As you might know, the single most useful tool in the industrial technician’s bag, is a process instrument, aka a Process Calibrator, but calibration is only a very small part of what these instruments do.
As we know, nearly all processes are controlled either by a 4~20mA analogue loop, or by HART digital communications.
The process tool may simulate and measure every part of this loop.
By way of example, we might simulate a T type thermocouple and then measure the current in the control loop. Or send a 4~20mA signal direct to the burner and watch the flame control up and down, manually or automatically, or simulate a transmitter etc.
There are many great instruments from Fluke, Beamex and Additel (et al) but “ay, there’s the rub” (Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 1). These instruments kick off around NZ$5,000, let’s say you are into CAPEX, but you worry about putting one into the hands of the apprentice: Well, what about one for NZ$500!?
That’s 1/10th the price!
Perhaps we’re into the realms of discretionary spending now.
And when the apprentice runs it over, or misplaces it, well, although that might not be great, but it’s also not the end of the world either!
Is it as good as the instruments above? No, although frankly, it’s pretty damn good!
Will it fill the roll for 2 standard deviations of the time (99.7%), YES!