Introduction to Loop Checking of Instrumentation – Loop Checking Preparation

Introduction to Loop Checking of Instrumentation – Loop Checking Preparation

• • Instrumentation
  • Types of loops
  • Types of signals
  • DCS
  • PLC & ESD system
  • Alarms
  • Generally used terms in instrumentation legends
  • Temp vs mv tables for all kinds of thermocouples

Test equipment & tools

• • Tools required for loop checking work
  • Test Equipments required for loop checking

Loop check procedures

Steps & procedures of loop checking

1. Familiarization of loop diagram & Loop package
2. Process simulation methods during loop checking
3. Loop checking of pressure transmitter (Local indicator)
4. Loop checking of differential pressure / flow transmitters
5. Loop checking of level transmitter (DP type) local indicator
6. Loop checking of level transmitter displacer type local in
7. Loop checking of temperature transmitter (RTD type)
8. Loop checking of temperature transmitter (T/C type)
9. Loop checking of control valves (Characteristics check & confirm)
10. Loop checking of ON/OFF valves
11. Loop checking of special instruments
12. Loop checking of pressure switches
13. Loop check  arrangements figures
14. Conversation tables of pressure
15. Temp vs resistance tab

• Instrumentation

The instrumentation is branch of engineering which deals with the measuring, manipulation and controlling of process variable like pressure, flow, temperature, level etc.

• Types of Loops

1. Open Loop

Open Loop is which contains only primary measuring system and indicator.                                          ·

For e.g. A Pressure transmitter is  measuring  the  pressure  of  a gas line and DCS is indicating the  pressure in  control  room for the operator alert

 

1. Closed Loop

 

Closed loop, which contains primary measuring system controller and final control element

for E.g. A Pressure transmitter “X” is measuring the pressure of  a gas line and a controller in DCS is monitoring and controlling the pressure by operating final control element i.e. control valves

Closed loop can be operated in 3 modes

1. Manual modes
2. Auto modes
3. Cascade modes

 

Manual Mode

In this mode, the controller will not respond to the process variable changes. The controller will give the output, which is fed by the operator to control valves.

This mode is using for loop checking of control valves.

Auto Mode

In this mode the controller is automatically controlling the process, by comparing the measured variable to the set point signal entered to the controller and giving out put signal to final the control element to maintain the process variable constant at desired value.

Cascade Mode

 Cascade mode consists of two or more controller and the output of one-controller positions the set point of another controller. This is generally used to control main process variable by controlling another variable, which can cause charges in the main variable.

• Types of Signal
  • Analog Signal

(A.1)         Analog Input (AI)

(A.2)      Analog Input (AO)

• Digital Signal

(B.1)        Digital Input (DI) (B.2)      Digital Output (DO)

 

Analog Signal

The signal which it’s amplitude varies with time. i.e signal which consists of different states. Analog signal can be used for measurement purposes.

4-20mA output of a transmitters is an example of Analog input signal.

4-20mA from DCS/PLC to any control valve is an example of Analog output signal

 

Analog Input

The output of transmitter 4-20 mA

The output of RTD- resistance varies with temperature.

The output of thermocouple MV which varies with the temperature

 

Analog Output

The output from the controller which varies from 4mA to 20mA to the final control element is the analog output.

Digital Signal

The signal, which has only two states either ON or OFF Example.                       Any switches

 

Digital Input

The signal from any kind of switches like pressure switch, level switches etc, which has only two stages ON or OFF to the control system is digital input.

Digital Output

The signal from the control device which has two stages either ON or OFF to any control elements or indicating device is digital output.

The output for solenoid valve or lamps are the example for digital output.

• DCS (Distributed Control System)

Distributed control system is used for continuous process monitoring & control in a process plant The DCS has its central processing unit, input and output units, History modules, communication gateways etc. DCS has operator’s access through operating consoles in central control room.

 

• PLC (Programmable Logic Controller)

Programmable Logic Controller is used to maintain sequence control for a process, they are mainly used for the emergency shut down (ESD) purpose for the plant.

The PLC can also receive analog input and digital inputs as well as provide analog output and digital output.

• Alarms

The alarms are enabled to alert the operator prior to any abnormal condition occurs.

Mainly alarms are classified as below.

• High Alarm (H)
• High High Alarm (HH}
• Low Alarm (L)
• Low low Alarm (LL)

 

High and low alarms are called pre alarms and high, high and low, low are  for trip. They are discriminated in DCS by colour changes. Normally pre alarms are in yellow colour and trip alarms are in red colour.

In addition to the Visual alarms audible alarms are also used to alert the operator when he is busy with any other work.

• Generally used terms in instrumentation

• I/ 0  (input/ output)

The interface between peripheral equipment and the control system.

• Response

Reaction to a forcing function applied to the input. The variation in output as a result of changes in input.

• Software

The collection of programs and routines associated with a computer.

• Hardware

Physical equipment, i.e. mechanical, magnetic, electrical as electronics devices, which we can touch with our finger.

• Instrument

In process instrumentation and control, this term is used to describe any device that performs a measuring or controlling function.

• Set point

The instruction given to the automatic controller for determining the point at which the controlled variable hopefully to stabilize.

• Transducer

A device that converts information of one physical form to another physical type in it’s output (e.g a thermo couple converts temperature to milli voltage (mV).

• value

The level of signal being measured and controlled.

• Loop

A signal path

• Final control element

Component of a control system which directly regulates the flow of energy or material to the process.

• Accuracy

Conformity to an indicated, standard, or true value, usually expressed as a percentage (of span, reading or upper range value) deviation from the indicated, standard or true value. e.g± 0.5% , ±1%

• Span

The difference between the low range value and the high range value is called span.

• 4-20mA, the span is     20-4=16

(b) 0 –  2500 mm H20  Span = 2500 – 0 = 2500

• Legends used in instrumentation

AI                       Analog Input

AO                      Analog Output

DI                       Digital Input

DO                      Digital Output

V                         Voltage

MV                 Milli Volt.

A                         Ampere

mA                 Milli Ampere

PV                      Process Variable

SP                       Set Point

I/0                       Input Output

F&G                   Fire &Gas

PT                   Pressure Transmitter

FT                       Flow Transmitter

LT                       Level Transmitter

TI                   Temperature Transmitter

AT                      Analyzer Transmitter

T/C                     Thermo Couple

RTD                   Resistance  Temperature Detector

(PV                     Pressure Control Valve

LV                      Level Control Valve

TV                  Temperature Control valve

FV                   Flow Control Valve

xv             On/Off Valve

AFO                   Air Failure Open

AFC                   Air Failure Oose

AFL                    Air Failure Lock

DCS             Distributed Control System

PLC              Programmable Logic Controller 

SCADA   –       Supervisory  Control and  Data Acquisition 

 

• TEST EQUIPMENT  AND TOOLS
• Tools required for instrumentation work/ Loop checking
  1. Screw driver set
  2. Spanner Set (Open-end & ring)
  3. Box Spanner Set
  4. Adjustable Spanners (Screw spanners)
  5. Cutting Plier
  6. Nose pliers
  7. Terminal Connector
  8. Measuring Tape
  9. Vernier Caliper (Optional)

• Test equipment required for Loop checking
  1. Multimeter
  2. ma Simulator
  3. mv Simulator
  4. Decade resistance box (DRB)
  5. Temperature Calibrator/ Portable calibrator (eg Druck)
  6. Pressure Calibrator
  7. HART Communicator
  8. Nitrogen cylinder with Pressure regulator

LOOP CHECK PROCEDURE

• Steps & procedures of loop checking

Loop checking is the process to confirm the signal continuity from primary instrument (transmitters, switches) to DCS or PLC system and from DCS or PLC to the final control elements such as control valves, dampers ON/OFF valves, motor operated valves etc.

• Loop folder (packages) contents

Loop Packages means a file folder consists of

1. Instrument Loop diagram (ILD) (See attachment)
2. Piping & instrument diagram (P&ID) (See attachment)
3. Instrument Data Sheet (See attachment)
4. Instrument Calibration report (optiooal)  (See attachment)
5. Loop checking recording form (See attachment)
6. Inspection checklist. (See attachment)

 

First step to loop checking

•  Check and confirm the wiring is correct according to ILD
• Make sure no loose connections are present in the loop wiring
• Close knife switch and check voltage across the terminals
• Check the range in DCS/PLC whether the instrument calibration range in data sheet as in instrument configuration. The configuration can be checked by connecting a field communicator and verify.
• Use communication device to contact to CCR panel operator and check the readings @ 0% input. Then simulate the input 25%, 50%,  75%  & 100% and  confirm the indication in DCS are correct.
• Panel operation’s  responsibility is to check and  record  the  values  in ITD forms also the alarm setting and response are correct respectively.
• If any instrument loops are not working then the corresponding loop package to be kept in separate place for the  trouble shooting purpose.

• The trouble-shooting group consists of a team of talented technicians, to check and verify each and every point in the loop to find the discrepancies and
• The loops, which have completed troubleshooting, will hand over to loop checking team for final loop

Process simulation methods during loop checking

For pressure transmitter we can use DRUCK pressure calibrator. To simulate the actual process.

For DP/ flow level transmitter we can use DRUCK low range pressure calibrator.

For Displacer level transmitter simulation shall be done by filling the water and compensate the specify gravity of process fluid. Sect fig. For loop check arrangement drawing in sec.

For vibration signal we can use TK3 Bentley Nevada calibration to simulate vibration & axial displacement

For gas detector portable calibration cylinder can connect according to service and check the action in F&G system/ mimic panel.

• Loop checking of Pressure transmitter

Oose the isolation valve in manifold and open drain valve then  connect the portable pressure calibrator to the drain port then without applying pressure

Check the reading in CCR by communicating with the panel operation.

li zero is correct, the apply 25%, 50%, 75% & 100% and record the readings in DCS/PLC accordingly

• Loop checking of Differential Pressure Flow Transmitter

Close the HP & LP isolation valves i the k way manifolds and then open the Hp & LP side drain valves.

Then check the zero is DCS/PLC in control room if zero is ok  connect

the pressure calibrator on the Hp side of the transmitter then open the LP side to atmosphere.

Start  applying  25%,  50%,  75%  &  100%   and   record   the   values  in

DCS/PLC accordingly.

But all the DP fl.ow transmitter are giving out put in square root value. The extraction ca be done in DCS so to check the reading of FT in 25% 50% or 75% simulation of differential pressure to be done in square root value.

Refer figure 1. for more detail about the arrangement

The simulation can be done as follows

 

Span		Indication in DCS
0.625x6span		25% flow
25% of 6span		50% flow
0.56x6span		75% flow
100%of 6span		100% fl.ow

 

For linear measurement  the above calculation  is not applicable

• Loop checking of level transmitter differential pressure type

The level transmitter with differential pressure can be checked with the same method of linear flow transmitter.

Apply the AP from HP side by opening the LP side to atmosphere and

check 0%, 25%, 75% and 100% readings in DCS/PLC in control room.

 

• Loop checking of level transmitter displacer type

The displacer type level transmitter can be loop checked by simulating actual level by connecting a transparent hose and fill water or actual fluid to the required level.

While simulating with water, the specific gravity compensation shall be done according.

For interface type level measurement  the lower specific  gravity and higher specific gravity to be taken in to account for simulation. Check the arrangement drawing for more detail. 

Refer figure 2. for more detail about the arrangement

Loop checking of temperature transmitter RTD type

The simulation fur RTD can be done by using Decade Resistance Box (DRB) or a portable temperature calibrator. The resistance changes corresponds temperature

Can be simulated by connecting DRB terminal to transmitter as shows below.     

The resistances values can be refer a standard RTD chart for pt 100, attached table 1

Refer figure 3; for more detail about the arrangement

 

• Loop checking of temperature transmitter T/C type

The simulation for T/ C can be done by using a standard  MV source or a portable temperature calibrator. The MV output from T/C corresponds to temperature changes can be  simulated  by  connecting MV source +Ve and -Ve to 2 and 3 of the transmitter  (To resemount and start simulate according to a standard table make

 

 

 

 

 

 

sure the type of T/C   before simulately  i.e. K,T,S,R or J having different

MV values.  See attached table 2.

 

As the cold junction is formed .in temperature transmitter, the compensation of ambient temperature to be calculated during simulation.

 

While using portable calibrator, the ambient value can be measured and manually entered in calibrator to achieve the cold junction compensation.

Refer figure 4. for more detail about the arrangement

• Loop checking of Control Valves

The control valves loop checking is to be carried out by putting the corresponding controller in to manual mode and operate from 0% to 100% in different steps. In field, Nitrogen cylinder or instrument air supply can be connected to control valve. As available for checking the stroking of valve the panel operator the field loop check technician should maintain proper communication.

The output from the controller and the stroking to be recorded in the loop sheet to confirm the characteristics of control valve.

Normally control valve’s travels are available in three different types

1. Linear
2. Equal percentage
3. Quick Opening

The travel of the three types are shown in the table below.

Travel in percentage
Input	0	25		50	75	100
Linear	0	25		50	75	100
Equal percentage	0	3		12	36	100
Quick open	0	66		83	93	100

 

After completing the above the air & signal fail action of the value shall be checked.The signal fail action can be checked by disconnecting the signal cable from the control valve and verify the changes in control valve.

Air failure action can be checked by disconnecting the Air supply from the control valve arid check the changes in control valve. The failures will be checked against Data Sheet or P & ID and it shall be one of the followings:

1. FC  {Fail to Close)
2. FO  (Fail to Open)
3. FL  (fail to Lock)

Refer figure 5. for more detail about the arrangement

Split Range Control 

Split range means the output of one controller, controlling two control Valves. As shown in the attached fig. 6.

This mean one control valve will operate from O –  50%  of  the  controller

and the other from 50 to 100% as shown in the table. It can very according to process requirements.

This can achieve in DCS as well as in field

In DCS it may have one master controller and two slave controllers. The output of master controller will control the slave controller and slave to control valves.

In field this is activating by selecting the spring of the control valves. Modern system uses the DCS for the split range action.

• Loop checking of special instrument

Special instruments like, Rader level transmitter capacitance type level transmitter, Radio active level transmitter, Pyrometer, analytical instruments etc shall be loop checked with the pressure of vendor supplier as it has own simulation access. In the instrument those instrument switch communicates with HART communicator can be simulated by using the simulation option in HART. By connecting to the transmitter.

• Loop checking of ON/OFF valves

Connect instrument air or Nitrogen cylinder to the supply  port.  Operate the valve from CCR by PLC accessible computer (by forcing the output) confirm the limit switch feed back matching with the valve position and adjust where required.

 Loop checking of  Pressure  Switches 

Connect pressure calibrator to the pressure switches  and  apply pressure to the desired set point and confirm the alarms are initialed in DCS/PLC.

Refer figure 5. for more detail about the arrangement