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Pipeline Electrical & Instrumentation

Overview

The two-level Pipeline Electrical & Instrumentation curriculum prepares learners for a career in the pipeline industry as a Pipeline Electrical & Instrumentation Technician. In addition the Level 1 training modules, the Level 2 curriculum includes Covered Task online trainings for operator qualifications in more than a dozen different Covered Tasks.

The Pipeline Electrical & Instrumentation curriculum complies with the U.S. Department of Labor’s standards for Pipeline Electrical & Instrumentation Technician apprenticeship programs.

IMPORTANT

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Craft Snapshot

REVISED
2017, 3rd Edition
NCCERconnect Deliver instruction using our pre-loaded content and course management tools, streamline training, and track results through the online gradebook. Students learn using the interactive eTextbook and Media Library with Active Figures that bring the material to life, anytime and anywhere they choose.
Not Available
LANGUAGES
English

Curriculum Details

3rd Edition
Total Recommended Hours
Competencies & Objectives Lists
  • Level 1, Volume 1: 272.5
  • Level 1, Volume 2: 240
Pipeline E&I Safety
15 Hours

Module ID 64102-02: Describes the types and uses of personal protective equipment and covers hazard communications. Covers lockout/tagout and MSDS requirements; safety rules, regulations, and tools; and worksite hazards.

Trade Math
40 Hours

Module ID 64103-02: Presents instrumentation formulas and equations. Explains how to calculate load and ampacity, and perform pipeline-specific E&I calculations. Also provides a description of conductors.

Electrical Theory
40 Hours

Module ID 64104-02: Introduces the electrical concepts used in Ohm’s law as applied to DC series circuits. Discusses atomic theory, electromotive force, resistance, and electric power equations. Also introduces series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits. Covers resistive circuits, Kirchhoff’s voltage and current laws, and circuit analysis.

Tools of the Trade
15 Hours

Module ID 64105-02: Identifies hand tools used in the pipeline E&I trade. Also explains trade-specific power tools, test equipment, and communication equipment.

Pipeline E&I Drawings
30 Hours

Module ID 64107-02: Identifies drawing classifications and written specifications. Describes the uses of electrical drawings and piping and instrumentation drawings. Also covers special drawings and documentation as well as pipeline maps and alignment sheets.

Understanding the National Electrical Code®
7.5 Hours

Module ID 64108-02: Provides a map for using the NEC®. Introduces the layout and the types of information found within the code book. Presents an easy-to-follow procedure for finding information in the NEC®.

Fasteners and Anchors
7.5 Hours

Module ID 64109-02: Introduces hardware and systems used to mount and support boxes, receptacles, and other electrical components. Covers types of anchors and supports, their applications, and their safe installation.

Electrical Installations in Classified Areas
40 Hours

Module ID 64201-02: Explains Class I, II, III, and IV pipeline areas. Describes intrinsically safe devices and systems and their ratings. Also covers allowable conduits and fittings, and explosion-proof enclosures. Explains safe work practices in classified areas, including barriers, PPE, monitoring requirements, and gas detectors.

Use of Meters and Test Equipment
15 Hours

Module ID 64202-02: Explains general, personal, and test equipment for E&I safety. Covers measuring current, voltage, and resistance and the types of meters used. Includes specialty instruments such as calibrators, simulators, and gauges. Includes sections on oscilloscope operation, waveform characteristics, and measurement techniques.

Grounding
30 Hours

Module ID 64203-02: Explains grounding basics, system types, NEC® requirements, equipment grounding, and how to bond service equipment. Includes discussion of effective grounding paths, conductors, separately derived systems, grounding at more than one building, and systems over 1,000 volts. Describes how to test grounding and measure earth resistance, three-point testing, and tank grounding.

Process Control Theory
40 Hours

Module ID 64204-02: Explains process characteristics and control systems. Describes control loop components and control loops and modes. Discusses types of control applications, including temperature, pressure, flow, and level control.

Supervisory Control Systems
15 Hours

Module ID 64205-02: Explains pipeline supervisory control systems, PLCs, HMIs, and RTUs. Describes data highways and protocols, including data transfer methods, and SCADA-related communications, including transfer media, wireless radios, and Ethernet, and transmission and interface methods.

Transformers
25 Hours

Module ID 64301-02: Describes power systems and explains transformer construction, taps, installation requirements, and connections. Describes power distribution, instruments, control, and isolation transformer types. Also covers transformer maintenance and testing.

Switchgear and MCCs
25 Hours

Module ID 64302-02: Explains power factor and medium versus low-voltage cable and MCCs. Describes types of switchgear and cables, feeders, bussing, and bracing. Includes testing and maintenance on switchgear and MCCs and associated components.

Low-Voltage and Standby Power
25 Hours

Module ID 64303-02: Explains pipeline system standby generators, batteries, chargers, inverters, converters, and rotary and static UPSs. Also addresses the maintenance and testing of each.

Power Quality
25 Hours

Module ID 64304-02: Explains power quality and types of defects, power systems, protection, and conditioning equipment. Discusses types of electrical noise and related problems, and possible solutions. Describes static electricity and its effect, system verification testing, and equipment maintenance.

Prime Movers
32.5 Hours

Module ID 64305-02: Describes various electric motors and drives and their components. Discusses their maintenance and testing. Explains engine types, cooling and lubrication systems, turbine operation, fuel sources, and controls.

Facility Auxiliary Systems
22.5 Hours

Module ID 64306-02: Includes information on pipeline facility buildings and related systems, including fire, security, vapor recovery, injection, water treatment, cathodic protection, and blending systems.

SCADA
30 Hours

Module ID 64307-02: Explains pipeline operations systems, including control, communications, SCADA, and PLCs. Explains redundant systems and control system troubleshooting.

AOCCC-17

Abnormal Operating Conditions – Control Center

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AOCFG-17

Abnormal Operating Conditions – Field and Gas

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CT25_1-17

Inspect, Test and Calibrate Pressure Switches

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CT25_2-17

Inspect, Test and Calibrate Pressure Transmitters

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CT26_0-17

Verify or Set Protection Parameters for Programmable Controllers and/or Other Instrumentation Control Loops

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CT30_0-17

Test Overfill Protective Devices

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CT31_0-17

Inspect and Calibrate Overfill Protective Devices

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CT44_3-17

Inspect, Test, and Maintain Flow Computer for Hazardous Liquid Leak Detection

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CT44_4-17

Inspection, Testing, & Perform Corrective & Preventative Maintenance and Tank Gauging for Hazardous Liquid Leak Detection

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CT44_5-17

Prove Flow Meters for Hazardous Liquid Leak Detection

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CT44_6-17

Maintain Flow Meters for Hazardous Liquid Leak Detection

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CT44_7-17

Inspect, Test and Maintain Gravitometers/ Densitometers for Hazardous Liquid Leak Detection

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CT44_8-17

Inspect, Test and Maintain Temperature Transmitters for Hazardous Liquid Leak Detection

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CT55_0-17

Maintain Fixed Gas Detection Equipment

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Contributing Subject Matter Experts

Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) are a vital part of NCCER’s Curriculum development process. SMEs are construction and maintenance professionals who have journey-level experience and have experience teaching their trades to others.

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Contributing Subject Matter Experts
Below is a list of subject matter experts for this craft:
A

Arthur Birx, Protech EIS Corp

B

Benjamin Johnson, Praxair Services, Inc.

Bill Emery, Praxair Services, Inc.

Blaine Shellhammer, EMS USA, Inc.

C

Cameron Strother, Southland Safety

Carl Allebach, Sunoco Logistics, L.P.

Charles Whiten, L.E. Bell Construction Company Incorporated

D

Dan Lake, Central NDT, Inc.

Dan Rohret, Kinder Morgan Inc.

Dan Ruane, Midwestern Contractors

Dave Hoffman

David Reeder, EMS USA, Inc

DeWayne Schapansky, ONEOK Partners Intermediate Limited Partnership (formerly ONEOK, Inc.)

Donavon Wright, Corrpro

Donnie Pittsinger, Flint Energy Services, Inc.

E

Erin Worthington, Marathon Pipe Line LLC

G

Gary Affolter, Construction Craft Academy

Gordon Carson, CP Masters, Inc.

J

James Carroll

K

Kimberly-Joy Harris, Enbridge Pipelines, Inc.

L

Les Harrison

Leslie Carroll, THORCO

Lisa Hartnup, Praxair Services, Inc.

Lynn Simpson, Enterprise Products

M

Mark Seitz, AECOM

Michael Nordstrom, Corrpro

Michael Williams

P

Paula Gates-Rippe, ONEOK Partners Intermediate Limited Partnership (formerly ONEOK, Inc.)

Paul Fontenot II, Safety Advantage, LLC

R

Randall Rogers, Sunoco Logistics, L.P.

Rick Wilenzick, Jomax Construction Co., Inc.

RJ Rogers, Sunoco Logistics, L.P.

S

Sid Harrell

Steve Barker, L.E. Bell Construction Company Incorporated

Steve Montoy, Enterprise Products

T

Timothy Mills, Kinder Morgan Inc.

Tom Magness, Enhance Co., Inc.

Tom Pickthall, Enhance Co., Inc.

Travis Ashby, ONEOK Partners Intermediate Limited Partnership (formerly ONEOK, Inc.)

Trobi Hall, Sunoco Pipeline L.P.

W

Wallace McCracken, Mears Group, Inc.

Will Wright, Plains All American Pipeline

William (Billy) Rado, Corrpro

Instructor Resources

Instructor Toolbox

NCCER’s Instructor Toolbox provides easy access to important instructional resources for your training program. You’ll find downloadable course planning tools, examples of classroom activities and projects, and instructor tips and best practices to help you enhance your program.