Instrumentation and control
Turnkey instrumentation and control.
We design and supply instrumentation and control for processes that must run precisely and safely. From selecting sensors and actuators through control loop design and the panel to tuning the controllers and handover with documentation.
Good control starts at the sensor.
Instrumentation and control (I&C) decides whether a process holds temperature, pressure, flow or level within tolerance, or starts to oscillate and wastes energy and raw materials. The most common cause of poor control is not the PLC. It is usually a badly positioned sensor, an oversized valve or a controller that nobody tuned properly after start-up. Well designed I&C saves energy, raw materials and operator time, as operators no longer have to keep nudging the process in manual mode.
We supply turnkey I&C and process control systems. Our engineering team has worked in automation since 1993 and covers the whole chain: I&C design, instrument selection, control panel manufacturing, installation and wiring, PLC and visualisation programming, commissioning and inspection. A single supplier is therefore responsible for the loop actually controlling, not just for it being wired up.
We deliver I&C for production lines, assembly and test stations, boiler houses, power plants and flue gas cleaning. We can build on an existing control system, add missing measurements or, during a refurbishment, redesign the entire sensor and actuator level. For processes with changing dynamics we also offer adaptive controllers that tune themselves during operation. At handover you get tuned loops, tested interlocks and documentation that allows the process to be maintained reliably for many years.
What instrumentation and control covers.
Sensors and measurement
Temperature, pressure, flow, level, position, weight and electrical quantities. We choose sensors by range, accuracy and the environment they will work in.
Actuators and valve actuators
Control valves, dampers, variable speed drives and electric valve actuators with limit and torque switches and position feedback.
Instrumentation and control design
Measurement and control diagrams, control loop structures in function blocks, and interlocking, protection, fault and alarm algorithms.
Process control system
A PLC that processes measurements, performs control and sequences and evaluates fault states. With redundancy for critical processes.
Visualisation and operator station
Clear process screens, trends, alarms and archiving of measurements, so the operator spots a problem before it stops production.
Controller tuning
We tune PID controllers on the real process, not from a table. For complex processes we deploy adaptive self-tuning controllers.
What the I&C delivery includes.
We deliver everything from design to inspection, with as-built documentation.
- Process analysis, list of measurements and actuators
- I&C design: measurement, control and interlock diagrams
- Supply of sensors, transmitters, valves and valve actuators
- Manufacture and testing of I&C panels
- Installation, cabling and connection of field instruments
- Programming of the PLC, control loops and visualisation
- Commissioning, controller tuning and full system testing
- Inspection of electrical installations and as-built documentation
Control systems and instruments we work with
How the cooperation works.
Consultation
We come to you, look at the operation or the brief and tell you what makes sense. Without obligation.
Concept and quote
Technical design, scope, schedule and price. Always with a reserve for what practice reveals.
Implementation
Engineering, manufacturing, installation, programming and commissioning. One team, one responsibility.
Operation
Operator training, documentation and a service contract according to how critical the technology is for your production.
Related services.
Electrical design and control panels
HV and LV electrical design, bespoke control panels, installation, commissioning, inspection and multilingual documentation.
PLC programming
PLC control systems, HMI operator panels and SCADA for Siemens, Rockwell, ABB, Omron and Schneider.
Advanced control with AI
Adaptive controllers, neural networks, fuzzy logic and LQR for processes where conventional PID is not enough.
Frequently asked questions.
Did not find your answer? Write to us and we will reply within 24 hours.
What is instrumentation and control (I&C) and how does it differ from a process control system?
I&C covers the sensors, actuators and control loops, in other words everything that measures process variables and keeps them at the setpoint. A process control system is a broader term that also includes the control system itself, sequences, interlocks, visualisation and data collection. In practice we deliver them together as one whole.
How much does an instrumentation and control package cost?
The price depends on the number of measurements and actuators, accuracy and environmental requirements, the scope of the panels and whether we are building on an existing control system. We can give a rough estimate after the first site visit. We give a fixed price after the technical concept and an agreed list of measurements.
Can you add I&C to an existing process?
Yes. We add missing measurements, replace instruments at the end of their life and connect new signals to the original PLC or to a new control system. We schedule the work for shutdowns so the process stands still for as short a time as possible.
To which standards do you design I&C?
We handle the electrical equipment of machines to EN 60204-1 and safety-related parts of control systems to EN ISO 13849. For process plants we also work from the operator's requirements and the regulations for the type of equipment. Inspection of the electrical installation is part of the handover.
Why does a control loop oscillate or respond slowly?
Most often because of badly tuned controller parameters, a poorly positioned sensor, a long dead time or an oversized valve. That is why we first check the measurement chain and the actuator, and only then tune the controller. For processes with changing dynamics, an adaptive controller that tunes itself continuously helps.
Do you also service instrumentation and control?
Yes. We service sensors, variable speed drives, valve actuators, control systems and operator panels. We offer contract service with 24/7 standby and remote access.
Send us your process diagram.
A process diagram, a list of measurements or a few photos of the existing panel is enough. We will get back to you within 24 hours with a proposed approach and a free consultation.