Instrumentation and process controls deal with devices that monitor, manage, or operate equipment and machinery. These systems have the ability to optimize operations in processing plants, offering the potential for significant cost savings and increased overall efficiency. If you are not already working with a process controls technician to ensure the maximization of your workplace’s productivity, or if you simply want to understand the value of automation and controls technology, the following are some examples of how instrumentation and control systems can substantially benefit plant operations:
Low Cost of Labor
The increased automation that instrumentation and controls systems bring means less manpower is required from a plant. Carrying out process control instrumentation involves less need for equipment and human labour. This means a significant cutback on costs. Extra expenditures will go to securing a reputable controls instrumentation technician instead. Work can even be done remotely so, for example, an instrumentation and controls technician in Utah could serve clients throughout the Intermountain West and the Western United States.
Reduction of Errors
Instrumentation and controls increase operational efficiency, which reduces the probability of costly errors. These missteps could potentially bring harm to employees and to machinery, as well as accrue unnecessary expenditures to be spent on repairs or product recalls and damage control. Process control systems assure that instruments are reliable, that controls are performing at optimal efficiency, and that inconsistencies are kept to an absolute minimum.
Heightened Productivity
Employees can devote more time and effort on more essential tasks as process controls systems automate other functions. This easing of the burden from them means employees will be less fatigued and more level-headed, resulting in a boost in overall performance. Another benefit for employees is that controlling devices and systems can be done remotely and off-site, which greatly reduces the risk of injury. Instrumentation and process controls also have the ability to make complex operations simple and more accessible to novice users without any prior experience in engineering or IT.
Improved Product Output
Process control systems ensure that there is consistency in quality and increased speed of output. It also introduces quicker reaction times to address problems and errors. Proper instrumentation and controls make sure that outputs are reliably up to standard and produced at a steady and dependable pace.
Reduced Plant Emissions
As process and instrumentation control measures or manipulates certain variables such as pressure, temperature, flow, and levels, procedures and output become standardized and consistent. This means that there is less likelihood for plants to produce more output than is absolutely necessary. Emission and combustion control regulates certain flame characteristics, such as temperature and fuel-air mixing, ensuring that emissions remain at a level that is acceptable and adequate for the environment.
These are just among the many reasons why it is worth it to invest in instrumentation and control process systems. Proper implementation of these systems has a proven track record of giving way to significant increases in efficiency and productivity, as well as the added benefit of improved cost savings.