Instrumentation and control technicians work on measuring and controlling instrumentation. They also service plant process control, monitoring, safety and communications systems. They are knowledgeable in overall plant systems and interactions of processes. Some of the duties of instrumentation and control technicians are:
- consulting diagrams and technical documentation such as schematics, manuals, standards and codes;
- maintaining backups, documentation and software revisions for control systems and instrumentation;
- installing, configuring, calibrating, maintaining and commissioning control, measuring and indicating instrumentation (pneumatic, analog & digital), and wireless and fibre optic;
- configuring and programming Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Human Machine Interface (HMI), and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA);
- installing and terminating electrical, pneumatic and fluid connections;
- inspecting and testing the operation of instruments and systems to diagnose faults;
- removing, repairing, adjusting and replacing components;
- calibrating components and systems;
- assisting engineering in plant design, modification and hazard analysis;
- maintaining various computer-based control systems;
- developing and following scheduled maintenance programs;
- keeping up-to-date with advances in technology in industry and the trade;
- working with the plant operators to optimize the plant controls.
Some of the instruments include primary control elements, transmitters, analyzers, sensors, detectors, signal conditioners, recorders, controllers and final control elements. They are used in industry to measure and control variables such as pressure, flow, temperature, level, motion, force and chemical composition.
Instrumentation and control technicians work in various industrial sectors. They may be employed by companies in the following industrial sectors:
- pulp and paper processing;
- nuclear, thermal and hydro power generating;
- mining;
- petrochemical;
- oil and gas;
- steel;
- water treatment;
- manufacturing;
- industrial instrument servicing.
When performing their duties, instrumentation and control technicians must comply with federal, jurisdictional, industrial and site-specific standards, codes and regulations. They must ensure that all processes operate and are maintained within these set standards, codes and regulations.
Instrumentation and control technicians may work in hazardous environments where they may be exposed to confined spaces, heights, noise, dust, cold and heat. There may also be risks working with chemicals, gases, radiation, laser equipment and substances under pressure.
Key attributes for people entering this trade are manual dexterity, ability to pay attention to detail, strong problem solving and communication skills, and mathematical and scientific aptitude.
Instrumentation and control technicians interact with other tradespersons and professionals such as process operators, steamfitters/pipefitters, welders, industrial mechanics (millwrights), electricians and engineers.
With experience, they act as mentors and trainers to apprentices in the trade. They could also move into supervisory, design, advanced control, training or sales positions.
For more information, see Red Seal Trades – Instrumentation and Control Technician
