Aims

To gain an appreciation of process measurement devices.

To gain an appreciation of how time-dependent process behaviour affects the design, operation and safety of process plants.

To learn how to analyse the dynamic behaviour of linear systems and to attain a basic understanding of Chemical Process Control.

This module serves as an introduction to the analysis of linear dynamical systems and basic process control strategies.

Outline Of Syllabus

Measurement of flow, temperature, differential pressure, level, composition. Safety and costing considerations regarding instruments, introduction to piping and instrumentation diagrams.

The importance of dynamic effects; steady-state and non-steady state balances; review of solution of ODEs; the concept of models; the role of dynamic simulation; Laplace transforms; transfer functions; parameters of transfer functions; transfer function block diagram algebra, typical linear systems responses, linear systems stability and analysis.

Review of open loop dynamics; Closed loop elements; PID control; Plant testing for process characterisation; PID tuning; PID loop simulation.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures provide the knowledge base and examples of application.

Numerical practice sessions allow consolidation through worked examples and problem discussion.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The exam is an appropriate way to assess both theoretical understanding and problem solving skills under time- constraints. The computer based formative assignment tests the ability to deploy knowledge by utilising skills gained in order to solve practical problems.