Certificate in Maintenance Technology Fundamentals

Course details

This part-time programme in 'Maintenance Technology Fundamentals ' aims to provideparticipants with an understanding of mechanical and electrical plant along with various control systems including electronic and pneumatic systems including programmable controllers as they relate to industry. The programme addresses fault finding, isolation and repair techniques along with routine maintenance of the various components in production systems.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the programme, delegates should be able to demonstrate:

• A knowledge of the technology and practice relating to production processes
• The ability to fault find, isolate and repair equipment in the production industry
• The application of technical knowledge and skills to fault find and repair process equipment and systems
• The knowledge and skills relevant to the problem solving of systems and system components in a production, process and industrial environment
• The ability to identify and solve common mechanical, electrical and control malfunctions

Programme Details

Module 1: Mechatronics 1 – Pneumatics (5 Credits)

This module gives students an introduction to pneumatics. It describes the operation of equipment common to pneumatic circuits. Maintenance practices associated with this equipment is also examined. Pneumatic circuit design is analysed and circuits pertaining to these designs are built.

On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:

• Understand the role played by pneumatics in their everyday environment
• Outline the working principles of a range of pneumatic equipment
• Apply appropriate pneumatic design methodologies to solve engineering problems
• Undertake troubleshooting procedures to rectify faults commonly found in pneumatic circuits
• Work as a team member to complete all coursework assessments

Module 2: Electrical Power Systems (5 Credits)

This module is designed to introduce students to the concepts of electrical power systems in a range of applications and thereby develop an understanding of the relationship between supply, power, cables, protection and safety.

On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:

• Describe the general characteristics of electrical supplies and loads
• Perform calculations to establish operating conditions in electrical circuits
• Explain how certain conditions in a faulted circuit may arise and their solutions
• Explain the outline of the national supply system
• Describe the dangers of electrical shock and evaluate the practical protection methods available

Module 3: Mechatronics 2 and Machine Maintenance (5 Credits)

Part of this module progresses naturally from Mechatronics one. (Pneumatics) New Control System technologies including Electro-Pneumatics, PLC's and Hydraulics are described. Circuit design and construction based upon these technologies will be completed. Also Maintenance procedures pertaining to Mechanical elements commonly found in Machines will also be examined and reinforced by the learner through the completion of a series of practical exercises.

On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:

• Explain the working principles behind Electro-Pneumatics, PLC's and Hydraulics
• Apply appropriate design methodologies to build circuits in the aforementioned Control Systems
• Appreciate and describe mechanical maintenance procedures commonly used in machine transmission elements
• Complete practical exercises based upon key aspects of Machine Maintenance
• Work successfully in a team environment to complete coursework assessments

Module 4: PLC Application (5 Credits)

This module familiarises the student with the concepts of programmable control in automation. On completing the module, the student will have developed a clearer understanding of the application of PLC’s and will also be aware of safety requirements and the peripherals associated with PLC’s in automated plants.

On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:

• Describe and specify types of input tranducers/sensors and other switching devices associated with PLC inputs for industrial processes
• Describe the input output interface circuits and their role in the PLC's reliability
• Use a number of PLC programming languages to develop control solutions
• Test, debug, and rectify programs using software tools