This project's aim is to establish an undergraduate instrumentation laboratory utilizing process control systems specifically designed for educational use. Such systems provide the student with realistic situations likely to be encountered in industry, permit the student to become familiar with a variety of industrial sensors, and enable the evaluation of data for accuracy and control of industrial processes. The equipment obtained under this grant is a proven, integrated laboratory set-up including sensors for parameters most commonly measured in industry and a controller for a variety of experiments. It provides the laboratory experience necessary for the understanding of process control by computer. This knowledge is useful in the many industries such as chemical plants, refineries, power plants, food technology and pharmaceuticals where graduates frequently function as technical and supervisory personnel. An accompanying textbook is available. The award is being matched by an equal amount from the principal investigator's institution.
