Specialty Phase
The third and final phase of training is 18 weeks long and focuses on one of three specialties, electrical, instrumentation or mechanical.
The electrical course has nine annexes. The annexes cover Electrical Fundamentals, Basic Electronics, Electrical Practices and Standards, Motors and Generators, Machine Controllers, Cable Splicing, Transformers, Circuit Breakers and Distribution Systems.
In Electrical Fundamentals, students learn the various circuit rules and calculations, how to operate test equipment for troubleshooting circuits, electronic soldering, power quality and building circuits on a breadboard. Training in Basic Electronics covers many different electronic devices, how they work, how to test and troubleshoot them and their function in the circuit. Students attending the Electrical Practices and Standards classes are taught the National Electrical Code and conduit bending. Students learn to calculate bend radius, conductor size, conductor type for a specific location, circuit protection, box fill and maximum number of conductors in a raceway. Classes in Motors and Generators cover single-phase and three-phase motors and generators, their maintenance, troubleshooting and repair. Machine Controllers will teach students all the different types of motor controls and why they are used, learn how to wire those controllers, diagnose faults and repair the faulty component. In the Cable Splicing class students learn how to splice and terminate low and medium voltage power cables up to 15,000 volts; how to locate underground power cable by using a tracing tool and then find the location of the fault in the cable. The Transformer annex covers transformer theory, calculations and construction. Students learn how to wire single-phase and three-phase connections, test dry and oil filled transformers and test the insulating oil in the transformers. Circuit Breaker training teaches students the maintenance, testing and repair of circuit breakers from small molded case circuit breakers all the way up to 15,000-volt air magnetic; oil filled and vacuum circuit breakers. Distribution Systems students learn the different types of generating systems and distribution systems. Students also learn about grounding systems, testing of grounding systems and personnel protective grounding. In this annex students learn aerial line material, line equipment tools and how to perform an infrared survey. Soldier students who complete this course are awarded ASI S3.
The purpose of the Instrumentation Course is to provide the student, Power Plant Instrumentation Specialist, with skills and knowledge in the methods and techniques necessary to safely perform troubleshooting, testing, maintenance, and repair of instrumentation systems and components used on electrical power generation and distribution equipment. The Instrumentation Specialty course emphasizes higher-level thinking and mathematical analysis of abstract concepts involving operational theory of electronic components and systems. The course begins with a formalization of the mathematical and basic AC and DC circuit theories and concepts that were taught in the Academics Phase. From this, the course builds the students knowledge of electronics, digital systems, and automated process controls, to include programmable logic controllers (PLC’s). Among other projects, students design, build and troubleshoot a multistage amplifier and build a multimeter. The course concludes with a study of relay control systems in power production and distribution.
Skills learned include the testing, calibration, troubleshooting and repair of systems and components used in the measurement, regulation, protection and control of signals, quantities and processes. Upon completion of this course, the student is awarded an Additional Skill Identifier (ASI) of E-5.
Mechanical Specialty students receive crew to depot level training on power plant maintenance. The training is a combination of lecture and hands-on practical exercise.
Subject areas for the Mechanical Training Phase include Diesel Engines and Systems, Allied Skills (hand, precision and power tools), Electric Arc and Oxyacetylene Welding, Fluid Handling Systems (piping systems, air compressors and pumps) and Diesel Engine Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Rebuild. The predominant engines in the course are the 12-cylinder, Cummins KTA38 (38 liters/2300 cubic inches), the 16-cylinder, 9072 cubic inches, General Motors Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD), and the inline 6-cylinder Caterpillar 3456 Diesel Engine. Students who complete this course are awarded Additional Skill Indicator (ASI) S2.
==See also==
Read more about this topic: United States Army Prime Power School, Training
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