Troubleshooting Single Loop Control Systems (ATS01)

This comprehensive INVOLVE?? interactive multimedia training program was produced in association with the Instrument Society of America (ISA).

This three lesson program trains participants in efficient methods for finding the cause of a problem in a system and correcting it.

Prerequisites

This lesson is designed for participants familiar with instruments and their functions within a control loop and fundamentals of process measurement. A knowledge of process control diagrams is also recommended.

Description

This lesson describes the systematic approach to troubleshooting and applies that approach to single loop control systems. The lesson explains and demonstrates troubleshooting steps such as verifying that a problem exists, identifying possible causes of the problem, dividing the system to isolate the cause, recommending corrective action, and following up to prevent future problems.

Objectives

Describe the purpose of troubleshooting process systems and identify the reasons a systematic troubleshooting approach is most effective. Verify that a performance problem exists by gathering information from sources such as the operator, diagrams, trend graphs, historical data, and system performance. Locate and identify the possible causes of a performance problem based on information gathered about the system in the quickest, most efficient way possible. Divide the system to isolate possible causes. Check each possible cause to determine if it is the source of the problem. Identify and carry out or recommend appropriate corrective action once a performance problem has been located. Verify that corrections have been made by consulting resources such as the operator and observation of system performance. Take or recommend appropriate follow-up procedures to minimize the potential for recurrence.