Condenser Control Loop:

The distillate temperature from the MECO Multiple Effect Still is maintained
with a PID control loop. The proper distillate temperature existing the still is
maintained under all conditions. The PID control loop senses the actual temperature
and adjusts the flow rate of cooling water up or down to maintain the temperature
at the desired point. The loop parameters can be viewed from the unit's operator
interface.
The temperature transmitter (TT) senses the distillate temperature exiting
the condenser and transmits a corresponding 4-20 ma signal to the unit's PLC-based
control system. The PLC distillate temperature logic (TIC) monitors this input signal
and determines the error between the actual temperature exiting the condenser
and the desired temperature. If the actual temperature is higher than the desired
temperature, an output signal from the PLC will open the cooling water control valve
to increase the cooling flowrate through the condenser. If the actual temperature is
lower than the desired temperature, an output signal from the PLC will close the
cooling water control valve to decrease the cooling water flowrate through the
condenser. The output signal from the PLC will take into consideration the
magnitude of the error, the length of time that the error has existed, and the rate at
which the error is changing to provide the most accurate control possible.
The 4-20 ma output signal from the PLC is sent to the current to pressure
transducer (TY), which converts the electrical signal to a corresponding 3-15 psig
pneumatic signal. The pneumatic signal is sensed by the cooling water control valve
positioner. The positioner also senses the position of the valve stem and maintains a
valve position corresponding to the signal from the PLC, regardless of line pressure
forces acting on the valve.