ISA CAP Communication & Documentation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which ISA standard provides guidance on alarm rationalization and alarm documentation for process facilities?
- ISA-5.1
- ISA-18.2 (Correct answer)
- ISA-88
- ISA-95
Correct answer: ISA-18.2
ISA-18.2 covers the management of alarm systems including rationalization, documentation, and performance monitoring.
Question 2: In a Cause and Effect Matrix (C&E), rows typically represent:
- Initiated actions (outputs/actuators)
- Initiating causes (inputs/sensors) (Correct answer)
- Control loop tags
- Communication network nodes
Correct answer: Initiating causes (inputs/sensors)
In a standard C&E matrix, rows list the initiating causes (sensor trips, manual inputs) and columns list the resulting actions.
Question 3: A Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) report is best described as documentation that:
- Lists all spare parts shipped with the control system
- Records test results verifying the control system meets specifications prior to shipment (Correct answer)
- Defines the loop tuning parameters after commissioning
- Specifies the wiring termination schedule
Correct answer: Records test results verifying the control system meets specifications prior to shipment
The FAT report documents results of testing performed at the vendor's facility to confirm the system meets the design specification before delivery.
Question 4: When writing a technical procedure for operators, the recommended writing style is:
- Passive voice with long descriptive paragraphs
- Active voice with numbered sequential steps (Correct answer)
- Third-person narrative describing historical operations
- Bulleted lists with no specific sequence indicated
Correct answer: Active voice with numbered sequential steps
Operator procedures use active voice and numbered steps to provide clear, unambiguous sequential instructions that reduce error.
Question 5: Which document type defines the physical architecture, network topology, and hardware bill of materials for a control system?
- Logic Diagram
- System Architecture Document (SAD) (Correct answer)
- Instrument Data Sheet
- Loop Diagram
Correct answer: System Architecture Document (SAD)
The System Architecture Document describes the overall hardware configuration, communication networks, and physical layout of the control system.
Question 6: ISA-88 batch control standard documentation is most applicable to which type of process?
- Continuous pipeline fluid transport
- Discrete parts manufacturing assembly lines
- Batch chemical or pharmaceutical manufacturing processes (Correct answer)
- Electric power grid distribution
Correct answer: Batch chemical or pharmaceutical manufacturing processes
ISA-88 provides a framework for batch control including recipe management and equipment procedures applicable to batch manufacturing industries.
Question 7: What distinguishes a 'revision' from an 'issue' on an engineering drawing?
- Revisions change the drawing number; issues change the title block
- An issue is the initial release; revisions are subsequent authorized changes to that drawing (Correct answer)
- Issues apply only to P&IDs; revisions apply to loop diagrams
- Revisions require customer approval; issues do not
Correct answer: An issue is the initial release; revisions are subsequent authorized changes to that drawing
The first release of a drawing is its initial issue, while subsequent authorized changes increment the revision level tracked in the revision block.
ISA CAP Communication & Documentation 3
Which ISA standard provides guidance on alarm rationalization and alarm documentation for process facilities?