The role of instrumentation professionals in industries is diverse and crucial. Electronics and Instrumentation (E & I) Engineers play a significant role in various industries, including process plants and manufacturing. This article focuses on highlighting the responsibilities of E & I engineers and their importance in different sectors. Their main objectives include ensuring product quality, enhancing productivity, optimizing operations, maintaining environmental regulations, ensuring safety, and handling plant commissioning and maintenance.
Product Quality and Productivity
Maintaining product quality and improving productivity are vital for the profitability of any industry. Proper implementation of instrumentation is crucial in achieving these goals. The precise control and monitoring of parameters such as pressure, temperature, and level are essential for efficient plant operation.
Optimization
In today’s globalized market, competition in terms of pricing and quality is intense. To maintain profitability, optimized plant operation is key. E & I engineers are expected to go beyond normal plant operation and develop offline or online optimization strategies. Accurate and reliable monitoring of plant operations is crucial in this context.
Environment Regulation
Increased awareness about environmental protection has led to stricter regulations. Industries generate effluents in solid, liquid, or gas form, and monitoring and conditioning these hazardous materials is essential. Effective measurement and automation systems, along with the development of novel sensors and reliable instrumentation, play a crucial role in meeting regulatory requirements.
Safety
Large-scale integrated plants handling hazardous materials pose significant safety concerns. Developing stringent interlocks and trip systems that adhere to safety standards is the prime responsibility of Electronics and Instrumentation engineers. Ensuring plant and personnel safety is of utmost importance.
Plant Commissioning and Maintenance
The time required for plant setup and its lifecycle significantly impact overall plant economics. Quick and efficient commissioning from the greenfield level is crucial to save costs. Instrumentation design engineers play a crucial role in all phases of Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC). Proper periodic maintenance and conditioning of plant components contribute to extending the overall workable life of the plant.
The role of Electronics and Instrumentation professionals continues to grow in plant commissioning and operation. The availability of trained manpower and the continuous skill development of E & I engineers are vital factors in the industrial growth of the country.