Instrumentation, Automation, and Computer Applications

Transcription

1 INSIDE THIS ISSUE 2 - President s Message 3 - DVP: ISA is at work for you 4 - SSJV: Golf, Feast, Tabletop, Benefit PE License Update 5 - Instrumentation Careers: Instrument Technician 8 - Local Section Meetings 9 - Regional Events 10 - What is RSS? LA/OC Christmas Party 11 - Wastewater Neutralization Processes 12 - Training: PLC, CCST, Instrumentation 14 - Job Shop Upcoming Regional Events Instrumentation Basics Tues, Nov 7 - Instrumentation Physics Tues, Nov 21 - Calibration Practices Tues, Nov 28 - Flow, Temp, Press, Level Details page 12. OC-LA Christmas Party Saturday, December 9th. Back will be Casino Night! Details page 10. Instrumentation 2007 Thursday, February 22, Carson Civic Center. Details page5. There are many men of principle in both parties in America, but there is no party of principle. Alexis de Tocqueville November 2006 November Section Meeting Closed vs. Open Process Control System Instrumentation, Automation, and Computer Applications In today s process control systems, which are applied in Water/Wastewater and in many other industries, there are primarily two types of systems to choose from, open or closed. This presentation will look at process control and how it is applied and will take a close look at open systems versus closed systems and the advantages of each. The systems will be reviewed from both the hardware and software perspectives, with the goal that the audience should take away an understanding of what open vs closed Photo courtesy of Hiten Dalal, NEWTECH Resources means and a better approach to making decisions when having to choose a process controller. Discussion topics will include batch and continuous control, DCS, PLC, Instrumentation Field Busses, Networks, and related items. About the Speakers Reid Hogue is with Rockwell Automation-AllenBradley, and can be reached at (949) or rhogue@ra.rockwell.com. Lane Phillips is with OneSource Distributors and can be reached at lphillips@1sourcedist.com. A special thanks to Rockwell Automation for sponsoring the meeting. Meeting Details Place: Rockwell, 2125 E. Katella Ave, Suite 250, Anaheim, between State College and 57 Fwy. Time: 5:00 pm - networking; 6:00 pm program. Date: Wednesday, November 8th (2nd Wednesday) RSVP: Hiten A. Dalal, NEWTECH Resources at hitend@ntrcal.com or (714) Members & advertisers! Check your listing for the New 2007 Member Directory and Buyers Guide The new 2007 Southern California and Nevada Member Directory and Buyers Guide will be printed in December. Member listings will be downloaded on November 30th. So before then, please log into click on Members at the left, select Member Directory and search for your own name. This is how your information will appear in the printed directory. If your phone and address are not shown here, and you would like them listed, you will need to change your preferences online or by contacting Dalton Wilson at ISA at (919) Advertising information for the Buyers Guide can be found at November 2006 ISA Newsletters, Southern District 11 1

2 Orange County Section Officers President Craig Lanternier Fluor Enterprises, (949) President Elect Open Treasurer Gautam Parikh Fluor Enterprises, (949) Secretary Jesus Moncayo Coffin World Water Systems (949) , ext. 217 Past President John Querido Jontec Systems, (949) Society Delegate Sarah Sheldon Fluor Enterprises, (949) Alternate Delegate Christine Dorgan Disneyland Resort, (714) Arrangements Chair Hiten Dalal Newtech Resources, (714) ext 1018, Education Chair John Gong ICP-DAS USA, Inc., (310) Historian/Honors & Awards Chair John Querido Jontec Systems, (949) Membership Chair Don Zee Don Zee and Associates, (949) Membership Co-Chair Bis Mitra Fluor Enterprises, (949) Newsletter Editor John Prince APG Analyzer Systems, (714) Program Chair Sarah Sheldon Fluor Enterprises, (949) Publicity Chair Sebastian Zielonka Fluor Enterprises, (949) Student Section Liaison Bob Harrison Conex Systems, (714) President s message By Craig Lanternier, Section President I took off a little early from work on Oct. 10th to make it to the ISA-LA Section meeting on Introduction to Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) and Critical Controls in the Process Industry presented by Robin McCrea-Steele, Senior Safety Consultant / Director of PCS Business Development at Invensys - Premier Consulting Services. An overview of safety standard ANSI ISA S84.01 (IEC61511Mod) was presented, along with the definition of Safety Integrity Level (SIL) and a description of methods used for SIL assignment and verification. The Gas Company s Energy Resource Center at 9240 Firestone Blvd. in Downey, proves to be a very nice venue. Also, saw a few of my fellow OC members there taking advantage of this opportunity. Our October meeting was held on the 11th in Fluor s Irvine office near the UCI Campus, and was titled Successful Execution Strategies, and Lessons Learned from an LNG plant in Mexico using Main Automation Contractor (MAC). Romel S. Bhullar from Fluor, gave an excellent presentation followed up with many recent site photos and questions from those in attendance. It was great to see both of these meetings very well attended, demonstrating the continued upswing in the automation business and the influx of many younger professionals eager to learn. For those interested in staying current with latest technological innovations in the world of analysis, the proposed ISA-OC Analysis Division Educational Symposium is now taking shape due to the efforts of John Querido, John Gong, Sandra Krauthamer and Paul Otteman. Target date is sometime in February 2007, and will most likely consist of a half-day schedule on a Saturday. One last reminder: The ISA-OC/ISA-LA Annual Christmas Party is approaching soon, December 9, As you all know this includes dinner, raffles, award ceremony, silent auction, casino gambling, and socializing. Location is the Ramada Inn Suites and Hotel, 1089 Santa Anita Avenue, South El Monte (see the article in this month s Chart for more information and how to get tickets). Hope to see you there. Craig Lanternier President ISA Orange County Section Fluor Corporation Electrical & Control Systems (949) craig_lanternier@fluor.com Webmaster Bob Harrison Conex Systems, (714) robert_w_harrison@member.isa.org District 11 Vice President Joe Bingham AES Automation, (714) jbingham@aesglobal.com District 11 V Pres Elect Ray Spangler Central Automation, Inc., (661) Ray.Spangler@CentralAutomation.us ISA Staff Contact Dalton Wilson ISA, (919) , dwilson@isa.org Treasurer s Report BY Orange County Section April 4, 2006 Actual Budget INCOME Arrangements 3, , Dues/Mbrshp/Publicity 2, , Education , Interest Income X-Mas Party - 3, Student Section - 1, Misc TOTAL INCOME $6, $14, EXPENSES President s Budget Arrangements 2, , Membership/Mkg Programs Education Insurance Honors Awards Student Competition Misc Pres. Meeting 1, , Society Delegate 1, , Pres. Elect - 1, X-Mas Party 4, , District Workshop - 1, Planning Meeting Student Section Treasurer TOTAL EXPENSES $10, $15, NET ($4,093.41) ($1,400.00) Balances: Checking Account: $4, Certificates of Deposit: $43, The monthly ISA Section Newsletters and annual Regional Membership Directory and Buyers Guide are mailed to all ISA section members in Southern California and Southern Nevada and to ISA student affiliates at Cal Poly Pomona, Cal State Fullterton and Long Beach State. Newsletters include the South San Joaquin Valley Alarm, Los Angeles Annunciator, Orange County Chart, San Diego Signal and Las Vegas Experience. Changes of address can only be processed by ISA by at (919) or For editorial submissions and feedback, please contact the newsletter editor. Advertising rates, circulation information and style guide is posted at Billing and publishing correspondence may be addressed to TechPubs Communications, PO Box 1605, Costa Mesa, California Submissions are copyright by the authors with all rights reserved. Copyright (C) 2006 TechPubs Communications. All Rights Reserved. 2 ISA Newsletters, Southern District 11 November 2006

3 Message from the DVP ISA is at work for you I m actually writing this article at 31K feet up in the air traveling from Philadelphia to Montreal, CA. Why, that s another story that I ll tell you later. Your ISA leaders just completed another week of attending committees, meetings, and other functions at the leadership meeting in Houston, TX. The executive board voted on allocating 20% of the ISA reserves (around 6.6 million dollars) to support ISA s five competences (Standards, Training, Certification, Publishing, and Conferences & Exhibits) as well as provide its membership free standards. That s right, soon you will all get access to the standards for free. In the coming months I will continue to inform you on the changes that are happening at ISA for the better good of its members. Delegates from all section also officially elected Kim Dunn (of the LA section) as president elect secretary. Yes, this means that she will be the youngest president ever and not to mention the fist female in ISA history. Our Cal. Poly Pomona students came in second this year at the international student games. They competed against eleven other universities and collages. They did an awesome job. They were lead by none other than Saif Rawas and his team Sandy Kwan, Steve Jankly, Amir Eshraghi lead by their advisor, Prof. Salomon Oldak. As always, please let me know if you like my messages or think that I m way off track. Also please let me know if you have any questions, concerns, comments, etc. You can reach me at or jbingham@aesglobal.com. Yours truly, Joe Bingham District Vice-President, District 11, Chairman, Engineering, Science, & Technology policy for ISA, Chairman SP - 101, HMI s Member of the Executive Board of ISA November 2006 ISA Newsletters, Southern District 11 3

4 Southern San Joaquin Valley Section Scholarship Fund Benefit, Golf Tournament, Tabletop Exhibit & Cajun Feast Tentative dates have been set for Southern San Joaquin Valley Section s Annual Scholarship Fund Benefit; the Golf Tournament and Tabletop Exhibit & Cajun Feast as May 17 & 18, DLC to be in Bakersfield Ray Spangler, who was recently elected District 11 Vice President-elect, has advised the Executive Board that the 2007 District 11 Leadership meeting will be held in Bakersfield. More information will available in the near future as to the date, location, and agenda of the event. Emerson and the Emerson logo are trademarks and service marks of Emerson Electric Co. Tescom Corporation 2005; All rights reserved. Visit our web site: PE License Update PE License activities after SB246 Now that the period for the governor to consider bills is over, the California Legislative Council of Professional Engineers (CLCPE) will be approaching legislators and others in Sacramento to test the winds for next year. Now that the summer election is over and the legislature is out of session they will not be preoccupied. After CLCPE has surveyed the situation, a report on the next course of action will be given, according to a CLCPE spokesman. As far as efforts to reform California engineering licensing law and with SB246 no longer a possibility, CPCPE considers the most effective course at this time may be through the courts. Unfortunately this is a lengthy process, which is what the legislative process has turned out to be, and more expensive, indicates CLCPE. The Spinach Effect The spinach contamination events recently in the news should be of great interest to people who use engineering services. Unfortunately for the public, safety is not considered a newsworthy topic until after a tragedy such as this has occurred. In this case, Agricultural Engineers (also a title license, like Control Systems Engineers) will likely be at the forefront in the investigation and in developing methods to prevent this from happening again. Another development is the governor signing the bill to reduce greenhouse emissions, which would seem to involve the services of Chemical Engineers (also a title license). As with the spinach event, this situation will also be studied by CLCPE. CLCPE continues to press for engineering regulation reform. No real activity takes place until after the November elections. 4 ISA Newsletters, Southern District 11 November 2006

5 Los Angeles Section Instrumentation 2007: expo and training The Los Angeles Section of ISA is proud to host INSTRUMEN- TATION 2007 its annual training and exhibition, to be held Thursday, February 22, 2007, at the Carson Civic Center. This highly anticipated event provides a great way for local industry professionals to meet face to face and access the most up-to-date technologies Southern California has to offer. Practical industry training will be a major part of this year s show. As schedules are confirmed, the program and training class details will be posted at the website, The Carson Civic Center (formerly Carson Convention Center) was chosen because it is near a number of oil refineries and heavy industry. It is the perfect location to bring end users, manufacturers, engineering firms, systems integrators and other industry professionals together to network and exchange ideas. Centrally located off the 405 Freeway at 801 E Carson Street it is adjacent to the five-star Doubletree Hotel (formerly Hilton Carson) and is twenty minutes from Downtown Los Angeles. For more information... For details about Exhibiting contact Paul Patel at (310) or DPatel@trigen.com. For Training Events contact Neil Finch at (951) or nfinch@ci.glendale.ca.us. For Program Info contact John Prince at (714) or jprince@calcems.com. Carson Civic Center photo For all other information or general information about the event, please contact Kristina Balobeck, Expo Director, at (818) or info@publicitybuzz.com. Please check the event website frequently for more information, November 2006 ISA Newsletters, Southern District 11 5

6 Careers Update November is Take an Instrument Tech to Lunch Month! You may have to look hard to find one, though. If you talk with those in the industry, you already know that instrument techs are in short supply. Next time you are talking with someone looking for a career and who likes varied work and challenging work, invite them to the next ISA section program or tour and introduce them to this field. Instrumentation vibration, temperature, humidity, pressure, differential pressure, liquid flow and level, altitude, acceleration, stress and chemical analysis of gases and liquids in chemical plants, canneries, food processing plants, air and water pollution control agencies, petroleum refineries, power plants, aerospace, the process industry and manufacturing facilities. Some of us program controllers and computers to process data, prepare data graphs and written reports translating test results into meaningful terms. We select, install, calibrate, manufacture, supply instrumentation, and develop specifications for nonstandard apparatus and equipment. They may make sketches and build or modify jibs, fixtures, instruments, and related apparatus. They also may verify the acceptability of devices which have been fabricated by craft workers or other technical personnel. In addition, technicians, troubleshoot, repair, and perform preventive maintenance on test apparatus and peripheral equipment. Some info about instrumentation technicians... They test, certify, install, repair, inspect, maintain, and help to develop complex instruments that measure and record changes in industrial environments. The process-controlled systems operated by these technicians are central to the operation of such facilities as chemical plants, canneries, food processing plants, air and water pollution control agencies, petroleum refineries, and power plants. Technicians test and record the effects of varying conditions, actual or simulated, such as vibration, temperature, humidity, pressure, differential pressure, liquid flow and level, altitude, acceleration, ph, conductivity, stress, and chemical analysis. They prepare graphs and written reports translating test results into meaningful terms. Technicians select, install, calibrate, and check out telemetering and recording instruments and circuits. Using engineering data, and considering the limitations of the equipment being tested, they develop specifications for nonstandard apparatus and equipment. They may make sketches and build or modify jibs, fixtures, instruments, and related apparatus. They also may verify the acceptability of devices which have been fabricated by craft workers or other technical personnel. In addition, technicians, troubleshoot, repair, and perform preventive maintenance on test apparatus and peripheral equipment. Some Instrumentation Technicians work as field service representatives who install and maintain equipment and systems at the customer s worksite. In addition to providing preventive and corrective maintenance, News, Photos and Feedback from ISA Expo 2006 are on the way! If you were at ISA EXPO in Houston, we would like to hear what you liked and what you thought needs to be improved. We have already hearing back from several who attended or exhibited and plan to publish a summary of all the comments in next month s newsletter. Also, if you have photos or other information, please send to the editor at isalaphotos@yahoo.com. 6 ISA Newsletters, Southern District 11 November 2006

7 their duties may involve training the customer s employees and advising them of proper procedures to use to avoid equipment breakdowns. In the performance of their duties, technicians operate calculators, computers, testing devices, and laboratory equipment. They use drafting tools, complex electronic and mechanical instruments, and also use engineering handbooks and other reference materials. Working Conditions Although working conditions vary widely for Instrumentation Technicians, most work areas will be relatively new, modern, airconditioned buildings that offer a pleasant working environment. Instrumentation Technicians may work in the engineering or prototype department, in the main production department, or at their own test benches. Due to the delicate nature of many electronics products, technicians may perform much of their work in clean rooms in which the temperature, humidity, and dust content of the air are carefully controlled. All workers in clean rooms wear masks, gloves and smocks or coveralls, which are usually referred to as bunny suits. The work may occasionally require lifting up to 20 pounds, standing, stooping, climbing, and working in tight or confined control panels. Depending on the worksite, technicians may be exposed to chemicals, extreme temperatures, pressures, and vacuum. Employment Outlook The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division. The figures represent the broad occupational group Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians and Technologists that includes Instrumentation Technicians. Estimated number of workers in ,250. Estimated number of workers in ,760. Estimated Growth %. (These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.) A projected increase of over 9,000 new jobs, combined with the estimated 14,000 workers leaving the labor force, were estimated to have resulted in 23,000 job openings in California by the year 2005 for instrumentation technicians. The need for industry to modernize, install labor-saving equipment, and replace old systems with those featuring the latest technologies assures a continuing need for Instrumentation Technicians. The standard workweek is 40 hours, Monday through Friday. Many companies employ technicians on swing and night shifts. Night shift employees can expect up to an additional 10 percent in pay. Most plants shut down twice a year to overhaul their continual operating systems. These turnarounds (lasting one to three weeks each) can offer Instrument Technicians hour work days, seven days a week. Field service technicians normally have the opportunity for unlimited overtime by being on call during their off-duty hours. Such overtime work is sometimes compensated at time and one-half, or double time on holidays. Entrance Requirements and Training Instrumentation Technicians must understand and apply electronics theory. High school students interested in this field should study mathematics, general physics, and laboratory science. These jobs, according to representatives from personnel departments, will require at least two or three years experience, an Associate of Arts or Science degree, or completion of an Instrument Technician program at a private technical school. California has several private and public two-year colleges and technical schools offering courses in instrumentation technology or engineering technology. Technicians learn hands-on laboratory skills as Careers Update, continued on page 15 Analyzer Sample System Components Distributors of Pressure and Flow Controls: Pressure regulators, pressure indicators, flowmeters, filters, separators, thermometers, and enclosures Benson Ave., Chino CA TEL: (909) FAX: (909) November 2006 ISA Newsletters, Southern District 11 7

8 Local section meetings For more details about any of the section meetings, please contact the section president, website or read each section s complete newsletter online at Orange County Wed., Nov 8 President - Craig Lanternier, craig.lanternier@fluor.com Closed vs. Open Process Control System: Instrumentation, Automation, and Computer Applications. This presentation will look at process control and how it is applied and will take a close look at open systems versus closed systems and the advantages of each. Discussion topics will include batch and continuous control, DCS, PLC, Instrumentation Field Busses, Networks, and related items. Speakers: Reid Hogue, Rockwell Automation-AllenBradley, Lane Phillips, OneSource Distributors. Location: Rockwell Automation, 2125 E. Katella Ave, Suite 250, Anaheim, between State College and 57Fwy. 5:00 networking; 6:00 program. RSVP to Hiten A. Dalal at hitend@ntrcal.com or (714) Section website: Southern San Joaquin Valley Thursday, Nov 16 President - Del Signorelli, delsignorelli@chevrontexaco.com Chevron I/T Infrastructures. Our next luncheon will feature Rick Smith from Chevron I/T. It should be an interesting presentation for all of us as Rick will be discussing varying components of I/T infrastructures. Location is Hodels, 5917 Knudsen Drive, Bakersfield, just west of Hwy 99 at Olive, from 11:30 am until 1:00pm. RSVP to Lisa Denke at Berry Petroleum, (661) or LLDENKE@earthlink.net. Section website: Los Angeles Tues., Nov 21 President - John Prince, jprince@calcems.com, (714) Fieldbus in the Refinery Environment. This introduction to Foundation Fieldbus will look at the advantages and challenges involved in implementing Fieldbus systems. The presentation will center on Fieldbus applications in the refinery environment including definitions, specifications, architectures, redundancy, and segment capacity including calculations and considerations. The presentation will address intrinsically safe, and hazardous and general purpose areas. Specifically, the presentation will focus an in-depth look at Foundation Fieldbus interface solutions profiling Device Couplers and Power Supply Modules. Speaker: Vincent Marchant, Moore Industries. Networking 5:00; Program 5:30; Location: Gas Company s Energy Resource Center, Downey. Pizza if you RSVP: Joan Chang at jchang@hach.com or Section website: Cal Poly Pomona Student Section President - Saif Rawas, skrawas@csupomona.edu, (909) For more info, contact Saif Rawas above. Section Meetings, continued on page 13 Patten Systems, Inc. Industrial & Municipal Representatives FLOWMETERS CHART RECORDERS LEVEL PRESSURE TEMPERATURE AUTO DIALERS CONTROLLERS GAUGES WIRELESS COMMUNICATION VALVE AUTOMATION ANALYZERS SAMPLERS 3D Instruments Direct Drive Process and Test Gauges, Digital Process and Test Gauges, Diaphragm Seals, Hand Pumps and Thermometers Honeywell Analytics (Sieger, Zareba & Zellweger) Combustible & Toxic Gas Detectors, IR Gas Detectors, Open Path IR, Controllers & Flame Detection L & J Technologies L&J Technologies (Shand & Jurs - GPE - Omnitrol - Delavan), Tank Gauging Systems, Radar & Servo, Tank Vents, Breather Valves, Gauge Hatches, Flame & Detonation Arrestors/ Vapor Recovery, Capacitance and Ultrasonic Level Moore Industries Intelligent Distributed I/O, Alarm Trips, Isolators, Temperature Transmitters, I/P s, AC Power Transducers, Controllers, Fieldbus Device Couplers and Power Supplies Vishay BLH Load Cells, Electronic Weighing, Tension Measurement, Weight Display and Control NuFlo DISTRIBUTORS FOR: Measurement Systems NuFlo Measurement Systems (Barton & Former Haliburton Measurement Systems) D.P. & Pressure Transmitters, D.P. Indicators & Recorders Turbine Meters, PD Meters, Totalizers, Samplers, Orifice Fittings, Relief Valves B S & B Safety Systems Industrial & Sanitary Rupture Disks, Explosion Vents, Wireless Sensor Systems, Suppression Systems Kurz Instruments Air & Gas Thermal Mass Flow Meters, Flow Conditioners, CEM Flow Systems, Portable Flow Meters Meriam Process Technologies HART Configurators, Calibrators & Software, Averaging Pitot Tubes, Laminar Flow Elements, Digital Manometers Ronan Display Products Division Annunciators, Mosaic Graphics, Serial Annunciators Sequence of Events Recorders, Fault Finders, Protocol Converters & Lamp Boxes Sparling Instruments Magnetic Flowmeters, Propeller Meters, Vortex Flow Meters, Ultrasonic Flow Meters United Electric Controls Electronic & Mechanical Switches & Transducers For Pressure, Differential Pressure & Temperature Springdale Street Huntington Beach, California Tel (714) Fax (714) BAKERSFIELD LAS VEGAS SAN DIEGO 8 ISA Newsletters, Southern District 11 November 2006

9 Regional events Dates are subject to change. Always contact the sponsoring party before making your final plans to attend. To include an event or make a correction, please contact the editor. November 7, 2006 Instrumentation Physics Training Class. Energy Resource Center; November 9-10, 2006 Remote Monitoring & Networking and Onsite Power 2006 Westin Long Beach (800) November 12-17, 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Annual Meeting, San Francisco Hilton, San Francisco, November 21, 2006 Instrumentation Calibration Training Lab. Energy Resource Center; November 28, 2006 Flow, Temperature, Pressure & Level Instrumentation and Applications Training Class. Energy Resource Center November 2006 National Chemistry Week American Chemical Society December 9, 2006 Orange County / Los Angeles Christmas Party and Awards Ceremony. Ramada Inn Suites, El Monte. February 13-15, 2007 Pacific Design & Mfg Show, Anaheim Convention Center, February 22, 2007 INSTRUMENTATION 2007 Exposition and Technical Training, Carson Convention Center, Carson, February 22, 2007 CCST Review Class Carson Convention Center, Carson, March 1, 2007 Analytical Instrumentation, ISA Symbols and Math for Instrumentation. Energy Resource Center, Downey. March 8, 2007 CEMS Calibration and Maintenance Training Class. Energy Resource Center, Downey. February 22-25, 2007 National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) Spring Conference and Annual Meeting, La Quinta, Palm Springs, April 1-4, 2007 American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) Annual Convention, Long Beach, April 11-15, 2007 National Association of Pipe Coating Applicators (NAPCA) Annual Convention, Indian Wells (318) June 2007 National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) Annual Meeting & Educational Conference, Las Vegas, NV (202) June 6-7, 2007 Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) West Coast Energy Management Congress, Long Beach Convention Center, (770) October 2007 ISA EXPO 2007 Houston November 2006 ISA Newsletters, Southern District 11 9

10 Internet tip of the month What Is RSS? The term RSS is appearing all over now, and it can be a good way to keep up with new information. The following from the US Government website, gives a basic introduction to this new tool. What Is RSS? RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication. It s an easy way for you to keep up with information that s important to you, and helps you avoid the conventional methods of browsing or searching for information on websites. Now the content you want can be delivered directly to you without cluttering your inbox with messages. This content is called a feed. RSS is written in the Internet coding language known as XML (extensible Markup Language), which is why you see RSS buttons commonly labeled with the icon XML. What Is an RSS Reader? An RSS reader is a small software program that collects and displays RSS feeds. It allows you to scan headlines from a number of news sources in a central location. Where Can I Get an RSS Reader? Some browsers, such as the current versions of Firefox and Safari have built in RSS readers. If you re using a browser that doesn t currently support RSS, there are a variety of RSS readers available on the web; some are free to download and others are available for purchase. How Do I Use RSS Feeds? The first step is to choose an RSS reader. Each reader has a slightly different way of adding a new feed, also called a channel. Follow the directions for your reader but, in most cases, here s how it works: * Click on the link or small XML button near the feed you want. For example, FirstGov.gov Updates: News and Features. You ll see a page displaying XML code. * From your web browser s address bar, copy the URL (web address). For example, the URL you would copy for FirstGov.gov Updates: News and Features is: updates.xml. * Paste that URL into the Add New Channel section of the reader. The RSS feed will start to display and regularly update the headlines for you. How to subscribe to FirstGov.gov RSS Feeds * Subscribe to the FirstGov.gov Updates - News and Features RSS Feed - Stay on top of important government news and information with the FirstGov.gov Updates RSS feed. We ll revise this feed when we add news and featured content on the FirstGov.gov website. * Subscribe to the Popular Government Questions from FirstGov.gov RSS Feed - Our government questions RSS feed will keep you informed with the most popular and useful questions and answers related to the U.S. government from our frequently asked questions database. Our database contains thousands of answers to the questions the public asks our 1 (800) FED INFO call center. Source: Orange County & Los Angeles Sections The Christmas Party is coming! The holiday season will be approaching soon and the joint ISALA/ISAOC Annual Christmas Dinner and Awards ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, December 9, As in previous years, we are looking for sponsors for the Christmas party. The event will take place at the Ramada Inn Suites and Hotel, 1089 Santa Anita Avenue, South El Monte. This event will include a dinner, raffles, silent auction, casino gambling, a wonderful holiday atmosphere and lots of fun!!! Your participation and support of your local chapter is essential to its livelihood, therefore, your sponsorship and/or gift(s) would be greatly appreciated. There are three levels of sponsorship that are available. Level 1: Tables of 10 are available for sponsorship at $700 but if you submit payment before October 1st, the cost is reduced to only $ Also, please also submit a raffle prize. In return for your donation, a placard with your company name will be on the table and you will be able to entertain 10 people with the evening s festivities. Level 2: Casino table sponsorships are available for $400 and submitting a raffle prize. If payment is submitted by October 1st, sponsorship is reduced to only $300. In return for your donation, your company s name will be prominently displayed on one of the casino tables, with room to place business cards. You will also receive two tickets for the event so you and a guest can enjoy all of the night s activities. Level 3: Sponsoring door prizes or a silent auction item for $100 (or more) is an excellent way to show support in any denomination. Your gift of a donated prize(s) or a cash/check which will be used to purchase raffle prizes would be greatly appreciated. Your companies name will be placed on the prize and will be promoted while the prize is being raffled or auctioned off. See supplemental page for more information on raffle prizes and silent auctions. Please note that tables sell out fast and casino table sponsorships are limited, so your quick and timely response is urgently requested!!! ISA LA and ISA OC appreciate your help to make this event even better than before. For more information about the event, please contact Sarah Sheldon at (949) , sarah.sheldon@fluor.com or Linda Meyers at (626) extension 128, linda.meyers@georgfischer.com. 10 ISA Newsletters, Southern District 11 November 2006

11 Application Notes Units of operation: Waste water neutralization processes By Linda Meyers, Product Manager George Fischer Signet, Inc. Units of Operation is a term that describes a common process that can be found among many industrial plants. Engineers design a plant with these units in mind, as the units make up a good portion of the facility and usually have specific functions such as mixing, neutralizing, or separation of fluids. Other common units include (but are not limited to), cooling towers, boilers, scrubbers, and chemical injection systems. An entire plant can be built with numerous units combined with more specific processes for each individual application. In last month s newsletter, deionization methods and systems were discussed. Because deionized water has very low mineral content, it is commonly used in the beginning or middle stages of a production process. At the end of the production cycle, dirty wastewater is collected, treated, and discharged. Due to environmental issues, local water authorities require the neutralization of industrial wastewater discharge to protect the ecological systems in the surrounding lakes, rivers, and oceans, or to protect the local sewer networks and treatment plant. So, this month s discussion will focus on wastewater neutralization. The wastewater neutralization process can be complex and different for each industrial location. The use of acidic and caustic chemicals to neutralize the discharge is common practice among many industries since they are both inexpensive and effective. Each facility must have a good understanding of the wastewater chemical make up, The Interface Solution Experts When you need to interface field processes with computer-based systems, readout equipment and other instrumentation... our technology, service and expertise help you do it efficiently, safely and cost-effectively. buffering capacity (alkalinity), flow rate, and sewer discharge requirements (ph, suspended solids, dissolved solids etc.) in order to select the proper chemical neutralization treatment program. It is most effective to perform the neutralization process in a tank rather than in a pipe at the final process or discharge. The construction of the neutralization tank should include a ph sensor that is mounted in Continued on page 13 Process Control and Distributed I/O Signal Transmitters and Converters Isolators, Splitters and Repeaters Temperature Sensors and Transmitters Limit Alarms, Trips and Switches Process Controllers, Monitors and Backup Stations Smart HART Loop Monitors and Interfaces I/P and P/I Pneumatic Converters AC Power Transducers and Monitors Indicators and Displays Instrument Power Supplies Enclosure Systems, Racks and Rails Complementary Accessories Temperature Level Flow Pressure Status Monitor Display Alarm Record Control Represented By: Patten Systems, Inc. Tel: (714) FAX: (714) jcapitano@pattensystems.com November Patten BW AD 2006.pmd ISA Newsletters, ISA Newsletters, Southern Southern District 9/26/2006, District 11 2:2911 PM 11

12 Professional Training & Advancement PLC, instrumentation, CCST training series A series of instrumentation courses has been scheduled this year by the Los Angeles Section. Classes will be held on weekday evenings. Each course will consist of nine classroom and lab hours. Courses will be conducted by professional instrumentation trainers and are not product specific. Professional Development Certificates will be awarded to attendees. Instrumentation Level 1 Training This course consists of three evenings. This class will give anyone new to the industry basic practical working knowledge in the areas of flow, temperature, pressure and level instrumentation. Some of the practical things you will learn include how to specify and order thermocouples, flowmeters and other instrumentation devices. Instructors: Neil Finch, Kevin O Neill and Gary Penny. Two of 20 seats were still open as of October 27th. - Tues, Nov 7 - Instrumentation Physics - Tues, Nov 21 - Calibration Practices & Training Lab - Tues, Nov 28 - Detailed Review of Flow, Temperature, Pressure & Level Instrumentation and Applications CCST Review and Instrumentation Level 2 Training This course consists of three evenings. The first session will be held February 22nd at the Carson Convention Center in conjunction with Instrumentation Instructors: Neil Finch and Gary Penny. Five of 20 seats were still open as of October 1st. - Thurs, Feb 22 - CCST Review) - Thurs, Mar 1 - Analytical Instrumentation, ISA Symbols and Math for Instrumentation - Thurs, Mar 8 - CEMS Calibration and Maintenance Basic-to-Advanced PLC Programming This popular course was sold out in September and is again being offered again due. A hands-on session using student laptops as the training tool, each student will use an instructional aid to program a live simulation on their computer. There will also be review of programming components to enlighten even an experienced technician and increase his experience level. 9 hours total training. A RSLogix PLC Simulator and ProSim-II Simulation disc will be provided as part of the package. Students will need to bring their own laptop computer. Instructors: Orlando Manahan and Neil Finch. This course will be limited to twenty students. - Tues, May 8 - Introduction to PLC Programming and Lab - Tues, May 15 - Practical Programming and Lab - Tues, May 22 - More Programming and Lab Who should attend? Those who need to get up to speed on current instrumentation technology should attend. This series of training classes is not just for the experienced engineer and technician, but will be valuable for instrument sales people, project managers as well as for those new to the field. After taking this course, attendees will better understand how to assess, compare and select the various methods of measurement and control. What are the class materials? The basic registration fee include a PLC training CD and supporting documentation. In addition, the textbook, Condensed Handbook of Measurement and Control, 2nd Edition, by N.E. Battikha, will be available free of charge to all those who mail payment for all three session s by October 13. After that date, the book will be offered at $62 for members and $68 for nonmembers, which is 10% off ISA s normal price. Or you can purchase the book directly from ISA at full prine. A direct link to this book can be found at the training link under What s New at What is the cost? This training is open to everyone registration fee for ISA Los Angeles members is $150 per session or $365 for all three. Add $15 per class if a member of another section. For non-members, $195 per session or $450 for all three ($450 includes a one-year membership in ISA, an $85 value). A special rate is offered for full-time students - call for information. There will be a small charge for class materials for each course. Where will it be held? All courses will be held at the Gas Company s Energy Resource Center in Downey, except for the Feb 22 session, which will be held at Instrumentation 2007 at the Carson Convention Center. For more information and to sign up, please contact Neil Finch at (951) or nfinch@ci.glendale.ca.us, or see the ISA Los Angeles Section website, 12 ISA Newsletters, Southern District 11 November 2006

13 Industry News Wastewater neutralization processes, continued from page 11 a position that allows easy removal of the sensor for periodic maintenance and calibration. The tank will also commonly have a mixing motor and chemical injection pumps located opposite of the ph sensor. Sensors that measure ph are crucial in the neutralization process; however, all ph sensors are not the same. Many neutralization processes contain materials or chemicals that can cause premature senor failure by contamination of the internal reference solution. In these cases, a more rugged sensor, such as one with a differential reference, will extend the life of the sensor. Besides ph, other measurements in the neutralization process include flow, ORP, conductivity, and level. Flow is measured to Track the amount of influent water being treated and enables recordings of the amount of processed waste water being discharged to the sewer. ORP measurements monitor the disinfection ability of the chlorine that may be injected into the wastewater. Conductivity may be monitored to adjust conductivity levels being discharged to the sewer, preventing high salt pollution. Level measurements are commonly done in the chemical and neutralization tanks. Keeping in the theme of cleaning water, next month s Unit of Operations article will look at disinfection by the use of ozone. Linda Meyers is the Special Events Chair of the Los Angeles Section. She can be reached at Linda.Meyers@georgfischer.com or (626) Graphics and description courtesy of George Fischer Signet, Inc. Visit for more application information. Invensys Measurement & Instruments Tank Gauging & Systems PROCESS MEASUREMENT & CONTROL SOLUTIONS Thermal Controls Heat Tracing Products & Services Ultrasonic Flowmeters Process Level Measurement Coriolis Mass Flowmeters Section Meetings, continued from page 8 V-Cone & Process Flowmeters Industrial Flowmeters Gas Mass Flowmeters San Diego See Website President - Alex Bates, abates@mtelligence.net, (858) Please see website: or Teledyne Analytical Instruments Gas & Liquid Analyzers Gas & Flame Detection Instrumentation Products Las Vegas See Website President - Mike Bridenberg, bridenmt@nv.doe.gov Pipeline Strainers & Bag Filters Gas/Liquid Separators Flow/Level/Temp Switches The usual meeting date is the 4th Thursday of the month. Note: Skinny Dugan s Pub is no longer the regular meeting place. Please see website: ANAHEIM HILLS CORPORATE Tel Fax info@jprsi.com BAKERSFIELD BRANCH Tel Fax November 2006 ISA Newsletters, Southern District 11 13

14 Job Shop Circulation is approximately 1,500 ISA members and other industry personnel. To place an ad, please contact the newsletter editor. Industrial Instrument Technician. Journeyman level instrument technician. Applicant must show experience with setting-up, installing, running, troubleshooting industrial process control loops, configuring and troubleshooting DCS. Knowledge in the installation, calibrating, and repairing of the following pneumatic and smart field instruments: pressure, flow, temp, level, analytical transmitters, value positioners, valve actuators, printers, scanners and PID controllers. Requires high school diploma or GED. Mail resume to Industrial Instr Tech 0602, c/o TechPubs Communications, PO Box 1605, Costa Mesa, CA Manufacturers Representative. MCR Technologies a manufacturers representative covering Southern California and Southern Nevada is seeking qualified outside sales person with 3+ years of sales experience in the instrumentation field. Competitive salary and bonus, Health, Dental, Vision, Life insurance benefits. Forward resume to sales@mcrt.com or fax to Industrial Sales Position. JPR Systems, a Manufacturer s Representative for Process Instrumentation and Heat Tracing has an immediate opening for a Technical Sales Engineer to support and expand an established territory in Bakersfield and surrounding counties. Prefer 2+ yrs industrial field sales exp. but will also consider strong process industry background. Position includes a competitive salary plus commission plan, expenses, benefits package. Please submit resume in confidence to JPR Systems Inc., Fax: (714) or sales@jprsystems.com. JOB WANTED: Engineer/Consultant with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering seeking a position that requires the use of mathematical sciences, engineering, and economics for cost estimation and managerial decision-making in Los Angeles, Orange or San Diego Counties. Two years relevant work experience includes economic and business analysis consulting and systems engineering for DoD clients. Active DoD secret security clearance. Computer skills include: Automated Cost Estimating Integrated Tools (ACEIT); Arena 7.0; AutoCAD; C++; DOORS; Expert Choice; Maple; MatLab; Microsoft Office; Surfcam. Will resume and references upon request. Contact Danielle Brisky at (703) or daniellebrisky@yahoo.com. Instrumentation-Field Service Technician. Primary responsibilities include installing, maintaining and repairing Micro Motion and Rosemount Measurement & Flow instruments, products, and systems. Individual will build customer relationships through solutions-oriented communications and service, providing both onsite and telephone support, and remain on an on-call status via pager. Extensive travel is required. 3 to 5 years experience in Customer Service and/or Field Service role in the process industry. Previous knowledge of Micro Motion and Rosemount products a plus. Strong desire to serve customers, work with others, and a proven ability to work with customers under challenging circumstances a must. Send Resumes to bruce.vanderlinden@emersonprocess.com. Process Engineer. Vigilistics provides systems for the food processing industry, and is seeking Process Engineers for implementation projects. The ideal candidate has experience configuring Rockwell PLC-5 and Control Logix, and understands Batch Process Control. Experience working with food processing systems is a plus. Experience programming HMI s is another plus. Understanding Batch S-88 models is a big plus. The candidate should enjoy working in an earlystage fast-growth environment, where hard work and good work lead to career advancement and rewards. The expected background is three years or more in a process plant or with a systems vendor working with batch processing systems including programming PLC s. Travel estimated at 25% of the time, USA. Contact Robert Moore at Rmoore@Vigilistics.com, Vigilistics, Inc., Madero, Mission Viejo, CA Outside Sales Position. Valin is interviewing for an immediate outside sales position covering a territory that includes Los Angeles and Orange Counties. The position has specific focus on the petrochemical and engineering contractor markets. Candidates should have experience selling valve and instrumentation products. Please contact the following for more information: Greg Neneman at gneneman@valin.com or John Hill at jhill@valin.com. You may also find out more about Valin Corporation at valinonline.com. Sales Engineer Position. Surelok TM, a business unit of cmax-2000, Inc., is seeking experienced sales engineers, for the sales of tube fittings, face seal and weld fittings to the industrial customers such as manufacturers of Analytical Instruments, Gas Analyzers, Gas Panels, Gas regulators, etc., in Southern California. We offer a reasonable base salary and attractive sales commission to results oriented persons. Forward resume to info@surelok.us or fax to (951) Environmental Engineer. Develop procedures, conduct training and audits, interface with regulatory agencies. Manage RCRA and Hazardous Material Programs, including HMP, RMP, SPCC and SARA 313. Develop waste minimization strategies. Maintain compliance with local, state and federal hazardous waste and hazardous material regulations, including RCRA and CAL-EPA. BS Degree in Environmental Eng. (or relevant) and at least 5 yrs. exp. Exp. in the chemical or pharmaceutical industry a plus. Ampac Fine Chemicals / HR (916) Instrumentation & Analyzer Technicians. Perform repairs, calibration, preventative maintenance with a minimum of supervision on all types of electrical, instrumentation, and plant analytical equipment. Installation of wiring, instrumentation and control system equipment. Experience with PLC programming, graphical interface software desirable but not required. Ability to work from electrical schematics, mechanical drawings. Will work from home and cover Southern California. Full-time, part-time or contract openings. No overnight travel. Please contact John Prince at APG Analyzer Systems, at (714) or apply through website - wwwcalcems.com. 14 ISA Newsletters, Southern District 11 November 2006

15 Job Shop continued from previous page PLC Programmer. PLC s Plus International, Inc. has immediate openings for PLC Programmers. Petroleum, Manufacturing, Water/Waste Water, Food, Beverage and, Power. Competitive Salary, Vacation, Health, Life, Disability, Dental, Vision, 401k, 125. Join a long established and, growing company who offers work in a team environment. We offer many training opportunities to enhance your skill set and learn new things, and we reward those who grow their professional and technical skills. Send resume to PO Box 20238, Bakersfield, CA Jobs@bkppi.com. Electro-Mechanical Engineer/Technician. Automation company needs Engineer/Technician experienced with computer and PLC controlled equipment comprised of multi-axis motor control, pneumatic actuators, machine control, and feedback elements including analog & digital inputs, encoders, photo-electrics, vision systems. Must understand PC/PLC software, HW/SW interfaces and be able to identify and isolate electrical, software, or mechanical problems. Will assist with design & assembly of new systems as well as installation, field service & support. Salary commensurate with experience. resume to lbernstein@nortekautomation.com. Careers Update, continued from page 15 well as theory in electronic and electrical circuitry and digital and microprocessing computers. Good communication skills, both oral and written, are necessary since reports and verbal explanations are usually part of the job. The job also requires good manual dexterity, good vision, and color perception. Technicians who are graduates of qualified technical institutes may become certified by organizations such as the Institute for the Certification of Engineering Technicians. They may also become members of the Instrument Society of America and similar professional societies. Membership in such organizations is not mandatory but serves as a good way to keep informed of advancing technology. Advancement Instrumentation Technicians who demonstrate skill and leadership may be promoted to supervisory-level positions. Those who continue their formal education and earn at least a Bachelor of Science degree may advance to a wide range of professional engineering positions. Finding the Job Applicants for technician positions should contact employers directly, and should respond to want ads in local newspapers or trade journals. In addition, some employers frequently list their openings with the Job Service offices of the California Employment Development Department. Additional sources and other information about instrumentation technician issues can be found through ISA at (919) or This article is excerpted from the California Employment Development Dept, California Occupational Guide Number 485; Direct link to this page: J3RHF Sand Canyon Ave., Suite C Irvine, CA Office: Fax: Instrumentation and Control Systems for Southern California, Nevada and Hawaii Golden State Controls and Invensys Foxboro We are the authorized Representative for the Foxboro Systems group. We now support the full range of Foxboro control systems including IA and A Squared. Please call us for information, support and service. Instrumentation Distributor Control Valves Control Systems Rotameters Sub-Distributor for G M Cooke, Inc. Golden State Controls is affiliated with Western States Controls Professional Services Group that provides engineering and technical solutions to process control systems and instrumentation. November 2006 ISA Newsletters, Southern District 11 15

16 Instrumentation 2007 Carson Convention Center Feb 22, 2007 For info, see page 5 Instrumentation Training Nov. 7, 21, 28, 2006 For info, see page 12 Free ISA Webinars All regular members now have free, unlimited access to viewing all archived ISA web seminars. For info, see or call ISA at (919) ADVERTISERS INDEX IMPORTANT! Please check your membership listing online for accuracy for the 2007 Members Directory & Buyers Guide. See more on front page. ISA Section Newsletter c/o TechPubs Communications PO Box 1605 Costa Mesa, CA FIRST CLASS MAIL Blair-Martin Co Caltrol, Inc... 5 Capital Westward Systems & Controls... 7 Electrical Systems Limited Emerson Process Management... 5 George Fischer Signet... 9 Golden State Controls Hach Company... 3 Jensen Instrument JPR Systems MCR Technologies, Inc Moore Industries... Insert, 11 Patten Systems, Inc Precision Instrumentation... 7 Tescom... 4 Valin Corporation... 6 WestMark Sales, Inc Wilmington Instrument.... Insert FIRST CLASS POSTAGE PAID SANTA ANA, CA PERMIT NO. 660 Is your company listed in the 2007 Southern California/Nevada Directory & Buyers Guide? For more info, see page ISA Newsletters, Southern District 11 November 2006