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 control is a closed loop system maintaining a specified temperature in an electric oven as shown below:

closed loop oven heating system
Figure (a) closed loop oven heating system

The actuator is the heating element and the controlled variable is the temperature. The thermocouple can be used as the temperature sensor. The manipulated variable in this case is the power to the heating element. The controller regulates the power to the heating element in such a way to keep the temperature at the value specified by the set point.  

John Mulindi

John Mulindi is an Industrial Instrumentation and Control Professional with a wide range of experience in electrical and electronics, process measurement, control systems and automation. In free time he spends time reading, taking adventure walks and watching football.

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