Tag: Industrial automation
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How to Tune the PID Controller
Before we discuss how to tune the PID controller, let’s look at some basic facts about PID Controller. Basic Facts about PID Controller Many control systems use a combinational of three types of control i.e. Proportional + Integral + Derivative (PID) control. The foundation of the system is the Proportional Control, adding Integral Control provides…
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Basic Features of Modern PID Controllers
Most modern PID controllers have the following features: Manual versus automatic mode Output tracking Setpoint tracking Alarm capabilities Process variable (PV) characterization and damping Setpoint limits Output limits PID tuning security Manual and Automatic Modes When the controller manually calculates the output values based on process variable (PV) and setpoint (SP) values overtime, it is…
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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 many advantages in addition to their ability to network with PC workstations and other controllers…
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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 the need for ratio control. In simple ratio control, one flow is declared to be…
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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 action based on load changes will shield the process variable (PV) from any adverse effect.…
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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: Physically, the SSR is packaged in a box with four electrical terminals: two input terminals and two output terminals. The input or control voltage of…
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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 are: Servomechanisms Numerical control machines Industrial robots Variable speed drills Digital torque wrenches Hard-drive head-positioning…
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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. The elements are interconnected between the supply lines for each step in the control process…
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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 supervisory computer. Once programmed, each process is essentially operating independently. Distributed control systems provides a…
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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 to ensure the output product remains as it ought to. A typical example of process…