TPC Specialty Courses

This online course covers all maintenance aspects of using ammonia as a refrigerant. Describes both single-stage and two-stage ammonia systems. Explains the importance of accumulators and intercoolers in ammonia refrigeration. Concludes with coverage of liquid recirculation system operation. This course has no prerequisites. Ammonia Refrigeration Basics is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

Covers the effects of gain, bandwidth, and distortion on amplifier performance. The course compares linear and nonlinear (switching) amplifiers. Explains how to use transistor curves to analyze amplifier operation in terms of operating regions, load lines, operating (Q) points, and biasing. The online course discusses impedance matching and compares capacitive, transformer, and direct-coupled amplifiers. Describes many ways op-amps are used today, including integrators and comparators. Provides specific methods for troubleshooting common amplifier problems that maintenance technicians should be familiar with when working with electronics. This course has no prerequisites. Amplifiers is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

The Analytical Instrumentation course covers principles, installation, calibration, and maintenance of conductivity probes, and methods of stack gas monitoring. The online course includes how to install, calibrate, and maintain pH and ORP measurement instruments and operation, installation, calibration, and maintenance of several optical analyzers. Discusses principles and safe practices governing sensors used in measuring oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other products of combustion. Concludes with operation, calibration, and system components in liquid and gas chromatography. This course has no prerequisites. Analytical Instrumentation is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

The Basic Milling Procedures course covers the setup and use of the horizontal milling machine, and describes the functions of basic cutters and attachments. Uses "hands-on" projects so trainees actually gain experience on the milling machine. Includes a work-holding fixture project that can have practical value in the shop when finished. A prerequisite to this course is 323 - Machine Shop Job Analysis.

Covers basic shop math and measurement skills. This online welding course explains how to read, use, and make blueprints. Discusses types of welds, weld joints, and weld symbols. Explains advanced shop math and measurement skills. This course has no prerequisites. Blueprint Reading for Welders is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

This online course covers belt conveyors that carry coal, sand, gravel, grain and other loose materials. Acquaints the trainee with the terminology, basic structure, and operation of these systems. Includes detailed coverage of belts, belt cleaners, idlers, and feed/discharge devices, as well as an explanation of installation, maintenance, replacement, and troubleshooting information of these components. This course has no prerequisites. Bulk-Handling Conveyors is available in online and course manual formats.

This online course thoroughly explains the function of the compressor in a refrigeration system. Introduces information on the construction and use of reciprocating, rotary, helical, scroll, and centrifugal compressors. Covers compressor motors, control, and protection. Concludes with a lesson on preventive maintenance for compressors as well as troubleshooting and repair. This course has no prerequisites. Compressors is available in Online Maintenance Training and course manual formats.

The Computers in Process Control online course covers the evolution of today's process control computer systems. Compares smart components to older conventional system devices. Covers the architecture (hardware and software), configuration, and operation of distributed control systems in depth (two entire lessons) by using as an example a typical DCS controlling an ice cream plant. Defines common terms used in today's integrated plant and discusses the integration of discrete and continuous processes with plant business functions. This course has no prerequisites. Computers in Process Control is available in Online Maintenance Training and course manual formats.

This online course overs the function, construction, and operation of both air- and water-cooled condensers and related devices. Discusses cooling towers and spray ponds, including maintenance and troubleshooting. Includes a lesson on evaporative condensers. Concludes with a discussion of water-related problems and how to solve them. This course has no prerequisites. Condensers and Cooling Towers is available in Online Maintenance Training and course manual formats.

Introduces the need for control, control methods, and system basics. Includes information on self-powered, pneumatic, hydraulic, electric, and electronic systems. Covers various sensors and controlled devices. Covers the basics of two-position, floating, and proportional control systems and their maintenance and troubleshooting. Discusses the various processes requiring control in a refrigeration or air-conditioning system. This course has no prerequisites. Control Systems is available in online technical training and course manual formats.

The Controlling Maintenance Resources online course covers methods of using maintenance resources for greatest efficiency, and tells how to implement the techniques effectively. Explains what workload is and how to measure it. Provides a thorough investigation into the control of labor, parts, and materials—both in the field and in the shop. Examines the budget process and how to control costs through budgeting. This course has no prerequisites. Controlling Maintenance Resources is available in online technical training and course manual formats.

This online course covers mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and telemetric data transmission methods. Discusses indicators, other devices, and methods used for electrical/electronic data transmission in detail. Compares methods and standards for parallel and serial digital data transmission. The course describes optical isolation and the operation of optical data transmission systems in detail. Provides specific methods for preventing common kinds of data transmission interference. This course has no prerequisites. Data Transmission is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

This online course covers the comparison of analog and digital switching circuits. Explains Boolean logic functions. Describes TTL and CMOS logic, as well as IC logic devices. Explains how flip-flops, clock circuits, counters, multiplexers, and memory circuits work. Describes the sections and interfaces in functional logic systems, including microprocessors. Describes proper methods for detection and correction of common fault potentials. This course has no prerequisites. Digital Logic Systems is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

This online maintenance management course covers how to use verbal and written communication tools, including the importance of listening. Explains how to motivate maintenance personnel through effective communication. Discusses how to organize written communication, best utilizing the elements of writing—parts of speech, phrases, clauses, sentences, structure, punctuation, and syntax. Gives examples of business writing used for reporting progress and motivating employees. This course has no prerequisites. Effective Communication for Supervisors is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

This online course covers electrical energy consumers in typical commercial and industrial facilities. Investigates utility rate structures and relates cost to load management. Examines power factors, including how they are calculated and how they affect energy usage. Shows methods of conducting lighting surveys and how lighting fixture and lamp selection can impact electricity costs. This course has no prerequisites. Electrical Energy Conservation is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

This maintenance management online course defines the supervisor’s job in terms of maintenance planning, operations, and employee interaction. Demonstrates how good leadership requires administering discipline fairly, recognizing employee needs, and preventing employee strife. Discusses the basic information supervisors need in handling grievances and union disputes. This course has no prerequisites. Employee Relations is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

Explains the function and construction of evaporators. Covers direct-expansion, dry-expansion, and flooded evaporators, as well as systems using multiple evaporators. Discusses ways to boost evaporator performance. Explains evaporator defrosting, maintenance, and troubleshooting. The online course goes on to describe the function, operation, and maintenance of various metering devices, including hand-operated, automatic, thermostatic, thermal-electric devices. This course has no prerequisites. Evaporators and Metering Devices is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

The Evaporators, Condensers, and Controls online course covers the maintenance of gravity feed, overfeed, dump trap, CPR, and DX supply systems. Describes evaporator and evaporative condenser design, selection, and operation. Discusses various defrost systems-hot gas, electric, water, and glycol spray. Examines stop, shutoff, relief, check, solenoid, expansion, pressure-regulating, and float valves. This course has no prerequisites. Evaporators, Condensers, and Controls is available in online technical training and course manual formats.

Covers how elements in a closed-loop system affect final control element. Describes components in final control subsystems. Discusses operations and maintenance of solenoids, motors, relay systems, and PLCs. Explains pneumatic actuators and positioners. The online course goes on to describe mechanical advantage in several hydraulic control systems. Compares construction, characteristics, and applications of eight control valves. Traces operation of each element in typical feedwater, turbine, and robotic control systems. This course has no prerequisites. Final Control Elements is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

Covers principles of fluid flow and how primary devices affect fluid flow. Describes flow measurement using several kinds of secondary devices. The online course goes on to Discuss rotameters and other variable-area instruments. Explains how weirs, flumes, and other arrangements measure open-channel flow. Compares many kinds of positive-displacement meters and explains the operation of several kinds of turbine and magnetic flowmeters. Describes less-common flowmeters (including vortex-precession, mass flow, and ultrasonic devices) and instruments that meter the flow of solids. Provides guidelines for safe installation and maintenance of flow devices. This course has no prerequisites. Flow Measurement is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

This course covers force, stress, and strain and explains the operation of strain-gauge systems. Relates weight to mass and scales to balances. The online course explains the operation of load-cell scales. Describes belt-scale, nuclear-scale, and weigh feeder operation. Covers position measurements by means of proximity detection, air gauging, LVDT gauges, synchros, code disks, and other devices. Explains machine tool control and accelerometer operation. Describes the measurement of angular velocity and acceleration, vibration detection, and machinery balancing. This course has no prerequisites. Force, Weight, and Motion Measurement is available in online technical training and course manual formats.

This online maintenance management course covers what preventive maintenance (PM) is and why it is necessary. Develops procedures for setting up a practical PM program and describes the effects of PM on scheduled and unscheduled work. Explains the requirements and advantages of the program as it applies to maintenance management. Provides information on the relationship of PM to production and quality control. This course has no prerequisites. Implementing Preventive Maintenance is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

This online maintenance management course covers instructions to the first-line supervisor in the strategies involved in improving performances and presents proven methods for increasing maintenance productivity. Develops ways of evaluating training effectiveness and the management of time. Describes the information necessary to stimulate improvement in all facets of the maintenance program. This course has no prerequisites. Improving Performance in Maintenance is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

Covers the use of the dividing head. Covers plain, differential, and angular indexing. The course explains the use of the dividing head for milling hexagons. This online course proceeds to the cutting of spur gears, helical gears, and cams. This course has no prerequisites. Indexed Milling Procedures is available in online technical training and course manual formats.

Covers techniques and safeguards in the use of rope, chain, hoists, and scaffolding when moving heavy plant equipment and maintaining plant utilities. This course has no prerequisites. Industrial Rigging Principles and Practices is available in online technical training and course manual formats.

This online course covers the function of basic devices for measuring and controlling different kinds of variables in process control. Introduces closed-loop control and PID functions. Introduces maintenance of analog and digital devices and programmable logic controllers (PLCs). ISA and SAMA instrumentation symbols and interpretation and use of process diagrams are covered. This course has no prerequisites. Introduction to Process Control is available in online technical training and course manual formats.

A sequential follow-up to course 324 on lathe operation, This online course covers chuck installation, boring and counterboring operations, thread cutting, and taper boring. Continues into special lathe operations that use faceplates, angle plates, and boring bars. Provides several real "hands-on" projects. Lathe- Machining Work in a Chuck is available in online technical training and course manual formats.

Covers principles governing various methods of measuring level. This online course explains the operation of conductive, capacitive, resistive, ultrasonic, and photoelectric devices. Compares the operation of several kinds of pressure-head instruments and their maintenance. Explains the measurement of solids by ultrasonic, microwave, radiation, and other methods. Discusses several special-application devices for both continuous and point level measurement. This course has no prerequisites. Level Measurement is available in online technical training and course manual formats.

Covers types of jobs likely to be encountered by the maintenance machinist, and describes how the machinist decides which machine(s) to use for particular operations. This online course shows how to analyze the entire job before selecting the most efficient sequence of machining operations. Builds on Courses 315, 316, 317, and is a prerequisite for the "hands-on" projects in the courses that follow. Machine Shop Job Analysis is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

Covers the principles of machining, measurement, tool grinding, and machine shop safety. This online course discusses the properties of metals, how to layout and set up a job, how to use measuring devices such as the micrometer and vernier caliper, and how to read working drawings. Explains how to grind single-and multi-point tools. This course has no prerequisites. Machine Shop Practices is available in online technical training and course manual formats.

Covers types of milling machines and milling operations. Covers spindles, arbors, feed rates, and safety precautions. This online course discusses shaper and planer operations-setup, maintenance, and safety procedures. Also introduces grinding, power sawing, and gear cutting operations. This course has no prerequisites. Machine Shop Shaping Operations is available in online technical training and course manual formats.

Covers the major types of lathes and their attachments, safety, maintenance, job preparation, and basic lathe operations. This online course discusses all facets of drilling and boring, types of drills and drill presses, milling machines, and job bores. Explains reaming and reamer terms. Covers threads and threading. This course has no prerequisites. Machine Shop Turning Operations is available in online technical training and course manual formats.

Covers the basic types of maintenance organizations. This online course discusses cost-saving concepts of using work order systems. Explains how to develop and use information sources to implement maintenance management. Shows how to apply work standards and planning procedures to simplify a supervisor’s job. Introduces the use of computers for first-line supervisors. This course has no prerequisites. Maintenance Organization is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

Covers components and terminology used in piping systems. Also covers terminology, measurement, and maintenance of threaded, welded, and plastic piping systems. This online course explains the use of pipefitting accessories-supports, traps, filters and strainers, and expansion joints. This course has no prerequisites. Maintenance Pipefitting is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

Covers analysis of training needs. Describes various kinds of maintenance training and lists important steps in administering training. This online course compares group management techniques to self-study. Discusses the training environment. Examines how to keep training records and how to evaluate training results. This course has no prerequisites. Managing a Training Program is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

Covers further details of drive maintenance, including brakes, clutches, and adjustable-speed drives. This online course also covers maintenance and troubleshooting of fluid drives and package drive systems. This course has no prerequisites. Mechanical and Fluid Drive Systems is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

Covers alignment, particularly coupling alignment. Includes installation and maintenance of mechanical drives, from chain drives to enclosed gear drives. This course has no prerequisites. Mechanical Drive Maintenance is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

Previous courses have dealt largely with the operation of two major machine tools, the lathe and the milling machine. This course picks up some of the other machines found in a machine shop, some of which may be used infrequently, but which nevertheless require specific skills to operate. In most cases, simple projects are described to give trainees experience working with these machines. This course has no prerequisites. Multiple-Machine Procedures is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

Covers how oscillation is started and maintained. Compares LC (tuned), RC (phase-shift), and crystal oscillators. Compares sine-wave oscillators and square-wave switching circuits. Discusses monostable, astable, and bistable flip-flop operation in detail and shows expected waveforms. Explains how logic clocks are generated and conditioned. Discusses Schmitt trigger circuits, frequency dividers, and ripple counters, as well as propagation delays and glitches. Describes the operation of low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and band-reject filters, including differentiators and integrators. Describes the equipment and procedures for troubleshooting oscillator components and circuits. This course has no prerequisites. Oscillators is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

The Oxyfuel Welding course covers the welding of ferrous and nonferrous metals. Describes oxygen cutting as well as brazing and soldering. The course concludes with discussing types of welding surfacing techniques. This course has no prerequisites. Oxyfuel Operations is available in online technical training and course manual formats.

Examines piping system materials and sizing. Includes coverage of codes, valves and fittings, and the cutting and joining of piping and tubing. Explains the function and unique requirements of the discharge line, liquid line, and suction line. Concludes with a lesson on piping system maintenance, including handling dirt and scale, expansion, vibration, corrosion, and leaks. This course has no prerequisites. Piping is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

Covers the four basic kinds of power supply conversions. Explains how to work with nonchemical cells as well as primary and secondary cells of various materials. Describes in detail the functions and operation of several kinds of rectifiers, filters, and voltage regulators and explains how they work together as power conditioners. Discusses basic tools, test devices, and procedures for troubleshooting to solve the greatest number of problems in the least amount of time. This course has no prerequisites. Power Supplies in the Plant is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

Covers units of pressure and discusses Boyle's and Charles' laws to explain relationships among pressure, volume, and temperature. Describes sensor operation of manometers, bourdon tubes, diaphragms, and bellows. Explains the operation of potentiometric, capacitive, reluctive, servo, strain-gauge, and piezoelectric transducers. Describes devices used in low-pressure control. Discusses proper and safe methods for installing and servicing pressure instruments. This course has no prerequisites. Pressure Measurement is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

Prepares technicians to take full advantage of vendor training on specific equipment. Covers the basic operating principles of all PLCs, their inputs and outputs, programming, maintenance, and networking. This course has no prerequisites. PLC is available in online technical training and course manual formats.

Covers basic pumping concepts. Describes required maintenance of packing and seals. Covers maintenance and overhaul of centrifugal pumps. Concludes with the maintenance of rotary pumps. This course has no prerequisites. Pump Installation and Maintenance is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

Explains the effects of noncondensables on an ammonia system and the importance of their removal. Covers a wide range of piping considerations-sizing, flow rate, pressure drop, and others. Concludes with a thorough coverage of safety codes and programs, including ANSI/ASHRAE, IIAR, OSHA, and EPA information. This course has no prerequisites. Purging, Piping, and Safety is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

Covers the responsibilities of the employer, employee, and regulatory agencies in maintaining safety. Discusses ways of identifying and handling chemical, electrical, biological, radiation, and mechanical hazards. Discusses the importance of maintenance (including calibration) and proper record keeping. Describes the use of common electrical and electronic test instruments. Offers guidelines for handling heavy equipment, decontaminating and servicing pneumatic and hydraulic equipment, and troubleshooting. This course has no prerequisites. Safety, Calibration, and Testing is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

Covers the theory behind semiconductor operation. Describes the characteristics and operation of various diodes and transistors. Stresses the importance of proper environmental conditions and explains how to minimize electrostatic discharge (ESD) and radio frequency interference (RFI). Discusses printed circuit board (PCB) and integrated circuit (IC) technology, including connection and replacement methods. Identifies kinds of semiconductor packages. Explains how to interpret manufacturers' spec sheets and how to analyze circuit performance by Q points and characteristics. This course has no prerequisites. Semiconductors is available in online technical training and course manual formats.

Discusses the keys to effective troubleshooting and emphasizes the importance of safety. Details a step-by-step procedure to use when troubleshooting. Covers the use of a troubleshooting flowchart. Examines three sample problems, leading the trainee through the steps necessary to locate the problem in each example. This course has no prerequisites. System Troubleshooting is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

Covers units in thermal measurement and operation of RTDs (and wheatstone bridges), thermistors, and thermocouples and thermometers. Includes principles of pyrometry and operation of narrowband, broadband, and bandpass pyrometers. Discusses calibration standards, typical calibrating methods, and instrument testing. This course has no prerequisites. Temperature Measurement is available in online technical training and course manual formats.

Introduces the basic concepts needed for an understanding of refrigeration. Traces the basic refrigeration cycle. Explains the concepts of heat, temperature, humidity, dewpoint, enthalpy, and simple psychrometrics. Concludes with a lesson on the tools and instruments needed for refrigeration servicing and safe work practices. This course has no prerequisites. The Refrigeration Cycle is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

Covers tubing specifications, materials, and fittings. Explains procedures used for handling, bending, cutting, and installing tubing. Gives basics of tubing in a hydraulic system. Describes hose systems and their functions. Concludes with gaskets, sealants, and adhesives. This course has no prerequisites. Tubing and Hose System Maintenance is available in online maintenance training and course manual formats.

This online welding training course covers the fundamentals of industrial welding. Each topic stresses welding safety considerations and precautions. Covers different types of welds and both oxyfuel and arc welding equipment. Describes welding techniques and symbols. Discusses ways to avoid weld faults. This course has no prerequisites. Welding Principles is available in online technical training and course manual formats.

Covers the purposes and kinds of controllers and their relationship to other components in process control systems. Explains the concepts of current-, position-, and time-proportioning control. Compares the operation of several kinds of controllers. Describes the operation of proportional, integral, and derivative modes, and discusses tuning procedures for each. Discusses cascade, feedforward, ratio, and auctioneering control systems as well as other operations. Describes ways to eliminate or reduce controller problems. This course has no prerequisites. Working with Controllers is available in online technical training and course manual formats.