Course Introduction

  

 In the highly demanding and safety-critical environment of oil and gas operations, field instrumentation plays a central role in ensuring accurate measurement, process control, and safe equipment operation. Field instruments—such as transmitters, flow meters, pressure sensors, and analyzers—must be precisely calibrated and meticulously maintained to guarantee optimal performance and compliance with regulatory standards.

 This intensive five-day training program focuses on practical techniques for installing, calibrating, testing, and maintaining field instrumentation commonly used in upstream, midstream, and downstream oil and gas facilities. It aims to enhance participants’ ability to handle instrumentation challenges on-site, minimize downtime, and ensure the long-term reliability of critical assets. The course blends theoretical principles with real-world case applications, emphasizing precision, quality, and field-proven methods.

 

Objectives

 

• Understand the functionality and configuration of key field instruments.
• Apply correct calibration techniques for various sensors and transmitters.
• Conduct loop checking and verification activities.
• Implement routine and preventive maintenance schedules.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot faults in instrumentation systems.
• Adhere to international standards (ISA, ISO, IEC) in calibration and documentation.
• Enhance safety and reliability through proper maintenance procedures.

 

 Outline 

 

    Day (1):Overview of Field Instrumentation in Oil and Gas

• Introduction to key instruments: pressure, flow, level, temperature
• Types of transmitters and measurement principles
• Instrument tags, data sheets, and functional specifications
• Instrumentation loop overview (signal path and process connection)
• Field wiring and shielding practices
• Hazards and safety precautions in instrumentation

 

 Day (2): Calibration Principles and Standards

• Calibration theory and accuracy concepts
• Primary and secondary standards
• Calibration of pressure transmitters, thermocouples, RTDs
• Flow meter calibration (DP, ultrasonic, turbine)
• Use of calibrators and simulators
• Documenting calibration results and maintaining records

  

Day (3):Loop Checking and Verification Techniques

• Types of signal transmission: analog, digital, HART, FOUNDATION Fieldbus
• Continuity checks and signal verification
• Loop test procedures from field to control room
• Interlock and trip testing for safety systems
• Tools for signal simulation and testing
• Commissioning checklist and punch-list procedures

Day (4):Maintenance of Field Instruments

• Preventive and corrective maintenance strategies
• Cleaning, inspecting, and replacing sensors and fittings
• Diagnosing faulty readings and unstable signals
• Environmental effects on instrumentation reliability
• Maintenance logs and CMMS integration
• MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) analysis

  

 Day (5):Troubleshooting and Field Case Studies

• Common instrumentation problems and failure modes
• Root cause analysis of performance deviations
• Case studies from oilfield and refinery operations
• Integrated troubleshooting workflow
• Final assessment and group activity

 

 

Training Method

A highly interactive combination of lecture and discussion sessions will be managed to maximize the amount and quality of information, knowledge, and experience transfer. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. Course material through power point equipped with necessary animation, learning videos, and general discussion to provide the participant with full understanding concerning the subject course will be provided.

Flip chart – Lectures – Practical situations – Video – PowerPoint – Presentation –  style coach- led discussions – activities – Exercises - Quiz - Case study - Assessment.