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Troubleshooting: A Technician's Guide, 2nd Edition

William L. Mostia, Jr., P.E.
ISA Member Price: $63.00
Affiliate Member Price: $70.00
Community Member/List Price: $79.00

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Product ISBN/ID:
978-1-55617-963-1

Stock Status: In Stock

About

Troubleshooting loops and systems is something all technicians must do, but that few truly master. This newly revised edition draws on the author’s long experience as an instrument and electrical engineer and his maintenance expertise to provide a detailed look at the skills and knowledge required for troubleshooting. Interspersed with a wealth of practical detail and real-world examples are Mostia’s no-nonsense discussions of what a good troubleshooter needs to know. He provides an in-depth discussion of the basic logical framework that underlies all troubleshooting as well as advanced troubleshooting techniques. He also explores the causes of failures and the techniques that engineers and technicians use to trace them down. This new edition covers troubleshooting methods, both basic and advanced, hints and troubleshooting aids, troubleshooting safety, basic maintenance concepts, information about training, and the developing troubleshooting skills. It also includes numerous examples of troubleshooting problems in mechanical systems, process connections, pneumatic systems, electrical systems, electronic systems, and valves. Mostia also explores test equipment, programmable electronic systems, communication circuits, transient problems, and software.

Format: Softbound Book
Length: 215 pages
Book Size: 7 x 10 		Shipping Weight: .94 lb(s)
Copyright: 2006
Publisher: ISA

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Spotlight Reviews

Real Tips for Real Trouble - Apr 24, 2008
Reviewer: Nicholas Sands
Troubleshooting sounds like a difficult subject for a book. Bill Mostia tackles the subject in the second edition of Troubleshooting: A Technician’s Guide. With over 30 years of experience applying instrumentation and control in process facilities, including time with Amoco, Eastman, Dow, Exida, and SIS-Tech, Mostia has a wealth of experience upon which to draw. He is the owner of WLM Engineering, a Professional Engineer, and an active member of ISA, participating on SP18, SP84, and SP91. Mostia has published over 50 articles and contributed to the Guide to the Automation Body of Knowledge.

In the introductory chapter, Mostia states that troubleshooting is a skill that can be developed, by experience, mentoring, training, and other methods. The next chapters cover factors that influence failure rates and some basics on the types of failures. One chapter is devoted to the general logical approach to troubleshooting; a seven step process of defining the problem, collecting information, analysis, checking if more information is needed, proposing a solution, testing the solution, and completing the repair. Another chapter provides other troubleshooting methods, such as divide and conquer, remove and conquer and add and conquer. It is interesting to read about these methods.

A constant theme throughout the book, reflecting real experience, is Mostia’s emphasis on safety. A complete chapter is dedicated to working safely, from common causes of incidents to conditions in classified areas, to permits. The next chapter provides an explanation of common troubleshooting tools and their uses. The final chapters give example scenarios, tips for troubleshooting, and some documentation that can aid in troubleshooting.

Mostia does an admirable job with what could be a vague subject. As he states in the beginning, troubleshooting is a skill that can be developed. Reading his book is a good step in that development. The combination of troubleshooting methods, overview of tools, safety reminders, and practical tips makes this a book a good buy for even an experienced person.