MODULE DETAILS

Module 7: Practical Process Control for Engineers and

Technicians

Nominal duration: 3 weeks (36 hours total time commitment)

This time commitment includes the preparation reading, attendance at each webinar (1 hour plus 15-30 minutes for discussion), and the time necessary to complete the assignments and further study.

MODULE PURPOSE

This module covers the theory and practice of control systems, with an emphasis on closed loop PID (Proportional, Integral, Derivative) control.

PRE-REQUISITES MODULE, UNITS /

CO-REQUISITES

Module 6

ASSESSMENT STRATEGY

To evaluate the achievement of the learning outcomes; written assignments, group projects and practical exercises are set.

SUMMARY OF LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Examine the basic process control concepts

2. Identify and correct stability issues in closed loops

3. Compare alternative closed loop configurations

4. Examine peripheral issues in process control

Learning Outcome 1

Examine the basic process control concepts

Assessment Criteria

1.1

Examine the following basic control concepts: (a) On/off control

(b) Modulation control

(c) Feed-forward control

(d) Feedback control

(e) PID control

1.2

Examine PID control

Learning Outcome 2

Identify and correct stability issues in closed loops

Assessment Criteria

2.1

Identify and outline stability issues in control systems, with specific reference to:

(a) Causes of instability

(b) Methods to improve stability

(c) Changing of stability through PID control modes

2.2

Perform optimization of a PID temperature control loop by means of stability analysis

Learning Outcome 3

Compare alternative closed loop configurations

Assessment Criteria

3.1

Compare the following closed loop control configurations:

(a) Cascade control

(b) Feed-forward control

(c) Combined feedback and feed-forward control

Learning Outcome 4

Examine peripheral issues in process control

Assessment Criteria

4.1

Examine the problem of long dead time in closed loop control

4.2

Examine the issues relating to alarm handling

4.3

Evaluate commercially-available process control equipment

4.4

Examine the use of PLCs as alternatives to dedicated PID controllers

4.5

Examine the concept of self-tuning controllers

Delivery mode

A combination of asynchronous and synchronous e-learning delivery comprising a judicious mix of interactive online web conferencing, simulation (virtual labs) software, remote online labs, online videos, PowerPoint slides, notes, reading and study materials (in PDF, HTML and Word format) accessed through the Moodle Learning Management System (LMS).