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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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AutoQuiz: What is the Standard Range for Pneumatically Transmitted Signals?

AutoQuiz is edited by Joel Don, ISA's social media community manager.

Today's automation industry quiz question comes from the ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) program. autoquiz-piping-instrumentation-diagramCertified Control System Technicians calibrate, document, troubleshoot, and repair/replace instrumentation for systems that measure and control level, temperature, pressure, flow, and other process variables. Click this link for information about the CCST program. This question comes from the Level I study guide, Domain 3, Troubleshooting. Level I represents a professional who has a five-year total of education, training, and/or experience.

The standard range for pneumatically transmitted signals is:

a) 3-15 psig
b) 5-20 psig
c) 1-10 psig
d) 4-20 psig
e) none of the above

In standard piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), instrument signal lines use special markings to indicate whether the signal is pneumatic, electric, hydraulic, or some other type. In this figure, there are two types of instrument signals in use. The double cross-hatched lines denote the pneumatic signals to the steam control valve and the process outlet flow control valve. The dashed line is the electrical control lines between various instruments. In process control applications, pneumatic signals are usually 3 to 15 psi (pounds per square inch gauge pressure), and the electric signals are normally 4 to 20 mA (milliamperes) DC (direct current).

The correct answer is A.

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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