None modern production cannot do without automating many processes. And it has also become an integral part of everyday life - almost all complex household appliances allow a person to reduce their participation in maintenance to a minimum. And heating, hot and cold water supply and much more are completely serviced by instrumentation and automation specialists. This abbreviation stands for instrumentation and automation.
If, when some complex household appliance breaks down, a person goes to a workshop and they will sort it out there, then in large and not so large production enterprises, not everything is so simple, since the equipment is partially or completely automated and includes many different units that carry out production processes. Almost all of them relate to instrumentation and automation.
Maintenance of any types of instrumentation and automation devices that control the technical process, mechanisms and units that regulate the specified parameters (these are temperature controllers, pressure gauges, tachometers and other monitoring and regulating units, valves, gearboxes, tachogenerators and other actuators that ensure the maintenance of the technological process) is carried out by the Kipovets , that is, a specialist directly involved in repairing and setting up the system, an employee of the corresponding workshop or instrumentation department. He is responsible for:
- Metrological supervision.
- Repair and Maintenance measuring instruments and executive units.
- Rationalization of automated process control systems (automated process control systems).
Depending on the medium being measured, instrumentation devices are divided into classes. They are as follows:
In turn, classes are usually divided into subclasses, since the devices of each of the above groups also have a number of individual characteristics. For example, pressure gauges can not only monitor the pressure of a medium, but also act as a regulator of this medium. As a result, electric contact pressure gauges are classified as electrical alarm sensors, which, depending on the pressure, send a signal through electrical contacts when the minimum or maximum set value is reached.
In addition, pressure gauges can measure various pressure properties: excess pressure, relative pressure or its differences. Based on this, the design of such devices may differ significantly from each other.
The structure of departments is formed according to several parameters, which are taken into account when completing workshops or departments. So, of the main factors, two of the most important can be identified:
Based on these data, a centralized or decentralized structure of service personnel can be organized.
A centralized structure of divisions is created, as a rule, in small enterprises where there is little relevant equipment - sensors, regulators, pressure gauges and others. Such a formation makes it possible to combine repair and operational services, which can be led by a chief or instrumentation foreman. Also, their responsibilities may include the functions of a chief metrologist.
With this structure, each section of the enterprise is assigned a separate group of specialists who carry out repairs and adjustments of equipment in the assigned territory. If it is necessary to carry out complex and large-scale work, any area can be strengthened by instrumentation mechanics from another group.
Such an organization is also beneficial in that it allows the creation of narrowly focused teams (electricians, adjusters, repairmen, assemblers, electronics engineers, etc.) that produce everything commissioning works, and also install and implement new equipment. Then the service goes to the Kipov workers assigned to the workshop or site.
Decentralized system
A similar structure is typical for large enterprises. Here there is a division into repair and technological workshops. Moreover, each of them has its own leader: the first is headed by a metrologist, and the second, by the head of the workshop.
The responsibilities of the repair service include carrying out planned and extra-planned repairs, as well as preventive work. The technological one provides uninterrupted operation during operation. But the money, when repair specialists are involved, is transferred to a separate account from the funds allocated to the technological workshop. Therefore, the income of the former directly depends on the latter.
In special situations, the technological service can be strengthened by the repair service. Instructions for such amplification can only be issued by a service metrologist.
Whatever structure is used in the enterprise, the implementation of the main tasks remains the same for any of them. Therefore, instrumentation and control specialists must:
A specialist of this level has a number of requirements, and general knowledge of electrical engineering is not enough. An instrumentation mechanic must have a specialized education in this specialty, know and be able to repair devices, perform adjustments and maintenance, be able to decipher and read diagrams, and also perform a number of other specialized tasks.
In addition, a Kipovo worker must know the basics of process technology as an operator and be able to use special equipment and electrical measuring instruments.
Depending on the specifics of the enterprise, the workplace of a Kipovo employee may contain optional equipment: electrical cabinets and stands, sockets for connecting devices, measuring devices, consoles and some other special devices.
The instrumentation department or division must also have the position of an instrumentation engineer. An employee with this profession has the following responsibilities::
All bale instruments used in the automation of production processes are important components of the entire automation system. Taking this into account, each of them is obliged to comply with norms and standards; for this, they must regularly undergo state verification, i.e. testing for accuracy and compliance with specified technical parameters.
Maintenance personnel must replace devices with a verification period that is approaching the end of their verification period with similar ones with permission to use until the end of the state verification process. Devices that have not passed verification are transferred from the category of being in use to decommissioned and handed over to the service that monitors the devices and verifies them.
When verification has been completed and the device is declared suitable for further use, a special mark is placed on it, which confirms that it is technical means meets all established requirements.
The shape and color of the applied mark may differ, but the information it carries must be specific:
- The quarter in which the verification was made.
- Year of verification.
- Gosstandart sign.
- Code of the service that carried out the testing.
- Instrumentation and Control Officer Badge and A.
Devices that begin to operate must have a stamp containing all this information, so you can see when the next verification is necessary and whether it is acceptable to use it at the present time.
For different devices, the validity period of the stamp may be different. Some (for example, pressure gauges) must be checked annually, others (voltmeters, ammeters) once every two years. There are devices whose value cannot in any way affect compliance with the technical process, so their verification is not mandatory. In other cases, devices are required to be checked for compliance with standards, which means that their use with a missing or expired stamp is prohibited. You can clarify information about the need for verification according to official standards, which are indicated on the website of the relevant service.
We always have a large number of fresh, current vacancies on our website. Use filters to quickly search by parameters.
For successful employment, it is desirable to have a specialized education, as well as possess necessary qualities and work skills. First of all, you need to carefully study the requirements of employers in your chosen specialty, then start writing a resume.
You should not send your resume to all companies at the same time. Choose suitable vacancies based on your qualifications and work experience. We list the most important skills for employers that you need to successfully work as a baling engineer in Moscow:
Top 7 key skills you need to have to get hired
Also quite often in vacancies the following requirements are found: reading electrical diagrams, technical maintenance and MS Office.
As you prepare for your interview, use this information as a checklist. This will help you not only please the recruiter, but also get the job you want!
Analysis of vacancies in Moscow
Based on the results of an analysis of vacancies published on our website, the indicated starting salary, on average, is 65,225. Average maximum level income (indicated “salary up to”) - 76,212. It must be borne in mind that the figures given are statistics. The actual salary during employment can vary greatly depending on many factors:- Your previous work experience, education
- Type of employment, work schedule
- Company size, industry, brand, etc.
Salary level depending on the applicant’s work experience
One of the main characteristics of measuring instruments is the accuracy class (an indicator that describes the permissible error). This value is not static; it changes during operation. As a result, over time, the error may go beyond acceptable limits.
This threatens many troubles, ranging from disruption of the technological process to the threat of an emergency. Therefore, instruments, sensors, measuring mechanisms and other specialized equipment must undergo regular verification in the instrumentation and control department. Let's talk about the organization of this service and its main tasks.
What is instrumentation and automation?
This definition includes all control equipment and automation used in practically various production areas and in everyday life. Examples include electricity and water meters, pressure regulators in the oil and gas industry, automation for boiler houses, etc.
Decoding the abbreviation
The abbreviation of this term stands quite simply - instrumentation and automation. The service of the same name performs the following tasks and functions:
- implementation of metrological supervision;
- maintenance, adjustment and repair measuring equipment;
- implementation of new automation systems at the enterprise, for example, automated control systems.
In some cases, foremen and adjusters from the “Instrumentation and Control” department may be involved in the commissioning of electrical equipment, if there is a production need.
Types of instrumentation and automation
The classification of measuring equipment is made depending on the physical and technical characteristics of the devices, as well as their qualitative and quantitative indicators. By the name of the group it is easy to determine the purpose of the measuring devices included in it:
- instruments for measuring temperature - thermometers (A in Fig. 2);
- devices for determining pressure - pressure gauges (B);
- flow meters working environment or other substances - flow meters (C);
- determinants of the composition of gas mixtures - gas analyzers (D);
- tank fill level sensors – level gauges (E), etc.
Each of the groups, in turn, is divided into several subgroups, according to design and the principle of operation. For example, pressure gauges, among them there are devices for measuring overpressure, its difference, or displaying the absolute value. The design of these devices can be electrical or mechanical.
Structure of the Instrumentation and Control Department
The structure of instrumentation and automation departments is formed taking into account many factors, of which two key ones can be identified:
- the number of measuring instruments used by the enterprise;
- difficulty of maintenance.
Based on these factors, a centralized or decentralized service structure is formed. Briefly about each of them.
Features of a centralized structure
This method of forming a division is suitable for enterprises whose technological schemes do not involve many measuring instruments, sensors, etc. This makes it possible to combine the operational and repair departments into one service, which is managed by the head of the instrumentation department. At small enterprises, this manager can combine the position of chief metrologist.
One of the groups of service specialists is assigned to certain production areas for regular maintenance of instrumentation (including accounting of devices and their repair) located in the territory specified in the job description. If necessary, by order of the workshop manager, this group of specialists can be reinforced by other service employees, for example, to carry out extensive repair or installation work.
This structure allows you to create teams of narrow specialization (for example, installers, electricians, electricians, electricians, electricians, electronics engineers, etc.). They do repairs, adjustments and installations complex equipment, as well as the commissioning of new systems. After completion of commissioning work, the equipment is serviced by the team supervising the workshop where the installation was carried out.
Features of a decentralized structure
This method of organization is practiced in large enterprises. The peculiarity is that the repair (methodological) department is a separate service, while operational tasks are assigned to the technological workshop. Each of these divisions has its own leadership. The specialists of the methodological department are headed by the chief metrologist, and the employees of the operation department are subordinate to the head of the workshop.
The responsibilities of the methodological service include all types of planned, extra-planned and planned preventive repair work. Payment for services provided is transferred to a separate bank account, it is deducted from the funds allocated to the instrumentation and control technology workshop.
Depending on the characteristics of production, the work of the operation service is organized taking into account the specialization of work, or according to technological characteristics.
In the first option, groups of specialists are created who are responsible for the operation of certain types of instrumentation (alarms, automation, control equipment, etc.). In the second, there are teams of craftsmen responsible for the operation of equipment for certain technological flows.
In a decentralized structure, the methodological service in financially completely depends on the technological workshop, since payments for the work done come from its budget.
If a production need arises, the operational service can be strengthened by employees of the repair department or teams responsible for the installation of automation and control systems. The order for this must be issued by the chief instrument operator of the enterprise (metrologist). The operation service must cope with most of the regular commissioning work on its own.
Main goals
Regardless of the structure of the instrumentation and automation service, its main tasks include:
- creating conditions under which the uninterrupted operation of all systems for which the unit is responsible will be ensured;
- ensuring the availability of spare parts, backup equipment for measuring equipment and automation;
- examination correct operation devices located in the area of responsibility of the service;
- regular instructions and training of personnel on the norms and rules of operation of automation and control equipment;
- commissioning of new specialized projects.
Responsibilities of an instrumentation mechanic
In accordance with the requirements of the professional standard, an instrumentation mechanic must know the operating principle of the equipment he controls, be able to repair and maintain it. For example, to service electrical equipment, it is necessary to obtain the appropriate specialized education; general knowledge of the basics of electrical engineering will not be enough.
Depending on the specifics of the equipment being serviced, the mechanic’s workplace may have the following devices and sets of tools: an instrumentation cabinet, switchboards, equipment installed on consoles, measuring devices, sockets for connecting electrical appliances, etc.
This specialty requires that the employee understand both the equipment entrusted to him and general technology process.
What does an instrumentation engineer do?
This profession has the following responsibilities:
- organizational work related to ensuring uninterrupted operation of equipment;
- responsibility for the implementation of automated equipment;
- management of instrumentation and automation services, in particular, coordination of teams of specialists;
- metrological support;
- preparation of technical documentation ( routing, maintenance schedules, verification, calibration);
- long-term planning (action plan for a month, quarter, year);
- acceptance of completed work;
- drawing up instructions in accordance with identified deficiencies and comments;
- organizing control over the implementation of assigned tasks.
An example of decoding a verification mark
After verification of the device by the instrumentation and automation service, a corresponding designation (stamp) is placed on the device; as a rule, it carries a certain information component. Let's give an example of decoding.
Designations:
- Verification date (quarter).
- Image of the Gosstandart sign.
- The year is encrypted with two digits, in our case 09 – 2009.
- A code that allows you to determine the service that tested the device;
- Badge assigned to an instrumentation and control equipment employee.
The task of the instrumentation and control engineer and engineer is to ensure that all instrumentation and automatic systems enterprises worked as Swiss Watches, and were as reliable as a Swiss bank.
Average salary: 43,000 rubles per month
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A Kipovets colloquially is a specialist who installs and maintains instrumentation and automatic systems.
Description of the profession
Let's figure out who a Kipovets is and what he does. In fact, this is the collective name of a profession that combines three separate specialties related to instrumentation and automation: engineer, mechanic and adjuster of instrumentation and automation. Its representatives are in demand at all enterprises where modern technologies are used, serviced automated systems. They ensure uninterrupted operation of equipment and mechanisms of any complexity. The knowledge they acquire in educational institutions is universal in nature, which allows them to find employment in various industries.
KIP workers can be involved in launching a new facility or servicing an existing production facility. They set up automatic lines, dispatch communications, alarm systems, regulation and control, test and commission equipment.
Based on the characteristics and needs of production, we can create different types instrumentation departments:
- Centralized is suitable for enterprises in which the number of measuring equipment and sensors is small. In this case, the repair and maintenance services are brought together under a single leadership, and, if necessary, highly specialized teams are created (electronics engineers, installers, etc.).
- A decentralized structure is characteristic of large factories with extensive production. With such a system, the repair of all equipment is provided by a single methodological service (separate), and the technological workshop is responsible for operation.
The gradation of professionalism of craftsmen is determined by the Unified Tariff and Qualification Reference Book (UTKS). According to issue 2 instrumentation and automation engineer has a fork from 4 to 8 digits, and a locksmith - from 2 to 8 digits, which indicates a higher level of the first.
What specialties are best to study in?
A KIP engineer is a specialist who has received higher education in one of the following areas of training:
- automation technological processes and production;
- information-measuring equipment and technologies;
- electric drive and automation;
- computer technologies in automatic control systems production processes and etc.
A mechanic and adjuster of instrumentation and automation are skilled workers. It is enough for them to have a diploma from a secondary specialized educational institution in one of the profiles:
- instrumentation and control equipment operator (or mechanic);
- automatic control systems;
- master of instrumentation and automation.
To enter a university for a specialty related to the maintenance of automatic systems, an applicant must pass the following subjects on the Unified State Examination: Russian language, specialized mathematics, computer science, physics. Admission to colleges is carried out on the basis of a competition of certificates.
Universities for studying
A future mechanic or adjuster of instrumentation and automation can study, for example, in the following colleges:
- Interregional Competence Center - Cheboksary Electromechanical College. They take the master-kipovets here after the 9th grade. Duration of training - 3 years and 10 months.
- College modern technologies them. M.F. Panova (Moscow) trains instrumentation mechanics who can service a wide variety of equipment: from power plant equipment and boiler rooms to ATMs.
- Moscow Technical School of Space Instrumentation MSTU named after. N. E. Bauman. You can enroll in the specialty “automatic control systems” after the 9th and 11th grades of school.
- The Khimki College of Space Power Engineering, a branch of the Rocket and Space Technology MAI, trains personnel for large enterprises, such as NPO Energomash, NPO im. Lavochkina, MKB "Fakel".
- Kazan Petrochemical College named after. V. P. Lushnikova. This is one of the main educational institutions Republic of Tatarstan on training mechanics for servicing various automated systems.
After secondary school, graduates immediately receive the qualification “technician” and 2-3 category in ETKS. After that, they can go to work or apply to a university to become an engineer. Many technical schools are within the structure or orbit of influence of universities, which allows their best students to enter universities on preferential terms.
Responsibilities at work
The functions performed by a Kipo worker depend on the specific place of work. His responsibilities are clearly defined job description, drawn up taking into account the requirements of the ETKS regarding the qualifications of the employee.
The main tasks of an engineer include:
- organization of work to ensure the functioning of equipment;
- management of teams of specialists and acceptance of completed work;
- implementation of automated systems;
- metrological activities;
- preparation of technical documentation;
- drawing up orders;
- planning and control.
Adjusters and mechanics have their own functions:
In general, a Kipovite needs to have good knowledge of technology, as well as:
- be able to read diagrams and drawings;
- know the design of the devices being serviced and the features of their operation;
- have the skills to use repair tools;
- understand the methods of setting up measuring systems of varying complexity;
- have knowledge of materials science, electrical and mechanical engineering;
- know the rules for completing the necessary documentation;
- speak programming languages (if necessary).
An engineer, mechanic or adjuster of instrumentation and automation is in demand in the energy, food, processing, metallurgical industries, housing and communal services, oil and gas sector, and construction.
Who is it suitable for?
To perform his job efficiently, a Kipovets must have the following personal characteristics:
- technical mindset and spatial imagination;
- accurate eye, color discrimination and excellent vision;
- ability to distribute attention and concentrate;
- clear coordination of movements;
- high level responsibility;
- accuracy and consistency;
- willingness to strictly follow instructions.
The advantages of the profession include a good salary and the opportunity to receive additional training, expanding your knowledge base. Disadvantages - high level of responsibility, constant increased attention and the risk of injury if safety precautions are violated.
How much do they get
The income level of a Kipovo resident depends on the position, rank, enterprise and region. On average across the country, an engineer receives 40-50 thousand rubles, an adjuster - 40-42 thousand, and a mechanic - 35-40 thousand. In Moscow, these figures can be increased by 10-15 percent, and in remote northern regions, where they work on a rotational basis, companies are willing to pay highly qualified specialists more than 100 thousand rubles. A job as an instrumentation and automation technician in Transbaikalia and Khakassia can bring a candidate over 200 thousand rubles. True, in the North you will have to tinker with the instruments, since in conditions of low temperatures they often malfunction or distort the readings.
How to build a career
Instrumentation and automation engineer, showing his best qualities, can count on the position of head of a department or even the metrological service of an enterprise. Adjusters and mechanics, earning experience and passing certifications, increase their rank up to the eighth, which has a positive effect on wages. In order to qualify for leadership positions, they will need to obtain higher education in their specialty.
Prospects for the profession
Specialists who know how to maintain control and measuring equipment will be in demand in the labor market in the coming years. The only condition is to keep up with the times, constantly improving your skills taking into account the new products being introduced in the industry.
Engineers with higher education, work experience and good health are responsible for the maintenance, operation and repair of instrumentation and control systems. They look for faults, train staff, ensuring smooth operation of both equipment and the enterprise. The profession is suitable for those who are interested in physics and mathematics (see choosing a profession based on interest in school subjects).
Short description
The engineer is responsible for the safe and correct operation, maintenance of instrumentation and automation equipment, he must have experience, higher education, a tendency to monotonous technical work. His schedule is unpredictable, because today an engineer can work in an office equipped with air conditioning, and tomorrow he will be forced to go to another region, where he will have to work for 12 hours under the scorching sun.
The profession is complex and dangerous, more suitable for men than women, because the employee must meet the following requirements:
- good vision and hearing;
- excellent motor skills, no tremor;
- magnificent physical health. A specialist who has chronic diseases may not be allowed to work;
- technical mindset.
A qualified engineer applying for a good vacancy must have an excellent level of training, having knowledge of electrical engineering, physics, automation, instrumentation, systems, etc. Without these engineers, no enterprise can function normally, so there is a demand for specialists just huge.
Features of the profession
Complex technical profession requires serious training, so most often future engineers first work as mechanics, gaining the necessary experience, and only then take courses professional retraining, enter the university. The following works are in the field of interests of an instrumentation engineer:
- installation of equipment;
- searching for breakdowns and their causes, eliminating detected faults;
- work with personnel (training, lectures, safety precautions);
- schedules for maintenance, repair, replacement of equipment and components;
- performing the work necessary for normal functioning equipment;
- working with contractors, checking the quality of purchased equipment;
- introduction of modern technologies;
- development of technological schemes, modernization, design;
- breakdown analysis: causes, solutions, prevention;
- monitoring the work of junior personnel performing maintenance, commissioning, purchasing components, etc.;
- training new employees.
The instrumentation and automation engineer must know the features of planning production work, understand the principles of operation of an enterprise, be able to work with computer technology, have the makings of a manager, and the abilities necessary to train employees. In case of mistakes made, he bears financial responsibility, level wages depends on the status of the company in which the engineer works.
Pros and cons of the profession
pros
- There are few instrumentation and automation engineers on the service market, so young specialists will quickly find work.
- Swift career, because an engineer can head the instrumentation and control department, become a chief engineer or a power engineer. You can take a leadership position at the age of 30-35 years.
- A universal profession.
- The work of an engineer is paid much better than the work of a mechanic.
- You can get higher education at any age.
- Available retraining courses, practice abroad.
- Constant development.
- Stable work.
- Nice team.
Minuses
- Large range of responsibilities.
- It is difficult to get a job without proper experience.
- The profession is not suitable for people with humanitarian warehouse mind.
- The risk of errors is high, which will lead to equipment downtime or failure.
- There is a possibility of getting injured at work, but such situations most often occur with engineers who do not follow safety precautions.
- Long working hours, unpredictability.
Important personal qualities
Working with instrumentation and automation leaves a serious imprint on the character of a specialist. An untimely identified breakdown can cause a fire or work-related injury, so the engineer must be careful and careful; he is responsible not only for the equipment, but also for the lives of many people. He must have a penchant for exact sciences, self-development, the ability to quickly make decisions and feel people is important.
Training to become an instrumentation and automation engineer
Young students who have studied at universities that have faculties of industrial automation, instrument engineering, and information and measuring technology can become an instrumentation and automation engineer. A future engineer, entering a university, takes exams in mathematics, physics, computer science and the Russian language. The list may be different, depending on the chosen faculty and university; it is better to start preparing for tests in grades 8-9, because they are quite difficult
You can undergo training at a technical school to become an instrumentation mechanic, after which you need to obtain work experience and enroll in professional retraining courses. In some cases, permission to high-altitude work, electrical safety group III is required. The engineer will have to attend courses again in the future to improve his category. He will travel to other countries to get acquainted with the equipment of a certain manufacturer and undergo training.
