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Journey To Automation Professionalism

The document outlines a roadmap for electrical engineers in the oil and gas industry to transition into automation professionalism. It includes four phases: building fundamentals in PLCs and process control, deepening knowledge in specific automation technologies, gaining practical skills through hands-on experience, and pursuing certifications for professional development. Additional tips emphasize leveraging existing industry experience, networking, and building a portfolio of projects.

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olayemioyewumi70
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31 views3 pages

Journey To Automation Professionalism

The document outlines a roadmap for electrical engineers in the oil and gas industry to transition into automation professionalism. It includes four phases: building fundamentals in PLCs and process control, deepening knowledge in specific automation technologies, gaining practical skills through hands-on experience, and pursuing certifications for professional development. Additional tips emphasize leveraging existing industry experience, networking, and building a portfolio of projects.

Uploaded by

olayemioyewumi70
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Journey to Automation Professionalism (Electrical Engineer - Oil & Gas)

Given your background as an electrical engineer in the oil and gas industry, you have a strong
foundation for a career in automation. Here's a roadmap to guide you on your journey to
becoming a professional in this field:
Phase 1: Build Your Fundamentals (1-3 Months)
1. PLC Basics:
o Understand Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) as the core of industrial
automation systems.
o Learn ladder logic programming, the most common language for PLCs in oil &
gas. Resources: Free online courses
(https://university.automationanywhere.com/), Books ("Programmable Logic
Controllers" by John W. Webb)
2. Industrial Instrumentation:
o Gain knowledge about various sensors, transmitters, and actuators used in
industrial processes.
o Familiarize yourself with signal types (analog, digital) and communication
protocols (e.g., Modbus, HART). Resources: Online courses
(https://www.instrumentti.com/fundamentals/), Books ("Instrument Engineers'
Handbook - Bela G Liptak")
3. Process Control Fundamentals:
o Understand basic control loop concepts like PID (Proportional-Integral-
Derivative) control used in process automation.
o Learn about control loop tuning for optimal performance. Resources: Online
courses (https://www.coursera.org/lecture/intro-self-driving-cars/lesson-1-
proportional-integral-derivative-pid-control-QMOMH), Books ("Process Control:
Modeling, Design, and Simulation" by Stephanopoulos)
Phase 2: Deepen Your Knowledge (3-6 Months)
1. Specific Automation Technologies:
o Focus on automation technologies relevant to oil & gas, such as SCADA
(Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, Distributed Control Systems
(DCS), and safety instrumented systems (SIS).
o Learn about HMI (Human-Machine Interface) design principles. Resources:
Online courses (https://www.udemy.com/course/learn-scada-in-a-day-starting-
from-scratch/), (https://www.yokogawa.com/us/support/training/class-
descriptions/distributed-control-system-dcs-class-descriptions/), Books
("SCADA: Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition" by Richard D. Beale)
2. Industrial Networks:
o Understand communication protocols like Ethernet/IP, Profibus, and Fieldbus
used in industrial automation networks.
o Learn about network security considerations in automation systems. Resources:
Online courses (https://www.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/support/workforce-
development-training/learning-plus/industrial-network-arch-intermediate-ina202-
el.html), Books ("Industrial Ethernet: Design Guide for Control Systems" by
EtherCAT Technology Group)
3. Oil & Gas Specific Automation:
o Delve into automation applications specific to the oil & gas industry like pipeline
control, well monitoring, and safety systems. Resources: Industry publications,
online courses offered by oil & gas companies or automation vendors.
Phase 3: Gain Practical Skills (3-6 Months +)
1. PLC Programming Practice:
o Use PLC simulation software to practice ladder logic programming and develop
control strategies for simulated processes. Resources: Free PLC simulators
(https://store.codesys.com/en/softplc.html), (https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=c6RNn3z00Fs)
2. SCADA/HMI Software:
o Familiarize yourself with industry-standard SCADA/HMI software like
Wonderware, WinCC, or iFix.
o Practice building user interfaces and integrating them with PLCs and other
automation systems. Resources: Vendor-specific training courses, online tutorials
3. Hands-on Learning (Optional):
o Seek opportunities for hands-on training on real industrial automation systems
(through internships, volunteering, or personal projects).
o Consider participating in online communities or forums to connect with other
automation professionals.
Phase 4: Certifications and Professional Development (Ongoing)
1. Industry Certifications:
o Consider pursuing relevant certifications like Certified Automation Professional
(CAP) or ISA Certified Automation Professional (CIA) to validate your skills and
enhance your career profile. Resources: Certification websites
(https://www.isa.org/certification/cap), (https://www.isa.org/)
2. Stay Updated:
o The automation landscape is ever-evolving. Stay updated with new technologies
like Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and cloud-based automation solutions.
Resources: Industry publications, conferences, online courses
Additional Tips:
 Leverage your Oil & Gas Experience: Highlight your existing knowledge of oil & gas
processes and equipment when applying for automation jobs. This makes you a valuable
asset as you transition into automation.
 Network with Professionals: Connect with automation professionals on LinkedIn or
professional organizations to learn from their experiences and gain insights into the
industry.
 Build a Portfolio: Document your automation projects (

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