A good example that shows how lack of knowledge of the practicalities of control can result in terrible control characteristics.
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Over the years I have had many requests to write a book giving more detailed explanations of some of the problems I have encountered in my work on practical loop optimisation. I am by nature and inclination ...
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Some of the biggest problems associated with the final control element are hysteresis and backlash.
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75-85% of all industrial control loop problems are caused by valve issues.
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Feedback theory generally assumes that the process has a linear transfer function, which means that equal changes on the input will result in equal changes on the output.
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Michael Brown has introduced an online control loop optimisation and tuning consultation service designed to help plant engineers all over the world understand why their loops are not behaving the way ...
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Every time I work on a plant that is using a PLC and scada system for feedback control, I always first do a test on a controller module to ensure that the controllers have been configured correctly.
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This article outlines some of the practical problems and rules of thumb relating to final control elements, which can affect control in the real world.
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This article provides good insight into the dangers of using largely oversized valves, and into the importance of understanding practical control, and how your controllers work.
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Michael Brown is now offering training courses to individuals via online Zoom sessions. The first session of the Part 1 practical control course – Troubleshooting and Loop Tuning – will commence on Monday 1 February 2021.
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Two important dynamic factors occurring in the majority of process responses are deadtime, and the first order lag.
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It always amazes me that so few people really understand the workings of their feedback controllers. I have met only a few who really understand the practicalities of control blocks.
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