Ebook: An Introduction to Process Modelling Identification and Control for Engineers

This book is intended for under graduate as well as post graduate students of chemical, electrical,
electronics and instrumentation branches of engineering disciplines pursuing process control as a subject
and will be useful to research students of similar disciplines. This book focuses on the basics of process
control, identification, PID controllers and autotuning with an objective to understand the basic concepts
of process modeling, feedback loops and synthesis of PID controllers with practical ways of using
closed-loop systems.
This text book contains 10 chapters starting from introduction to advanced topics in the field of
process modeling, identification and control to cater to needs of UG/PG students of E&I, ICE, Chemical,
Leather and allied branches of engineering. For quick reference the required mathematical tools are
presented at the appropriate places. Special emphasis is given to practice the theory with the help
of examples to provide adequate software programs. Detailed closed-loop studies based on several
typical case studies are also discussed. Some numerical problems are presented to understand theoretical
concepts clearly. The book is written in simple sentences in an easily understandable manner. Exercise
problems are also presented at the end of each chapter.
The revision formula, review questions and short questions with answers are another value addition.
Chapter one introduces process control explaining process, associated variables and the needs of closedloop
control of stable systems covering batch, semibatch and continuous processes. General description
of control schemes, regulatory & servo mechanisms, P&I diagram and steps in synthesizing control
system design will be helpful to readers who have not undergone any prior course on control systems.
Chapter two focuses mathematical tools for process modeling and control which will be appropriate for
students without higher engineering mathematics background. Chapter three aims for process modeling
which is essential for controlling a process. This will help in understanding dynamics of the system,
obtaining different model structures from 1st principle & continuity equations of systems. Structures of
SISO, MIMO and non-linear processes are also discussed in this chapter. Chapter 4 provides dynamic or
transient information characteristics regarding a process. Trends of outputs due to changes in different
types of input perturbations are also discussed in this chapter. Chapter 5 introduces methods of parametric
estimations from process model of different types. It includes several important identification algorithms
to obtain continuous / frequency domain transfer function models from measured input-output data
sets. The estimated parameters will be useful for controller tuning and stability analysis. The structures
of different modes of feedback control systems with different PID forms are presented in chapter 6.
Tuning of PID controller parameters for different types of process model structures is discussed. Time,
frequency domain and error based tuning criteria including autotuning features are discussed in this
chapter. Frequency responses and stability analysis are presented in chapter 7. Chapter 8 provides
information about valves, actuators, converters, valve sizing and smart control valves. PID enhancement
incorporating direct-indirect acting control actions, anti-reset windup and advanced process control
strategies are discussed in chapter 9. Case studies of closed-loop control on different practical process
systems are described in chapter 10.