WHAT IS INSTRUMENTATION & CONTROL ENGINEERING ?

WHAT IS ITS SCOPE?

Hi

Instrumentation engineering is the engineering specialization focused on the principle and operation of measuring instruments which are used in design and configuration of automated systems in electrical, pneumatic domains etc. They typically work for industries with automated processes, such as chemical or manufacturing plants, with the goal of improving system productivity, reliability, safety, optimization and stability. To control the parameters in a process or in a particular system Microprocessors , Micro controllers ,PLC's etc are used. But their ultimate aim is to control the parameters of a system. Control engineering is the engineering discipline that applies control theory to design systems with predictable behaviors. The engineering activities focus on the mathematical modeling of systems of a diverse nature.

As for job prospects, there are lots of them. Virtually every electronic, hydraulic, or pneumatic system today needs controls to operate safely and properly.

Typical work activities

Control and instrumentation engineers (CI engineers) will develop skills in specific control disciplines such as advanced process control (APC), distributed control systems (DCS), programmable logic controllers (PLC), and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA). The use of these disciplines will depend on the exact nature of individual job roles. Tasks and responsibilities which are common to many CI engineer positions, however, may include:

• designing and developing new control systems;
• maintaining and modifying existing systems;
• managing operations;
• working collaboratively with design engineers, operation engineers, purchasers and other internal staff;
• liaising with clients, suppliers, contractors and relevant authorities (e.g. the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority);
• project management within cost and time constrained environments;
• troubleshooting and problem-solving;
• understanding and ensuring compliance with the health and safety regulations and quality standards of the country in which work is undertaken;
• providing advice and consultancy support;
• purchasing equipment;
• writing computer software;
• developing new business proposals;
• accepting responsibility and a level of accountability commensurate with the seniority of the position.