Instrumentation
Process instrumentation is the backbone of safe, stable, and efficient industrial processes. As an experienced company, we develop and implement customized instrumentation solutions for the chemical, petrochemical, and mechanical engineering industries—from the initial measurement point concept through to successful commissioning. With a deep understanding of processes, sound design, and field-proven concepts, we lay the foundation for reliable automation and transparent operational management. Whether greenfield or brownfield: Our instrumentation increases plant availability, minimizes risks, and delivers robust data for safe and cost-effective operation across various industries.
Core Competencies
Sensor and Measurement Technology
- Pressure, Temperature, Flow, Level, Analysis
- Selection of suitable measurement principles and state-of-the-art measurement technology
- Design tailored to specific media, processes, and systems
Measurement Point and Installation Concepts
- Definition of Installation Locations and Process Connections
- Derivation from R&I Flow Charts (P&IDs)
- Standard and Project-Specific Hook-ups
Signal and 24-V levels
- 4–20 mA, HART, Ethernet-APL, digital fieldbuses
- Ex-compliant signal concepts and remote I/O
- 24 V DC power supply and field distribution panels
Engineering and Documentation
- Lists of Measurement Points and Devices
- Circuit Diagrams, Terminal Diagrams, and Layout Plans
- Digital, audit-proof as-built documentation
What Sets Us Apart in Instrumentation
Understanding the Process
- Chemical and Petrochemical Processes
- Complex Media and Operating Conditions
- Integration into Machinery and Plants
Safety and Standards
- Explosion protection and EMC-compliant design
- High system availability
- Robust, maintenance-friendly designs
Feasibility
- Greenfield and Brownfield Experience
- Minimizing Downtime
- Close Coordination with Operations and Installation
Instrumentation as the Foundation of Precise Process Control
Precise measurement points, reliable data acquisition, and clearly defined signal paths enable stable regulation, precise control, and traceable process quality.
To ensure that measured values are truly reliable during operation, we carefully plan measurement principles and installation locations from the very beginning, reliably integrate field devices and communication technology into PLC and DCS systems, and document every step thoroughly.
Our comprehensive services cover the entire spectrum of modern instrumentation: from measurement point planning, through hookups and connection types, to the integration of intelligent field devices and the implementation of testable and auditable loop and functional verifications. This results in measurement systems that remain precise over the long term, are easy to maintain, and are optimally prepared for digital applications.
From Concept to Commissioning
Concept and Basic Engineering
- Measurement Point Concepts and Technology Comparisons
- Derivation from Process and R&I Flow Charts
- Definition of Measurement Principles and ATEX Zones
Detail Engineering
- Design and Specification of Suitable Products and Measuring Instruments
- Hook-ups, Terminal Diagrams, and Circuit Diagrams
- Lists of Cables, Loads, and Measurement Points
Implementation and Installation
- Assistance with assembly and wiring
- Ex-compliant installation
- Clarification of interfaces with electrical engineering and automation
Testing, Commissioning and Handover
- Loop Checks and Functional Tests
- Commissioning Support
- As-Built Documentation and Structured Handover
Functional Safety and Machine Safety
- Safety-related functions designed with integration in mind
- Risk and hazard assessment
- Safe implementation in plants and machines
- Structured testing and verification
- Audit-proof documentation
Smart Field Devices, Sensors, and Actuators
Smart field devices provide additional diagnostic and status data that goes far beyond traditional measurement values. We integrate these sensors into your automation system in such a way that their extended information—including the diagnostic data provided via NOA (Namur Open Architecture) and Ethernet-APL—is delivered to the control system in a structured format and is truly usable during operation. This includes clear parameterization, defined signal paths, and reliable integration into PLC and DCS systems. Here, we demonstrate how modern sensor technology can be effectively deployed, particularly in brownfield applications:
Data and Digitalization
Data and digitalization lay the foundation for transparent, secure, and future-proof plants in modern industry.
We collect, structure, and utilize measurement, operational, and energy data directly from the instrumentation and make it available for operations, maintenance, and optimization. Through digital planning, consistent data models, and audit-proof documentation, we ensure that information remains usable throughout the entire plant lifecycle.
Forward-looking approaches such as NAMUR Open Architecture (NOA) enable the secure use of additional process and diagnostic data alongside the control system, while Ethernet-APL allows for seamless, high-performance communication all the way to the field—even in hazardous areas. As a forward-looking company, we thus lay the foundation for higher plant availability, better decision-making, and sustainable digitalization concepts.
Safety Engineering
Secure measurement data acquisition, reliable shutdowns: For safety-related functions, we specify SIL-compliant sensors, redundant measurement chains, C&E assignments, and proof-test concepts—from risk analysis through acceptance testing. The result is verifiably safe and testable safety functions and customized solutions for maximum plant protection.
Why Work with Etteplan
Your Benefits at a Glance
- Reliable Instrumentation – for Demanding Industrial Facilities
- Experience in complex brownfield environments
- End-to-End Engineering – From Concept to As-Built
- Reduced interface risks – thanks to interdisciplinary expertise
- Future-Proof Data and Documentation Concepts – for Sustainable Plant Operations
FAQ - Process Instrumentation
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