specification (CRS). This course will provide students with the information and skills to assess the cybersecurity of a new or existing IACS and to develop a cybersecurity requirements specification that can be used to document the cybersecurity requirements the project. The three-day class starts May 11 in Houston, Tex.

IANew_80x80CS Cybersecurity Design & Implementation (IC34)
The second phase in the IACS Cybersecurity Lifecycle (defined in ISA 62443-1-1) focuses on the activities associated with the design and implementation of IACS cybersecurity countermeasures.  This involves the selection of appropriate countermeasures based upon their security level capability and the nature of the threats and vulnerabilities identified in the Assess phase.  This phase also includes cybersecurity acceptance testing of the integrated solution, in order to validate countermeasures are properly implemented and that the IACS has achieved the target security level. This course will provide students with the information and skills to select and implement cybersecurity countermeasures for a new or existing IACS in order to achieve the target security level assigned to each IACS zone or conduit.  Additionally, students will learn how to develop and execute test plans to verify that the cybersecurity of an IACS solution has properly satisfied the objectives in the cybersecurity requirements specification. The three-day course will be held June 1 at Columbia, Ill.

Discrete, Sequencing, and Manufacturing Control
New_80x80PLC Fundamentals for the Technical Professional (TC40)
This course will focus on the role the programmable logic controller plays in the design of a control system and how proper selection, installation and maintenance can reduce operating costs and improve performance. It will provide the technical expertise necessary to install, perform routine programming and maintenance and apply proper troubleshooting and configuration techniques. The 4.5-day course starts June 1 at Columbia, Ill.

Energy
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 June 6 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

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 June 8 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

Measurement & Control
Industrial Pressure, Level, and Density Measurement Engineering (EI05)
This two-day course presents the principles and applications of modern pressure, level and density measurement systems. Emphasis is placed on instrument design technologies; system performance and design; and specification, selection, installation and maintenance requirements. The class will be held starting June 13 in Newark, Del.

Industrial Flow Measurement Engineering (EI10)
This three-day course presents the principles and applications of modern flow measurement systems. Emphasis is on flowmeter accuracy, performance, system design, sizing, specification, installation and maintenance requirements. The class starts June 15 in Newark, Del.

Plant Maintenance
Applying Motor Controls and Drives (SP15)
This course gives you a broad perspective of DC motors, AC motors (single and three-phase), and Variable Speed Drives (for AC Induction Motors and DC Motors). Industrial applications of Variable Speed Drives for constant torque, constant horsepower, and variable torque/variable horsepower are included. Also covered are Motor Starter Circuits and Reduced Voltage Starting techniques. Stepper Motors and Servo Motors are discussed along with their advantages and applications. The three-day class starts June 1 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

Safety
Applying Instrumentation in Hazardous (Classified) Locations (ES10)
This course provides a detailed, systematic approach to specifying and implementing instrumentation in hazardous locations. The two-day class will be held starting May 2 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

Safety Instrumented Systems − Design, Analysis and Justification (EC50)
This course focuses on the engineering requirements for the specification, design, analysis, and justification of safety instrumented systems for the process industries. Students will learn how to determine safety integrity levels and evaluate whether proposed or existing systems meet the performance and documentation requirements defined in the ISA 84 (IEC61511) standard. The four-day class starts May 2 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

Advanced Safety Integrity Level Selection (EC52)
This course focuses on further hands-on examples of safety integrity lehttps://www.isa.org/events-conferences/events-calendar/event-details/?utm_source=HighRoad&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Training_52517360&productId=44288053vel (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 May 9 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

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 May 11 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

Fire and Gas System Engineering – Performance-Based Methods for Process Facilities (EC56P)
Fire and gas detection and suppression system design techniques that are currently in use are often considered to be unsatisfactory due to their nature of being rule of thumb and experience-oriented without any real ability to quantify risk. This has resulted in systems that are either over-designed or under-designed. Only after the ISA TR 84.00.07 was a comprehensive framework for performance-based fire and gas design established. This three-day course describes the techniques recommended in the technical report, along with hands-on use of the techniques and associated software tools. It will be held starting on May 16 in King of Prussia, Penn.

New_80x80Practical IEC 61850 for Substation Automation (EA25)
The latest developments in networking such as high-speed, deterministic, redundant Ethernet, as well as other technologies including TCP/IP, high-speed WAN and high-performance embedded processor, are providing capabilities that could hardly be imagined when most legacy substation automation protocols were designed. IEC 61850 – part of the International Electro-Technical Commission (IEC) Technical Committee 57 (TC57) architecture for electric power systems – is an important international standard for substation automation, and it is having a significant impact on how electric power systems are designed and built. The model-driven, innovative approach of IEC 61850 requires a new way of thinking about substation automation. This will result in significant improvements in the costs and performance of electric power systems. This course provides comprehensive coverage of IEC 61850 and will provide you the tools, knowledge and confidence to tackle your next substation automation project. The two-day class will start May 25 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

New_80x80Calibration Asset Management and Data Acquisition Practices (EI42)
This course focuses on the process of manipulating, transferring and storing configuration and calibration data.  It will enable the student to take advantage of manipulating data electronically thus eliminating the need for paper documents and provide from “cradle to grave” records keeping of instrument items. The three-day course starts June 1 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

Boiler Control Systems Engineering (ES15)
This three-day course covers boiler components and their purpose. Additionally, the course explains the ISA symbols used in boiler control, how to identify the engineering and control of boilers using these symbols, and a method of presenting the engineering. This course covers topics including defining the control and ratio control fundamentals, feed forward control, feed forward plus feedback control, cascade control, ratio control, and how they are implemented in boiler control. Flame detection methods, including the advantages of each method, are also covered. The class will start on June 20 in King of Prussia, Penn.

Burner Management Systems Engineering Using NFPA Code 85 and ANSI/ISA77 Standards (ES16)
This two-day course covers the safe startup, monitoring and shutdown of multiple burner boiler furnaces. It also discusses causes of furnace explosions and the relationship between burner management systems and boiler control systems. Prior attendance at ISA ES15: Boiler Control Systems Engineering course or an understanding of boilers and boiler control is assumed. The class starts June 23 in King of Prussia, Penn.

Certification and Licensure Preparation

Certified 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 May 2  in Columbia, Ill.

Certified Control Systems Technician® (CCST®) Level III Exam Review Course (TS03)
This course reviews the knowledge and skills areas included on the 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 job analysis domains, tasks, knowledge areas, and skill areas developed as the basis for the CCST certification exam. The 4.5-day course starts May 16 in King of Prussia, Penn. and May 31 in Houston, Tex. 

Certified 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 May 31 in California.

Control Systems Engineering (CSE) PE Exam Review Course (EN00)
This course reviews the knowledge and skills areas that are included on the Control Systems Engineer (CSE) Professional Engineer (PE) examination produced by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) and administered by U.S. state professional license boards each October. The intent of the class is to prepare an engineer with four or more years of experience to take the exam by providing instruction in the broad range of technical areas that will be tested. The content is based on the CSE Exam Specification that went into effect in October 2011. The three-day course starts June 1 in Houston, Tex.

Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician (CMRT) Exam Review Course (TM00)
This course is designed as a fast-paced review for the experienced maintenance mechanic. It provides a thorough overview of the knowledge and mechanical skills required in today’s industrial maintenance environment. It is designed specifically for industrial maintenance mechanics preparing for the CMRT exam. An explanation of the examination process and practice taking a certification-type exam is provided. The three-day class starts June 27 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

Certified Control Systems Technician® (CCST®) Level I Review Course (TS00)
This 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 CCST Level I exam. An explanation of the examination process and practice certification-type exams are provided. The four-day course starts June 27 in Newark, Del.

The following courses are featured events in May

Sponsored by ISA and ISA Philadelphia Section
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 May 10 in Newark, Del.

Special Training Events
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 May 16 in Houston, Tex.

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 May 23 in Santa Ana, Calif.

Tactics for Advanced Troubleshooting Boot Camp (TATC)
This intensive boot camp course details the techniques required to troubleshoot today's instrument loops and equipment. From understanding loop fundamentals to employing built-in equipment diagnostics, this class will give the student an advantage in problem identification via the latest in test equipment and communicators used in the process control industry. The class is hands-on intensive with student exercises and instructor demonstration designed to simulate loop and equipment malfunctions, thus requiring the student to follow established troubleshooting techniques. The various equipment built-in diagnostics will be discussed and employed to aid in equipment troubleshooting. The five-day class starts June 13 at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

ISA Technician Training Boot Camp (TTBC)
ISA Technician Training Boot Camp (not just for technicians) combines a unique technical training course − minimum lecture and maximum hands-on experience − with bonus features, including a plant tour, technical library, and social events, to enhance the learning experience and to maximize knowledge gained. More than 75 percent of your time will be spent on equipment labs. This week of intensive training will cover a broad range of technical topics needed to get the job done right. Starting with basic instrumentation fundamentals and ending with the advanced and ultimate in smart technology, this comprehensive program will serve as a vital building block to your professional development and skills enhancement efforts. This course also serves as a solid introduction to other ISA courses that will help you advance your automation and control career. ISA Technician Training Boot Camp starts June 6 in Houston, Tex.

ISA Automation Engineering Survival Training (AEST)
Sharpen your process automation know-how with this intensive week of expert-led lecture and hands-on exercises covering practical, real-world automation survival skills. Automation Engineering Survival Training is a unique process automation engineering experience designed to hone your process automation knowledge and skills. This intensive technical training boot camp for automation engineers combines lecture and hands-on labs with bonus features, including a plant tour, technical library, and networking events, to maximize your learning experience. The five-day class starts June 13 in Houston, Tex.

Safety Instrumented Systems − Design, Analysis and Justification (EC50)
This course focuses on the engineering requirements for the specification, design, analysis, and justification of safety instrumented systems for the process industries. Students will learn how to determine safety integrity levels and evaluate whether proposed or existing systems meet the performance and documentation requirements defined in the ISA 84 (IEC61511) standard. The four-day class starts June 20 in Houston, Tex.

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 June 27 in Houston, Tex.

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 June 29 in Houston, Tex.

Symposia Training Events

Part of the 16th ISA LDAR Fugitive Emissions Symposium
LDAR Best Practices – Advanced Edition (SP13PC)
This one-day short course will provide a fast-paced, advanced overview with expert instruction and interpretation in a fun and relaxed environment covering frequently asked compliance questions encountered by the regulated community and LDAR contractors. It will be held on May 17 in Denver, Colo.

Implementation and Maintenance of LDAR Programs for Oil and Gas Sites (SP12PC)
The regulatory world for upstream and midstream oil and natural gas operations is rapidly changing.  Many of these sites are now receiving more scrutiny from regulatory agencies, particularly for their leak detection and repair (LDAR) programs. This seminar is designed for the LDAR coordinator or individual responsible for the implementation and maintenance of the LDAR program at an upstream and/or midstream oil and natural gas site.  The focus will be on definition of fundamental regulations, practical implementation strategies and quality assurance/control programs, in order to appropriately comply with federal/state regulations.  The focus will be on definition of fundamental regulations, modifications and reconstruction, practical implementation strategies and quality assurance/control programs, in order to appropriately comply with federal/state regulations. This seminar will also include applicability determinations that focus on the oil and gas industry. The one-day training course will be held May 20 in Denver, Colo.

Part of the 62nd International Instrumentation Symposium (IIS)
Industrial Wireless Systems (IC85C)
This course will cover the most relevant details associated with industrial wireless systems with an emphasis towards how the various technological choices coexist, interoperate, and interact with each other. Numerous examples of real-world deployments are covered for facilities such as supervisory control and acquisition (SCADA) systems, petrochemical plants, electrical power generation, and transmission systems. The one-day class will be held May 23 in Denver, Colo..

Introduction to Industrial Automation Security and the ANSI/ISA99 (IEC 62443) Standards (IC32C)
Understanding how to secure factory automation, process control and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) networks is critical if you want to protect them from viruses, hackers, spies and saboteurs. This seminar teaches you the basics of the ANSI/ISA99 Security for Industrial Automation and Control Systems standards and how these can be applied in the typical factory or plant. In this seminar, you will be introduced to the terminology, concepts and models of ANSI/ISA99 cybersecurity. In addition, the elements of creating a cybersecurity management system will be explained along with how these should be applied to industrial automation and control systems. The one-day course will be held May 23 in Denver, Colo..

Online Instructor-Assisted Courses

New_80x80Applying Instrumentation in Hazardous Location s 9ES10E)
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 May 16.

Fundamentals of Industrial Process, Measurement and 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 course runs for 12 weeks and starts May 16.

Certified 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 May 23.

Safety Instrumented Systems − Design, Analysis and Justification (EC50E)
ISA’s CyberU online instructor-led training course offers the benefit of a high-quality ISA training course with the added advantage of studying at your own pace in the office, at home or while traveling. This course utilizes online training modules, additional text materials, online evaluations, and email discussions. Students will have access via email to an instructor and have an opportunity to participate in live Q&A sessions with the instructor and other class participants. The course focuses on the engineering requirements for the specification, design, analysis, and justification of safety instrumented systems for the process industries. Students will learn how to determine safety integrity levels and evaluate whether proposed or existing systems meet the performance requirements. The eight-week course starts May 30.

Note: This course is required for the ISA84 SIS Fundamentals Specialist Certificate Program. Click this link for details.

En EspanolInstrumentados de Seguridad - Diseño, análisis y justificación - (ES10W1SP - Version en linea)
Este curso esta enfocado en los requerimientos de ingeniería para especificar, diseñar, analizar y justificar el uso de sistemas instrumentados de seguridad para la industria de proceso.  Los estudiantes aprenderán como determinar los niveles integrales de seguridad funcional y como evaluar si los sistemas existentes o propuestos alcanzan los requerimientos de desempeño o rendimiento. Este curso es requerido como parte del programa ISA 84 "Certificado como experto en fundamentos en Sistemas Instrumentados de Seguridad funcional." El estudiante puede inscribirse para tomar el curso solamente o para el programa del certificado, que incluye el examen. Aquellas personas que completen el curso y pasen el examen, recibirán el reconocimiento como "Especialistas en Fundamentos ISA84" (ISA84 SFS por sus siglas en Ingles). Este curso es requerido para obtener el certificado como “Especialista en Fundamentos ISA84” (ISA84 SIS Fundamentals Specialist Certificate Program). La clase comienza 30 de Mayo.

Overview of Industrial Flow Measurement Engineering (EI10E)
This course presents an overview of the principles and applications of modern flow measurement systems. Emphasis is on flow meter accuracy, performance, system design, sizing, specification, installation, and maintenance requirements. The nine-week online course starts June 6.

Certified 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 June 20.

Control Systems Engineer (CSE) PE Exam Review Course (EN00E)
This online course reviews the knowledge and skills areas that are included on the Control Systems Engineer (CSE) Professional Engineer (PE) examination produced by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) and administered by U.S. state professional license boards each October. The intent of the class is to prepare an engineer with four or more years of experience to take the exam by providing instruction in the broad range of technical areas that will be tested. The content is based on the CSE Exam Specification that went into effect in October 2011. The 12-week course starts June 27.

Live Webinar Series

Control Systems Security & ISA/IEC 62443 Series

Using Firewalls and Security Zones on the Plant Floor (IC32CW2)
The network firewall is one of the most important tools in any cyber security designer’s tool box. This seminar introduces the industrial controls engineer to the world of firewall system design, focusing on how these devices can be effectively deployed on the typical plant floor to help meet the ANSI/ISA99 security standards. The webinar will be held April 20.

A Tour of the ANSI/ISA99 Security Standards (IC32CW3)
This webinar introduces you to the ANSI/ISA99 Security for Industrial Automation and Control Systems standards and how these are organized. You will be given a brief introduction to the terminology, concepts, and models of ANSI/ISA99 cybersecurity and elements of creating a cybersecurity management system. The webinar will be held May 4.

Introduction to Measurement & Control Series

Introduction 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 May 11.

Introduction 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 May 25.

Introduction 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 June 8.

Introduction 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 June 22.

Introduction 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 July 6.

Enterprise Control Integration & ANSI/ISA95 Series

The ISA95 Object Models for Enterprise Control System Integration, Part 1: Introduction (IC55CW1)
This seminar presents the ANSI/ISA95 standard defining integration of business logistics systems − enterprise resource planning (ERP), production lifecycle management (PLM), and supply chain management (SCM) − to manufacturing control systems and manufacturing execution systems (MES). This seminar explains the ISA95 object models that are the basis for exchange of information between enterprise and control systems. The webinar will be held June 15.

The ISA95 Object Models for Enterprise-Control System Integration, Part 2: Application Example (IC55CW2)
Using a complete case study, this webinar will explain the complex relationships between the objects in the ISA95 object models. These models explain which information is exchanged between enterprise and control systems, and are the basis for developing interfaces between those systems. The seminar will also pay attention to steps in integration projects, typical aspects of integration architectures (like XML and Middleware) and points of concern, and best practices. The webinar will be held June 29.

The ISA95 Object Models for Enterprise Control System Integration, Part 1: Introduction (IC55CW1)
This seminar presents the ANSI/ISA95 standard defining integration of business logistics systems − enterprise resource planning (ERP), production lifecycle management (PLM), and supply chain management (SCM) − to manufacturing control systems and manufacturing execution systems (MES). This seminar explains the ISA95 object models that are the basis for exchange of information between enterprise and control systems. The webinar will be held May 18.

Applying ISA95 for Specification of MES User Requirements (IC60CW2)
The seminar will provide participants instruction on how to use the ISA95 models as a basis for a structured method for collecting and writing the User Requirements Specifications for a manufacturing execution system (MES). The webinar will be held June 1.

ISA Partner Training

ISA has teamed up with IDC Technologies & Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) to bring an array of technical-related training courses to various U.S. locations as well as online courses, with special discounts for ISA members.

Accredited Diploma Courses

Professional Certificate of Competency in IEC 61850 based Substation Automation–CSZ
Begins: 2 May (3 months)

Professional Certificate of Competency in Machine Vision Applications in Industry–CMV
Begins: 2 May (3 months)

Advanced Diploma of Remote Engineering, Mechatronics and Robotics–DMC
Begins: 2 May (18 months)

Professional Certificate of Competency in Safety Instrumentation Systems for Process Industries–CSS
Begins: 9 May (18 months)

Professional Certificate of Competency in Allen Bradley Controllogix/Logix5000 PLC Platforms–CAL
Begins: 9 May (18 months)

Online Offerings

Professional Certificate of Competency in Practical Engineering for Energy Efficiency–CEE
Begins: 9 May (3 months)

Graduate Certificate of Renewable Energy Technologies–GRE
Begins: 16 May (6 months)

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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.

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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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