Field instrumentation

What is field instrumentation?

Field instrumentations are the pieces of equipment that are made up of different sensors, actuators, and signal processors for the purpose of communication and automation task operations. However, compared to in-house instrumentations, field instruments are much more sturdy and can withstand the harshest environments.

They are used for a variety of purposes, starting from measuring to monitoring and even controlling different processes. 

What are the types of field instruments?

Depending on the functionality, field instruments can be of different types. Here are some major categories of field instruments, with examples. 

1. Pressure measurement field instruments 

• Local pressure gauges
• Transmitters
• Pressure switches

2. Level measurement field instruments 

• Local level indicators
• Level transmitters
• Level switches

3. Temperature measurement field instruments 

• Thermowells
• Local gauges
• Resistance thermometers
• Temperature transmitters 
• Thermocouples
• Compensating cables 

4. Flow measurement field instruments 

• Differential pressure flowmeters 
• Rotameters
• Magnetic flowmeter
• Vortex meter
• Turbine meter
• Positive displacement meter
• Mass flow meters 
• Restriction orifices 

5. Control valves 

• Globe valves
• Butterfly valves
• Angle control valves
• Rotary plug valves
• Ball valves 

6. Accessories 

• Actuators 
• I/ P- converters and positioners 
• Limit switches/ solenoid valves
• Position transmitters 
• Self-acting control valves

7. Electronic Hardware 

• Process impulse lines
• Signal cables
• Pneumatic tubing 

What does a field instrumentation service include?

There can be a number of services for field instrumentation; here are some of the notable ones: 

• Instrument commissioning Services: Under this service, newly installed instruments are verified and tested and ensured that they are properly functioning and integrated into the larger system. 
• Instrument Installation Services: The services focus on the proper and accurate installation of various instruments in industrial or commercial settings.
• Instrument specification development: Instrument specification development refers to the process of creating detailed technical specifications for instruments to be used in a particular project or application. 
• Instrumentation CAD drafting services: Instrumentation CAD (Computer-Aided Design) drafting services involve creating accurate and detailed engineering drawings using specialized software. 
• Instrumentation calibration services: Under calibration services, precise adjustment and instrument verification is done to ensure that their accuracy is reliable. 
• Instrumentation consulting services: Instrumentation consulting services provide expert advice and guidance in the field of instrumentation. Consultants assist clients in selecting appropriate instruments, designing systems, optimizing processes, and solving technical challenges. 
• Instrumentation drawings Services: These services involve creating detailed technical drawings that depict the layout, connections, and specifications of instrumentation systems. 
• Instrumentation installation and maintenance support: For these services, companies provide installation and maintenance support services in the installation, setup, and ongoing maintenance of instrumentation systems. 
• Instrumentation outsourcing services: It is a service where companies or professionals handle instrumentation-related tasks on behalf of a client. 
• Instrumentation project management: Instrumentation project management entails overseeing the planning, execution, and coordination of instrumentation projects from start to finish. 
• Instrumentation software development: This service involves designing and programming software applications that interact with and control instrumentation systems. 
• Instrumentation testing and training services: Instrumentation testing and training services focus on verifying the performance and reliability of instruments and providing training programs for personnel involved in their operation and maintenance. 

Learn more about what E&I services include in an instrumentation project.