Rodney Jacobs Training Consultant

13/03/2026

P part of the PID controller. We look at the advantages and disadvantages.

13/03/2026

BODMAS - there is an interesting sum, which is running on the internet. Do you get an answer of 1 or 16? 16 is the correct answer. Please watch the video for the correct solution.

09/03/2026

PID controller in general

04/03/2026

Resolution. Welcome, all. Our numbers have passed 500, and I thought it would be a good idea to do at least 2 short postings per week, on important topics in my field. Today, we cover RESOLUTION. This would touch on analog signals that need to be converted to their digital equivalent. Enjoy.

27/02/2026

25/02/2026

Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) are at the heart of modern industrial automation, enabling precise motor speed control, energy efficiency, and process optimization. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of VFD technology, from fundamental principles to advanced applications. Participants will explore how VFDs improve system reliability, reduce operational costs, and enhance safety in diverse industries such as manufacturing, mining, utilities, and oil & gas.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
• Explain the working principles and functionality of VFDs.
• Identify key components, configurations, and control strategies.
• Apply VFDs to improve energy efficiency and reduce mechanical stress.
• Troubleshoot common VFD issues using structured diagnostic methods.
• Integrate VFDs into automation systems (PLC/SCADA) for optimized process control.
• Align VFD applications with international standards and best practices.

25/02/2026

This intensive, hands-on workshop provides engineers and technicians with a deep understanding of industrial valves, actuators, process control strategies, and loop tuning techniques. Participants will explore the selection, operation, and troubleshooting of control elements within automated systems, with a strong emphasis on real-world applications, simulation exercises, and certification-aligned practices. Designed for professionals seeking to enhance their control system expertise, the course blends theory with practical insights to elevate performance, reliability, and safety in process environments.

COURSE OBJECTIVES
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
• Identify and classify industrial valves and actuators based on function, design, and application
• Understand control loop components and dynamics, including feedback, feedforward, and cascade control
• Apply loop tuning techniques using manual and software-based methods
• Diagnose and troubleshoot control system issues related to valves, actuators, and instrumentation
• Integrate control strategies into SCADA/PLC environments for optimal performance
• Align practices with international standards and certification requirements

25/02/2026

Hazardous areas may be defined as areas in which fires or explosions may exist, due to flammable gasses, vapours, mists, dusts or fibres. In most cases, minute amounts of energy are enough to cause ignition. So, it goes without saying that electrical equipment must be installed in such a way as to ensure that ignition is not initiated by the electrical equipment.

This 5-day workshop goes into the matter, in depth, and covers all the major areas of concern, in detail. It is comprehensive, and as all-encompassing as possible, and does pay attention to Intrinsic Safety as well, as this is often a major consideration of signal measurement in a hazardous area.

COURSE OBJECTIVES
• Background aspects of the selection, design, installation, maintenance and inspection of Ex-equipment
• Understanding aspects pertaining to energy and ignition, with respect to hazardous areas
• Appreciating area classification relevant to hazardous areas
• Appreciating the design philosophy associated with hazardous areas
• Go through all the explosion protection methods, in depth, and with special emphasis on Intrinsic safety
• Understand aspects relevant to earthing and bonding
• Understanding current standards and certification
• Dealing with electrical apparatus in hazardous areas
• Appreciating inspection and maintenance
• Implementing safe working methodologies and practices
• Implementing effective fault finding and testing
Dealing with ATEX and other similar issues

25/02/2026

This 5-day advanced course provides a comprehensive understanding of SCADA systems and IEC 61850 communication protocols, tailored for professionals involved in power system automation, substation control, and industrial integration. Participants will explore the architecture, configuration, and diagnostics of SCADA platforms, while mastering the principles and implementation of IEC 61850—including data modeling, GOOSE messaging, and system interoperability.
Through hands-on labs, real-world case studies, and guided walkthroughs, this course bridges the gap between traditional SCADA systems and modern digital substations.

COURSE OBJECTIVES
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
• Understand SCADA architecture, components, and data flow
• Configure and manage SCADA systems for industrial and utility applications
• Interpret IEC 61850 standards, object models, and logical nodes
• Understand GOOSE messaging and Sampled Values for high-speed communication
• Design and troubleshoot IEC 61850-based substation automation systems
• Integrate SCADA platforms with IEC 61850-compliant IEDs
• Apply cybersecurity and interoperability principles in modern automation networks

25/02/2026

This 3-day advanced course provides a comprehensive understanding of SCADA systems and IEC 61850 communication protocols, tailored for professionals involved in power system automation, substation control, and industrial integration. Participants will explore the architecture, configuration, and diagnostics of SCADA platforms, while mastering the principles and implementation of IEC 61850—including data modeling, GOOSE messaging, and system interoperability.
Through hands-on labs, real-world case studies, and guided walkthroughs, this course bridges the gap between traditional SCADA systems and modern digital substations.

COURSE OBJECTIVES
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
• Understand SCADA architecture, components, and data flow
• Configure and manage SCADA systems for industrial and utility applications
• Interpret IEC 61850 standards, object models, and logical nodes
• Understand GOOSE messaging and Sampled Values for high-speed communication
• Design and troubleshoot IEC 61850-based substation automation systems
• Integrate SCADA platforms with IEC 61850-compliant IEDs
• Apply cybersecurity and interoperability principles in modern automation networks

25/02/2026

Functional process safety involves identifying potential hazardous events that can trigger a chain reaction that could lead to serious or catastrophic consequences. This Safety Instrumentation and Emergency Shut-down Systems training seminar explains the requirements of the international standards IEC 61508 and IEC 61511, for functional safety instrumented system and, covers the entire life-cycle of safety instrumented systems, from determining what risk control systems are required through to decommissioning. This also includes the separation of basic process control systems and safety instrumented systems (SIS), layers independent protection (LOPs), how to determine safety integrity levels (SILs), technology choices and field device issues.

This Safety Instrumentation and Emergency Shut-down Systems training seminar primarily focuses on establishing conceptual and detailed design requirements, hazard analysis techniques, safety requirements specification, and the commissioning, operating and maintenance procedures.

25/02/2026

This focused workshop equips participants with the skills to read, interpret, and apply instrumentation drawings used in industrial process control. From P&IDs to loop diagrams and termination schedules, delegates will learn how to navigate technical documentation with confidence. The course emphasizes real-world applications, enabling participants to trace signal paths, understand control strategies, and support commissioning, maintenance, and troubleshooting activities.

Whether you're new to instrumentation or seeking to sharpen your documentation literacy, this workshop bridges theory and practice for enhanced operational clarity.

COURSE OBJECTIVES
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
• Identify and interpret key instrumentation symbols and standards
• Read and analyze P&IDs, loop diagrams, and wiring schematics
• Understand signal flow, control strategies, and device interconnections
• Navigate termination schedules, cable routing, and junction box layouts
• Apply drawing knowledge to commissioning, fault-finding, and system upgrades
• Communicate effectively using standardized documentation