Process Technology refers to the systems and equipment used by manufacturers to change a raw material by heating, refining, distilling, and/or adding chemicals in order to make a final product or products.
Process Technicians operate this equipment and make sure its working correctly and continuously.
Instrumentation and Control Technicians install, maintain, and repair the systems of valves, sensors and computers that control the pressure, temperature, and flow of the product through the plant.
So we could say that if Process Techs are the drivers of a fast, safe, and efficient process manufacturing "race car", the Instrumentation and Control Techs are the mechanics.
Many goods are created through Process Manufacturing, including:
| Fuels | Paper | Clean water |
| Pharmaceuticals | Chocolate | Beer |
| Organic juices | Yogurt | Coffee |
| Paint | Cosmetics | Soccer balls |
| Candles | And a whole lot more. |
Bellingham Technical College's Center of Excellence for Process and Control Technology has a new state-of-the-art facility and provides a nationally-recognized educational program offering 1 year certificates and 2 year AAS degrees for students.
The Center supports the network of technical and community colleges in Washington State in providing quality process and control technology training for their students and the best possible workforce for the processing industries in their area. |
