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Process Control Engg
Process Control Engg
Process Control Engg
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History
Early process control breakthroughs came
most frequently in the form of water
control devices. Ktesibios of Alexandria is
credited for inventing float valves to
regulate water level of water clocks in the
3rd Century BC. In the 1st Century AD,
Heron of Alexandria invented a water valve
similar to the fill valve used in modern
toilets [1].
Hierarchy
Control Model
To determine the fundamental model for
any process, the inputs and outputs of the
system are defined differently than for
other chemical processes[5]. The balance
equations are defined by the control inputs
and outputs rather than the material
inputs. The control model is a set of
equations used to predict the behavior of a
system and can help determine what the
response to change will be.
Types
Processes can be characterized as one or
more of the following forms:
Control loops
Example of a continuous flow control loop. Signalling
is by industry standard 4-20 mA current loops, and a
"smart" valve positioner ensures the control valve
operates correctly.
Economic advantages
The economic nature of many products
manufactured in batch and continuous
processes require highly efficient
operation due to thin margins. The
competing factor in process control is that
products must meet certain specifications
in order to be satisfactory. These
specifications can come in two forms: a
minimum and maximum for a property of
the material or product, or a range within
which the property must be.[6] All loops are
susceptible to disturbances and therefore
a buffer must be used on process set
points to ensure disturbances do not
cause the material or product to go out of
specifications. This buffer comes at an
economic cost (i.e. additional processing,
maintaining elevated or depressed
process conditions, etc.).
External links
The Michigan Chemical Engineering
Process Dynamics and Controls Open
Textbook
PID Control Theory and Best Practices
Process Control Equipment Video
Tutorials
PID control virtual laboratory, free video
tutorials, on-line simulators, advanced
process control schemes
Process & Control publication
References
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