FACULTY OF ENGINEERING SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY

Hamdard Institute of Engineering & Technology

Hamdard University

LAB # 01

INTRODUCTORY LAB FOR INSTRUMENTION MEASUREMENT & SAFETY RULES

OBJECTIVE:
 To become familiar with introductory concepts and practical aspects of Instrumentation and
measurement.
 Safety Rules.

INTRODUCTION:
Instrumentation is defined as the art and science of measurement and control of process variables
within a production or manufacturing area.
An instrument is a device that measures a physical quantity such as flow, temperature, level,
distance, angle, or pressure. Instruments may be as simple as direct reading thermometers or may be
complex multi-variable process analyzers. Instruments are often part of a control system in refineries,
factories, and vehicles. The control of processes is one of the main branches of applied instrumentation.
Instrumentation can also refer to handheld devices that measure some desired variable. Diverse handheld
instrumentation is common in laboratories, but can be found in the household as well. For example, a smoke
detector is a common instrument found in most western homes.
Measurement is the process of associating a number with physical quantity. For example 30 degree
Celsius. Here temperature is physical quantity and 30 is the number that we are associating with the
temperature. There can be a number of physical quantities except temperature like pressure, flow, distance,
volume etc.
The following diagram shows the simple block diagram of the instrumentation system:

Figure: Instrumentation System

The Primary Element/Transducer:

The input receives the quantity whose value is to be measured and is converted into its proportional
incremental electrical signal such as voltage, current, resistance change, inductance or even capacitance.
Thus, the changed variable contains the information of the measured variable. Such a functional element or
device is called a Transducer.

Hamdard Institute of Engineering & Technology, Hamdard University

SharaeMadinat Al-Hikmah, Muhammad Bin Qasim Avenue, Karachi 74600, Pakistan.
 FACULTY OF ENGINEERING SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
Hamdard Institute of Engineering & Technology
Hamdard University

The Secondary Element/Signal Processing Unit:

The output of the transducer is provided to the input of the signal processing unit. This unit amplifies the
weak transducer output and is filtered and modified to a form that is acceptable by the output unit. Thus this
unit may have devices like: amplifiers, filters, analog to digital converters, and so on.

The Final Element/Output Unit:

The output from the signal processing unit is fed to the input of the output unit. The output unit measures
the signal and indicates the value to the reader. The indication may be either through: an indicating
instrument, a CRO, digital computer, and so on.

SAFETY RULES

All students must read and understand the information in this document with regard to laboratory safety and
emergency procedures prior to the first laboratory session. Your personal laboratory safety depends mostly
on YOU

Electrical safety:
 Obtain permission before operating any high voltage equipment.
 Maintain an unobstructed access to all electrical panels.
 Inspect wiring of equipment before each use. Replace damaged or frayed electrical cords
immediately.
 Always ground yourself properly.
 Never, ever modify, attach or otherwise change any high voltage equipment.
 Always make sure all capacitors are discharged (using a grounded cable with an insulating handle)
before touching high voltage leads or the "inside" of any equipment even after it has been turned off.
Capacitors can hold charge for many hours after the equipment has been turned off.
 Voltages above 50 Vrms AC and 120 V DC are always dangerous. Extra precautions should be
considered as voltage levels are increased.
 When you are adjusting any high voltage equipment which is powered with a high voltage supply,
USE ONLY ONE HAND. Your other hand is best placed in a pocket or behind your back. This
procedure eliminates the possibility of an accident where high voltage current flows up one arm,
through your chest, and down the other arm.

Hamdard Institute of Engineering & Technology, Hamdard University

SharaeMadinat Al-Hikmah, Muhammad Bin Qasim Avenue, Karachi 74600, Pakistan.
 FACULTY OF ENGINEERING SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
Hamdard Institute of Engineering & Technology
Hamdard University

General Laboratory Safety Rules:

 Food, beverages, substances and related utensils shall not be brought into, stored or consumed in any
laboratory. 
 Smoking is prohibited in all laboratories at all times.
 Foot wear shall be serviceable, provide full coverage of the feet and have  non-skid soles;
 Appropriate apparel shall be worn in laboratories at all times.
 Appropriate eye protection and other safety equipment shall be properly donned when operating
mechanical equipment and as directed.
 Do not leave an on-going experiment unattended.
 All occupants shall be familiar with the locations and operation of safety and emergency
equipment, including but not limited to, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, emergency eye wash
stations and emergency showers, emergency power off system, fire alarm pull stations, emergency
telephones, and emergency exits and egress plans.
 Keep your lab space clean and organized.
 Unauthorized person(s) shall not be allowed in a laboratory for any reason.
 Clean your lab bench and equipment, and lock the door before you leave the laboratory.
Electrical Emergency Response:
 The following instructions provide guidelines for handling two types of electrical emergencies:
 When someone suffers serious electrical shock, he or she may be knocked unconscious. If the victim
is still in contact with the electrical current, immediately turn off the electrical power source. If you
cannot disconnect the power source, depress the Emergency Power Off switch.
 Do not touch a victim that is still in contact with a live power source; you could be electrocuted.
 Have someone call for emergency medical assistance immediately. Administer first-aid, as
appropriate.
 If an electrical fire occurs, try to disconnect the electrical power source, if possible. If the fire is
small and you are not in immediate danger; and you have been properly trained in fighting fires, use
the correct type of fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire. When in doubt, push in the Emergency
Power Off button.
 DANGER:NEVER use water to extinguish an electrical fire.

The above general laboratory safety rules are designed to safeguard you and your co-workers, fellow
students and colleagues and are a minimum requirement for individuals working in laboratories. 

Hamdard Institute of Engineering & Technology, Hamdard University

SharaeMadinat Al-Hikmah, Muhammad Bin Qasim Avenue, Karachi 74600, Pakistan.
 FACULTY OF ENGINEERING SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
Hamdard Institute of Engineering & Technology
Hamdard University

CONCLUSION:

We become familiar with introductory concepts and practical aspects of Instrumentation and measurement
and also understand the necessary safety rules and emergency response and protocols of the lab.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Upon successful completion of the lab, students will be able to:

LO1:Understand the basic concept of Instrumentation and Measurement
LO2:Understand the necessary safety rules and protocols of the lab

Hamdard Institute of Engineering & Technology, Hamdard University

SharaeMadinat Al-Hikmah, Muhammad Bin Qasim Avenue, Karachi 74600, Pakistan.