Intelligent instrumentation and the fieldbus in the educational environment

The increased functionality of modern field devices, due to the introduction of intelligent microprocessors, is enhanced through the use of digital communication systems that can provide more precise and selective process parameters and status and diagnostic information. These emerging technologies have to be introduced into the curricula of tertiary institutions and this paper discusses the method being used at the Universities of Pretoria in South Africa and Eduardo Mondlane in Mozambique. The paper starts off addressing the integration of the field devices into the plant information and control system, facilitating the effective use of their capabilities. To achieve this goal it is also necessary to consider the digital information infrastructure at the field level, known as the fieldbus. The various options available are covered, concentrating on important factors which should be taken into account before applying these emerging technologies and keeping in mind the ISA and IEC standards. These factors are, amongst others: the migration of intelligence to field devices, the execution of control strategies in the field, intrinsic safety, performance, security, physical installation, maintenance, plant availability, openness, interoperability, process monitoring and diagnostics, installation and operation costs