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An introduction to process dynamics and process control technology.
• Dynamic process models derived from bump tests and from first principles (e.g. transient material and energy balances;• Dynamic behaviour characteristic of resistive, capacitive, first-order, oscillatory and dead-time process elements;• Computer simulation of process dynamics and control using Python, Excel and UniSim Design;• Control hardware including sensors & transmitters, pneumatic flow control valves and distributed control systems;• Basic feedback control concepts and the Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller;• Open- and closed-loop stability;• Empirical and model-based tuning of feedback controllers;• Cascade, ratio and feedforward control;• Control of unit operations and plant-wide process control.The course will be taught using a “real-time” approach involving the development of dynamic simulators using MS Excel, Python and Honeywell’s UniSim Design process modelling software. It builds on programming skills from previous courses. The real-time instructional technique is distinguished from that of traditional process control courses in that it relies upon time-domain, rather than Laplace-domain, analysis. The emphasis on time-domain computer simulation facilitates a more realistic study of multivariable, nonlinear chemical engineering processes.
At the end of the course, students will be able to:Develop first-principles dynamic models for chemical unit operations based upon transient material and energy balances, reaction rate expressions, etc.;Fit empirical dynamic models to response test data;Identify the basic process instrumentation and other hardware/software required to construct a feedback control loop;Analyze the properties of proportional, integral and derivative control modes and choose the appropriate algorithm for specific applications;Tune PID controllers by trial-and-error and using model-based tuning rules to meet plant performance objectives;Understand and apply advanced techniques such as cascade, ratio and feedforward control;Create dynamic simulation models using Python, Excel and UniSim Design software;Design control strategies for complete plants.
ENCH298 (from 2016)
Students must attend one activity from each section.
Fred Herritsch
Michael Foley
Thirty-six lectures, eleven two-hour computer laboratories, two laboratory reports, one computing assignment using UniSim Design, one Python-based simulation midterm, and a written final exam. The midterm and final examinations will be open-book and open-notes. Cell phones, earbuds, USB keys, laptop computers, etc., will not be permitted during the exams. Students who do not attend lectures and all computer labs and complete the assigned term work are significantly less likely to pass the course.The Process Dynamics labs will take place in the period 18 - 22 August and the Controller Tuning labs from the 8th through the 12th of September.
Svrcek, William Y. , Mahoney, Donald P., Young, Brent R; A real-time approach to process control ; Third edition; Wiley, 2014.
This is a compulsory course. It provides preparation for ENCH494 and for graduate employment. The prerequisite is ENCH298.
Domestic fee $1,122.00
International fee $6,238.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see Chemical and Process Engineering .