Tuning of industrial control systems

Suitable for beginners, this book takes a practical but systematic approach to tuning. The aim is to provide insight into tuning procedures rather than a series of formulas to be memorized. The author gives helpful rules of thumb to speed the learning process during field training. The text begins with a discussion of common techniques for measuring the dynamic response of a process and choosing appropriate performance criteria. Later chapters cover selection and tuning of feedback control modes, including computer- and microprocessor-based controllers, and advanced modes. The second edition includes numerous examples of tuning, including the effect of hysteresis in flow control loops, averaging and tight level control, cascade control of a jacketed chemical reactor, feedforward control of a heater, and loop interaction and ratio control in a blender. Also included is an introduction to a model reference control and a chemical reactor control example to illustrate it. Contents: Feedback Controllers Open-Loop Characterization of Process Dynamics How to Select Feedback Controller Modes How to Tune Feedback Controllers Computer Feedback Control Tuning Cascade Control Systems Feedforward, Ratio, Multivariable, Adaptive, and Self Tuning Control and more.