Instrumentation has been used to help people measure and control processes for centuries. It is an integral part of many industries, including manufacturing, energy, and construction. The list of instrumentation terms used in standard operations is long and detailed. Here, we provide a basic overview of the most commonly used terms.
1. Actuator – A device used to control and regulate a process, such as a valve or switch.
2. Analog – A type of signal consisting of continuous values that can take on any value within a range. Analog signals require analog instruments to measure them.
3. Calibration – The process of adjusting an instrument to measure a desired value.
4. Connectivity – The ability of an instrument or device to communicate or interact with other instruments or devices.
5. Data Acquisition – The process of collecting information from a device or instrument and sending it to a computer for analysis.
6. Digital – A type of signal consisting of discrete values (i.e., numbers) that are typically represented with 0s and 1s. Digital signals require digital instruments to measure them.
7. Flowmeter – An instrument used to measure the flow of a liquid or gas in a system.
8. Gauge – An instrument used to measure and evaluate the pressure, temperature, and other properties of a system.
9. Instrumentation – A type of technology used to measure and control systems, typically through automation and computer-based technologies.
10. Level meter – An instrument used to measure the level of liquids or solids in a system.
11. Logic Controller – A type of computer system used to control and regulate automated processes.
12. Measuring Instrument – An instrument used to measure physical properties or quantities.
13. Meter – An instrument used to measure a single property of a system, such as voltage, current, or temperature.
14. Monitoring – The process of observing and recording data from a system.
15. Pressure – The force per unit area exerted by a fluid.
16. Process Control – The science of controlling and regulating processes in order to maintain desired levels of quality and performance over time.
17. Relay – An electrical device used to switch on or off a circuit in response to an input signal.
18. Signal – A type of communication between two devices that is used to transmit information.
19. Sensor – An instrument used to measure a physical property or quantity.
20. Software – Computer programs designed to perform specific tasks.
21. Temperature – A measure of the average kinetic energy of the molecules in an object or system.
22. Transducer – An instrument used to convert a physical quantity (such as pressure or temperature) into an electrical signal.
23. Transmitter – An instrument used to transmit a signal over a distance.
24. Valve – Mechanical device used to control the flow of fluids in a system.
25. Vibration – The oscillatory motion of an object or system.
These are just a few of the many instrumentation terms used in the industry. For a more in-depth look at instrumentation terminology, refer to relevant industry manuals or consult an instrumentation engineer.
