The Role Of Diagnostics And Control

Energy management is not possible without the measurement of energy inputs and utilize. For each instrument giving visual readings, the factors below should be considered:

• Why is it essential?  
• How will the readings be utilized?
• What level of accuracy is essential?
• Who will take the readings?
• What is the best place for the instrument?
• What will be cases of use?

Portable test equipment might be used to measurements where fixed instrumentation cannot be justified or might be damaged. This equipment must be robust and sustained continuously.

General diagnostic instruments involve digital thermometers, suction pyrometers, orsat gas analyzers, air velocity meters, manometers, smoke testers, dew point meters, oil flow meters, gas light meters, flow meters, portable oxygen analyzers and steam trap indicators.  

Measurements of all kinds might be utilized to perform different control functions. There is a broad variety of manners in which the measurements can be transmitted (i.e., in analog or digital form) and processed. The distance is no longer a problem; telemetry systems and radio links are now increasingly employed. The total objectives of control systems are to maximize energy consumption, and maximize ease.  

Monitoring and control of a number of functions in procedure plants and buildings are rising being handled by systems which incorporate micro-electronics. Such systems range from exhibit of the status of plant sub-systems over which the operator has manual control at a central control point, to completely automatic systems which initiate action in accordance with pre-determined programs that, in some situations, incorporate adaptive control.