Handout 1A

Jan. 28, 2020 ENGR 410-01 Process Instrumentation and Control (Spring 2020) Page 1 of 2
Example of a typical heating process:
• The process fluid is heated by steam going through the heat exchanger.
• The valve controls amount of steam flow (volume flow rate).

• Manual Control: The operator looks at exit temperature 𝑇(𝑡), if below desired value, increases steam
flow by some amount according to prior experience and vice versa.
• On/Off Control:
o Similar to how thermostats control room temperature.
o The valve is preset at some operating point which results exit temp 𝑇(𝑡) be close to the desired
value.
o The valve is opened by certain amount when exit temperature 𝑇(𝑡) falls below a certain value.
o The valve is closed by certain
amount when exit temperature
exceeds desired value.

Feedback Control (Closed Loop Control):

• TT measures exit temperature, sends

it to TC (Temperature Controller).
• TC opens the steam valve sufficiently
so that the exit temperature 𝑇(𝑡) is
same or very close to the input value
SP (Set Point).

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 Handout 1A
Jan. 28, 2020 ENGR 410-01 Process Instrumentation and Control (Spring 2020) Page 2 of 2
Feedforward Control (Open Loop):

• Based on input process fluid

temperature and flow rate, the
feedforward controller computes the
amount of steam needed to heat the
process fluid to the desired temperature
(SP) and opens the steam valve
accordingly.
• Note that if the valve is out of
calibration or the steam temperature
falls for some reason, the feedforward
controller can’t compensate as it is not
looking at exit temperature.

Combined FF and FB Controller:

• This scheme can compensate for
input temperature and flow rate
changes quickly due to the FF
controller and can compensate
for valve calibration or steam
temperature variations by the FB
controller.

Summary
Control: Measurement, Decision, Action.
• Measurements done by sensors are sent to controller.
• Decision is made by controller based on measurements; command is given to the actuator accordingly.
• Actuator (final control element) takes the action asked by the controller (to have the plant provide the
desired output).

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