PE Control Systems study plan

Convert between process units (psig/psia, °F/°C, % of span/mA) across 40 practice items at 90% accuracy

Compute span, zero elevation/suppression, and total probable error for 10 transmitter data sheets

Apply differential-pressure flow equations to 8 worked orifice and venturi problems

Classify failure modes and safe failure direction for RTDs, thermocouples, DP cells, and level devices

Draw from memory and tag 15 common P&ID symbols per ISA-5.1 conventions

Reduce 6 block diagrams to closed-loop transfer functions including disturbance and setpoint inputs

Determine steady-state error for step and ramp inputs on 8 type-0, type-1, and type-2 systems

Sketch root loci for 5 second-order systems and state the gain at the stability boundary

Derive first- and second-order step responses and compute time constant, rise time, overshoot, and settling time for 10 transfer functions

Construct Bode and Nyquist plots for 6 systems and read gain margin, phase margin, and crossover frequencies

Apply Routh-Hurwitz and gain/phase margin criteria to classify stability of 10 systems

Tune the same loop by open-loop Ziegler-Nichols, closed-loop Ziegler-Nichols, and lambda tuning, then compare the resulting responses

Select linear versus equal-percentage trim to match a stated process gain in 5 cases

Size control valves by computing Cv for 8 liquid and gas services including choked-flow checks

Specify actuator, positioner, and fail-safe action (air-to-open versus air-to-close) for 6 applications

Distinguish cavitation from flashing onset and specify two mitigation options for each case

Compare control valve, VFD, and damper final elements against 6 selection criteria including turndown and cost

Compute a 5-point 4-20 mA calibration check for a transmitter and an I/P positioner

Diagnose 6 valve failure scenarios (stiction, deadband, hysteresis, packing friction, seat leakage, actuator sizing) and prescribe corrective action

Describe partial stroke testing and SIL-related requirements for safety final elements

Design cascade, ratio, feedforward, and split-range schemes for 8 described process scenarios

Configure PID structure, anti-windup, and bumpless transfer settings for 5 loops

Diagnose and correct 4 common loop problems: cycling, valve stiction, sensor noise, and loop interaction

Explain deadtime compensation, override/select, and MPC basics in terms of where each applies

Map 10 described scenarios to the governing standard or code (ISA, NFPA, IEC, OSHA) and cite the requirement

Apply HAZOP, LOPA, lockout/tagout, and management-of-change methods to 4 case descriptions

Identify area classification and intrinsic safety requirements for a described installation

Perform and document a safety review of one complete control loop

Complete one full-length timed mock exam and score 75% or better

Re-work every missed item and write the underlying concept for each error

Recite and apply 30 key formulas and definitions from memory without notes

Build a final one-page reference sheet limited to sanctioned exam material