10+ Instrument & Control Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

A power plant is a facility that generates electrical power. There are various types of power plants.

• Power plants convert various forms of energy into electrical power.

• Types of power plants include coal-fired, natural gas-fired, nuclear, hydroelectric, wind, solar, and geothermal.

• Coal-fired power plants burn coal to produce steam, which drives a turbine to generate electricity.

• Natural gas-fired power plants burn natural gas to produce steam or directly drive a turbine.

• Nuclear...read more

Vibration probes are used to measure and monitor vibrations in machinery and equipment.

• Vibration probes work by converting mechanical vibrations into electrical signals.

• They typically consist of a piezoelectric crystal or an accelerometer.

• The probe is attached to the equipment being monitored and detects vibrations.

• The electrical signals are then processed and analyzed to determine the severity and frequency of the vibrations.

• Vibration probes are essential in detecting potent...read more

Instrumentation plays a crucial role in power plants by monitoring and controlling various processes to ensure safe and efficient operation.

• Instrumentation is used to measure and monitor parameters such as temperature, pressure, flow rate, and level in power plant systems.

• It helps in controlling and regulating the operation of equipment and processes, ensuring they operate within safe and optimal ranges.

• Instrumentation systems provide real-time data and feedback to operators,...read more

Axial displacement in a turbine refers to the movement of the rotor along its axis.

• Axial displacement is a measure of the axial movement of the rotor in a turbine.

• It is typically measured in millimeters or inches.

• Axial displacement can occur due to thermal expansion, mechanical wear, or other factors.

• Excessive axial displacement can lead to issues such as rubbing, vibration, or reduced efficiency.

• Monitoring and controlling axial displacement is important for the safe and effi...read more

Thermocouples and RTDs are types of temperature sensors used in Instrument & Control Engineering.

• Thermocouples are made of two different metals and generate a voltage proportional to the temperature difference between the two junctions.

• RTDs (Resistance Temperature Detectors) are made of pure metals and their resistance changes with temperature.

• Thermocouples are commonly used in industrial applications due to their wide temperature range and durability.

• RTDs provide higher accu...read more

Rankine cycle is a thermodynamic cycle used in power plants to convert heat into mechanical work.

• Rankine cycle is a theoretical cycle that represents the operation of a steam power plant.

• It consists of four processes: heating the working fluid, expanding it in a turbine, condensing it back to liquid, and compressing it in a pump.

• The cycle uses water or steam as the working fluid.

• It is widely used in power generation, including coal-fired, nuclear, and geothermal power plants....read more

Interlocks are taken to ensure safety and prevent equipment damage.

• Interlocks are safety measures that prevent certain actions from occurring if specific conditions are not met.

• They are used in various industries, including manufacturing, power plants, and oil refineries.

• Interlocks can be mechanical, electrical, or software-based.

• They are implemented to protect personnel, equipment, and the environment.

• Examples of interlocks include emergency stop buttons, pressure relief val...read more

The ash handling system is responsible for collecting and disposing of ash generated from combustion processes.

• Ash handling systems are commonly used in power plants and industrial boilers.

• The process involves the collection, transportation, and disposal of ash.

• Different types of ash handling systems include dry ash handling, wet ash handling, and ash slurry disposal.

• Dry ash handling systems typically use pneumatic conveying or mechanical conveying methods.

• Wet ash handling sy...read more

PLC languages refer to programming languages used in programmable logic controllers for automation and control systems.

• Different PLC languages include ladder logic, function block diagram, structured text, and sequential function chart.

• Ladder logic is graphical and resembles electrical relay logic.

• Function block diagram uses blocks to represent functions and connections between them.

• Structured text is similar to high-level programming languages like C or Pascal.

• Sequential fun...read more

SIL3 is a higher safety integrity level than SIL2, indicating a lower probability of failure.

• SIL3 has a lower probability of failure compared to SIL2

• SIL3 requires more rigorous design and testing than SIL2

• SIL3 is typically used in critical systems where the consequences of failure are severe, such as nuclear power plants

• SIL2 is used in systems where the consequences of failure are less severe, such as industrial automation

Level sensors are used to measure the level of liquids or solids in tanks or containers.

• Level sensors are commonly used in industries such as oil and gas, chemical, food and beverage, and water treatment.

• They can be used to monitor and control the level of liquids, powders, or granular materials.

• Different types of level sensors include ultrasonic, capacitance, radar, and float sensors.

• Level sensors help in preventing overflow or running dry situations in tanks.

• They are essent...read more

Flow meters are devices used to measure the flow rate of a fluid in a pipe or conduit.

• Differential pressure flow meters (e.g. Orifice plate, Venturi tube)

• Positive displacement flow meters (e.g. Piston, Gear, Turbine)

• Velocity flow meters (e.g. Electromagnetic, Ultrasonic)

• Mass flow meters (e.g. Coriolis, Thermal)