Tag: Industrial automation
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Basic Features of Modern PID Controllers
Most modern PID controllers have the following features: Manual versus automatic modeOutput trackingSetpoint trackingAlarm capabilitiesProcess variable (PV) characterization and dampingSetpoint limitsOutput limitsPID tuning security Manual and Automatic Modes When the controller manually calculates … Read more
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Digital PID Controllers
Digital PID controllers have replaced most pneumatic and electronic analog controllers in industrial control applications. Digital PID controllers are preferred over the analog types because they employ microprocessors which can execute multiple functions at ago hence they bring with them … Read more
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Ratio Control
In some processes, it is a common requirement for two flows to be kept in precise ratio to each other for example, a gas or oil and air in combustion control, and reagents being fed to a chemical reactor hence … Read more
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Feedforward Control
Feedforward control is based on principle of pre-emptive load counter-action i.e. if all major loads (i.e. disturbances) on a process variable are monitored, and their effects on that process variable are well-understood, a control system programmed to take the appropriate … Read more
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Solid-state Relays (SSR) Features and Operation
A solid-state relay (SSR) is a purely solid-state device used for turning ON and OFF AC loads such as motors. Features of a Solid-state Relay Let’s consider the figure below: Figure (a) SSR being used to drive a motor Physically, … Read more
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What is Motion Control?
Motion control generally refers to an open loop or closed loop electromechanical system in which things are moving. A motion control typically consists of a motor, mechanical parts that move and often feedback sensor(s). Typical examples of motion control applications … Read more
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The Basics of Ladder Diagrams for Programming PLCs
The ladder diagrams are universally used as a symbolic and schematic way to represent the interconnection between the elements in a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). The ladder network is also used as a tool for programming the operation of PLC. … Read more
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Basic Features of Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
In distributed control system, each process has its own separate controller located at the site. These local controllers are interconnected via a local area network so that all controllers on the network can be monitored or reprogrammed from a single … Read more
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What is Process Control?
Process control can be defined as a control system that manages a particular industrial process so that a uniform, correct output is maintained. It does this by monitoring and adjusting the control parameters such as the flow rate or temperature … Read more
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Basic Facts about Data Acquisition (DAQ) and Process Control
The goal of most electronic systems is to measure or control some physical quantity. The system will have to acquire data from the environment, process this data and record it. As a control system, it will also have to … Read more