In every field of human endeavour learning never ceases. In fact, lifelong learning is a must for anyone who wants to succeed in their chosen career. We must always be at the edge of the ever changing technological tide.
Instrument engineers and technicians are no exception to this rule of lifelong learning. Continuous education and learning is a must for all engineers. You may be sitting on many years of experience; you may have gone through many professional courses or you maybe just starting out in the field of instrumentation and control, continuous learning will improve your knowledge and reinforce your professional skills
One key tool for continuous learning and education is to possess quality instrumentation and control books which will serve as valuable reference anytime any day. Although technology is now changing the way we learn, given that the internet has completely revolutionized everything we do, we still need quality reference instrumentation books. These can be in electronic format (e-books) or “the good old” hard copy. Engineering books by reputable authors and practioners are a good reference for engineering practice
Given the importance of reference books to instrument engineers and technicians, here are five good books you should have in your library
as an instrument engineer or a technician:
as an instrument engineer or a technician:
Instrument Engineers’ Handbook by Bela G Liptak.
The handbook can either be bought as a single set of three volumes or the individual volumes can be bought differently. However, it is far cheaper to buy the handbook as a single volume.
The handbook set consists of:
• Instrument Engineers' Handbook, Fourth Edition, Volume One: Process Measurement and Analysis.
• Instrument Engineers' Handbook, Fourth Edition, Volume Two: Process Control and Optimization.
• Instrument Engineers' Handbook, Fourth Edition, Volume Three: Process Software and Digital Networks.
This handbook of instrument engineering helps engineers and technicians select and implement hundreds of measurement and control instruments and analytical devices. It also aids in the design of cost-effective process control systems that optimize production and maximize safety.
Volume One: Process Measurement and Analysis offers increased emphasis on installation and maintenance.. It covers sensors, detectors, analyzers, and other measuring devices introduced since publication of the third edition. Buy this book here
Volume Two: Process Control and Optimization include descriptions of overseas manufacturer’s products and concepts, model-based optimization in control theory, new major inventions, and innovations in control valves. It also devotes a full chapter to safety and includes more than 2000 graphs, figures, and tables. Buy this book here
Volume Three: Process Software and Digital Networks provides an in-depth, state-of-the-art review of existing and evolving digital communications and control systems. While the book highlights the transportation of digital information by buses and networks, it also describes a variety of process-control software packages suited for plant optimization, maintenance, and safety related applications. It discusses plant design and modernization, safety and operations related logic systems, and the design of integrated workstations and control centers. The book concludes with an appendix that provides practical information such as bidders lists and addresses, steam tables, and materials selection for corrosive services. Buy this book here
If you are interested in buying the three volume set, you can buy it here
Measurement and Control Basics by Thomas A. Hughes
This book is Ideal for classroom use or self-study. It provides students, technicians, engineers, and sales people with a practical introduction to the principles, technologies, and strategies used in industrial process control. Each chapter begins with basic definitions and concepts that allow instrument engineers and technicians to become well versed in the principles necessary to under-stand the variables that affect process control systems. This book also covers process control computers, industrial networks, liquid density measurement, human machine interface (HMI), wireless devices and networks. The book includes solutions to exercises that make it more suitable for self-study. This book is ideal for both seasoned instrument engineers and technicians as well as beginners. You can buy the book here.
Calibration: A Technician's Guide (ISA Technician) by Mike Cable
This book is a technician’s favourite. It is very popular among technicians and supervisors who are involved in the calibration of pressure, flow, level and temperature instruments. The book which covers a comprehensive review of calibration provides an excellent foundation for understanding principles and applications of the most frequently performed tasks of a technician. Topics addressed include terminology, bench vs. field calibration, loop vs. individual instrument calibration, instrument classification systems, documentation, and specific calibration techniques for temperature, pressure, level, flow, final control, and analytical instrumentation. The book is designed as a structured learning tool with questions and answers in each chapter. An extensive appendix containing sample P&IDs, loop diagrams, spec sheets, sample calibration procedures, and conversion and reference tables serves as very useful reference. If you calibrate instruments or supervise someone that does, then you need this book. You can buy the book here.
This book is a technician’s favourite. It is very popular among technicians and supervisors who are involved in the calibration of pressure, flow, level and temperature instruments. The book which covers a comprehensive review of calibration provides an excellent foundation for understanding principles and applications of the most frequently performed tasks of a technician. Topics addressed include terminology, bench vs. field calibration, loop vs. individual instrument calibration, instrument classification systems, documentation, and specific calibration techniques for temperature, pressure, level, flow, final control, and analytical instrumentation. The book is designed as a structured learning tool with questions and answers in each chapter. An extensive appendix containing sample P&IDs, loop diagrams, spec sheets, sample calibration procedures, and conversion and reference tables serves as very useful reference. If you calibrate instruments or supervise someone that does, then you need this book. You can buy the book here.
Troubleshooting: A Technician's Guide by William L. Mostia Jr.
Troubleshooting loops and systems is something all technicians must do, but that few truly master during their work with instruments. This book provides an in-depth discussion of the basic logical framework that underlies all troubleshooting as well as advanced troubleshooting techniques. It also explores the causes of failures and the techniques that engineers and technicians use to trace them down. The book also covers troubleshooting methods, both basic and advanced, hints and troubleshooting aids, troubleshooting safety, basic maintenance concepts, information about training, and the developing troubleshooting skills. It also includes numerous examples of troubleshooting problems in mechanical systems, process connections, pneumatic systems, electrical systems, electronic systems, and valves. The book also explores test equipment, programmable electronic systems, communication circuits, transient problems, and software. You can buy the book here.
Troubleshooting loops and systems is something all technicians must do, but that few truly master during their work with instruments. This book provides an in-depth discussion of the basic logical framework that underlies all troubleshooting as well as advanced troubleshooting techniques. It also explores the causes of failures and the techniques that engineers and technicians use to trace them down. The book also covers troubleshooting methods, both basic and advanced, hints and troubleshooting aids, troubleshooting safety, basic maintenance concepts, information about training, and the developing troubleshooting skills. It also includes numerous examples of troubleshooting problems in mechanical systems, process connections, pneumatic systems, electrical systems, electronic systems, and valves. The book also explores test equipment, programmable electronic systems, communication circuits, transient problems, and software. You can buy the book here.
Instrumentation And Control Systems Documentation by Frederick A. Meier and Clifford A. Meier.
This book will train instrument engineers and technicians to read, understand, and apply the symbols and documents used to define a modern industrial instrumentation and control system. For more experienced instrument engineers and technicians, insights into using the symbols and documents more effectively are provided. Variations in the use of symbols and documents are given as well as the pitfalls to avoid. To better understand process documentation today, insight into how and when documents are developed, who develops them, why they are developed, and how they are used is provided. The types of documents discussed include process flow diagrams, piping and instrumentation drawings, instrument lists, specification forms, logic diagrams, installation details, location plans, and loop diagrams. You can buy the book here
This book will train instrument engineers and technicians to read, understand, and apply the symbols and documents used to define a modern industrial instrumentation and control system. For more experienced instrument engineers and technicians, insights into using the symbols and documents more effectively are provided. Variations in the use of symbols and documents are given as well as the pitfalls to avoid. To better understand process documentation today, insight into how and when documents are developed, who develops them, why they are developed, and how they are used is provided. The types of documents discussed include process flow diagrams, piping and instrumentation drawings, instrument lists, specification forms, logic diagrams, installation details, location plans, and loop diagrams. You can buy the book here
