Process Control Flashcards
This should be something that is readily measured
Controlled Variables
- reliable and accurate
- adequate sensitivity
- measured in real time
- something that responds with as little delay as possible
- something that is affected by changes to other process variables
Variable that can be adjusted by the operator or control system. This should be something that is readily manipulated. This should have a direct and predictable effect on the process
Manipulated variables
Inputs that cannot be controlled by an operator or control system
Disturbances
There can be both measurable and immeasurable disturbances
The control system has to adjust for these
Control approach
- Control variables before they affect the rest of the process
- Measure the controlled variable
- Use only one manipulated variable for each control variable
- No more that one control action on each stream
- Avoid interactions
- Position measuring devices close to where the disturbance occurs
Control design methodology
- Understand the process
- Identify the operating parameters
- Identify the hazardous scenarios
- Identify what you can measure
- Identify where you can measure
- Select measurement methods
- Select control method
This is not a full list: fail safe, redundancy etc. also
One controlled variable, one manipulated variable.
We change one variable to control one other,
Single input single output (SISO)
The output has no effect on the control system: no feedback and cannot self correct. Relies on good understanding of the process. Not really control. Can only use one independent variable and other variables have to remain constant.
Open loop “control”
Also known as feedback control. The main method used in process control. The effects of the disturbances on the controlled variable are used to adjust the manipulated variable and so correct for the disturbances.
Closed loop control
Sends a signal to the final control element to maintain tank level by adjusting supply flowrate based on the error
Controller
produces a measured value for use in control system
measurement device
unpredictable changes in systems
load changes
Closed loop control
- The condition of a system is monitored by a sensor which provides this information to the controller
- The comparator in the controller deterines the value of the error signal (difference between actual and target value)
- Based on the value of the error signal, the controller transmits a signal to the final control element to change the value of the manipulated variable
Control system acts to compensate for disturbances
Difference between actual and target value
error signal
Disadvantages of closed loop control
- feedback system cannot take a corrective action until after a disturbance has upset the process
- controlled output is continually changing until set point and measured point are in agreement
- Predicative control
- Useful where final controlled variable cannot be measured
- Measure process disturbances: apply a compensating control action & can provide greater stability
- Knowledge of process is required: understanding of the effect of independent variables on dependent variables
Feed forward control
shows how information flows around the control loop
the control block diagram