CHE184-1P Process Dynamics and Control

3rd Quarter SY 2016-2017

Level Control Loops: An Observation of the Effect of Control Actions

Mendoza, Theresa C1,

1Student, CHE184-1P/C31, School of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Mapa Institute of Technology

1. Introduction

A process has different systematic operations, which takes steps to produce a final output. Control on several
activities of the process is necessary since it has to work systematically and in a precise manner. A device called
automatic controller takes process variable as input and manipulates this process input with respect to set values
to minimize the deviation automatically. Controlled variable is the variable that is to be controlled. Manipulated
variable is being corrected through another medium by operation controller. The manner in which an automatic
controller manipulates deviations in its output with respect to process input is called control actions.

Basically, there are four different control actions: (i) On-off control, (ii) proportional control, (iii) integral control, and
(iv) derivative control. Each mode of control has specific advantages and limitations. Designed automatic controller
produces only one out of four actions or combination for desired process control.

2. Experimental

Equipment Set-up

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 CHE184-1P Process Dynamics and Control
3rd Quarter SY 2016-2017

In this laboratory exercise, five control actions have been observed which are on/off, proportional, proportional-integral,
proportional-derivative, and proportional-integral-derivative control. Different procedures and objectives are set for the control
actions using the software.

On/Off Control

Initially, the set point was inputted in the software. Through closing and closing the solenoid valve AVS-1, AVS-2, AVS-3 and
the activation pump, the control can be adjusted. The flow, tolerance, and performance time were changed to see the effect
of these parameters to each other.

Proportional Control

A set point for PID controller and proportional constant is selected. A zero value for the integral and derivative is indicated.
The PID-controller and solenoid valve (AVS-2) is activated and pump 1 (AB-1) is connected. AVP-1 (proportional valve) is
modified that adjusted the flow to attain the set value.

Proportional-Integral Control, Proportional-Derivative Control, Proportional-Integral-Derivative

The procedure for these modes of actions except for the set values. For proportional integral, a zero value for the derivative
is indicated. For proportional derivative, a zero value for the integral is indicated. While for proportional-integral-derivative, a
non-zero value is indicated for all.

3. Observations and Discussion

The summary of the observations for each modes of actions is shown in Table 3.1.

Table 3.1 Observations of the Effect of Control Actions

Control Actions Observation
On/Off The system increases or decreases from the set but never stays on it
Proportional As the proportional constant kc increases, offset decreases. However, it does not
get close to the line (set value).
Proportional-Integral It eliminates offset. An oscillation is observed in the line but it reaches the set point.
Proportional-Derivative The oscillation is being corrected to achieve the set point.
Proportional-Integral-Derivative It can decrease the oscillation and achieved the set point in a short period of time

On/Off

In this control action, the controller output puts signal on when the measurement input is below the set point. However, when
the input is at its highest with respect to set value, the controller output signals off. This explains the observation made that
the system increases or decreases from the set value.

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 CHE184-1P Process Dynamics and Control
3rd Quarter SY 2016-2017

Proportional

A proportional control action adjusts the manipulated variable continuously in order for the process input is balanced
with the process demand. In this control, the output is proportional to the error. So, as what has been observed, the
proportional constant increases, some deviation left or the offset decreases. Its main limitation which is also included
in the observation, it cannot keep the controlled variable on set point. Hence, controlled variable will increase or
decrease from the set point.

Proportional Integral

Integral control alone is proven of the capability to remove offset. Hence, its combination with proportional provides
exact correction in the practical control loops for all load conditions. However, the integral mode of control has a
considerable destabilizing effect, results to oscillation, that can be compensated by adjusting the gain K c.

Proportional Derivative

In this control action, the derivative (rate) action causes the controller to vary as the rate of change actuating error
signal varies. Derivative control improves the transient response of the system while reducing oscillations and
overshoot.

Proportional Integral Derivative

This combined control action has effect of compensation for larger time constant with initial slower response. This
brings stability in addition to removal of offset from the proportional action alone. It is capable of handling slow and
large load effectively and also in applications where time constant is small, dead time is large and load changes
large and fast. Hence, PID control action can handle any difficult load.

Conclusion

Each control action has their own advantages and disadvantages. As what is observed in the experiment,
combination of two control actions results to the addition of their advantages. Moreover, one control action may
overcome the disadvantages of the other. Hence, PID control is the best control actionwith a combination of the
advantages of proportional, integral, and derivative control action.

References

[1] Prasad, J., & Priyu, V. (2010). Instrumentation and Process Control. New Delhi: I.K. International Publishing
House.

[2] Singh, S. K. (2003). Industrial Instrumentation and Control. New Delhi: Tata Mc-Graw Hill Publishing Company.

[3] Varmah, K. R. (2010). Control Systems. Tata McGraw-Hill Education Private Limited.

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