Instrumentation and Control Technician
1 Introduction to Instrumentation and Control
1-1 Definition and Scope of Instrumentation and Control
1-2 Importance of Instrumentation in Industrial Processes
1-3 Overview of Control Systems
2 Basic Electrical and Electronic Principles
2-1 Fundamentals of Electricity
2-2 Ohm's Law and Kirchhoff's Laws
2-3 Basic Electronic Components (Resistors, Capacitors, Inductors)
2-4 Introduction to Semiconductors (Diodes, Transistors)
3 Measurement and Instrumentation
3-1 Types of Measurements (Pressure, Temperature, Flow, Level)
3-2 Principles of Measurement
3-3 Common Measurement Instruments (Thermocouples, RTDs, Pressure Transducers)
3-4 Calibration and Maintenance of Instruments
4 Control Systems and Components
4-1 Types of Control Systems (Open Loop, Closed Loop)
4-2 Control Valves and Actuators
4-3 Sensors and Transmitters
4-4 Signal Conditioning and Transmission
5 Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
5-1 Introduction to PLCs
5-2 PLC Hardware Components
5-3 PLC Programming Basics
5-4 Ladder Logic Programming
6 Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
6-1 Introduction to DCS
6-2 DCS Architecture and Components
6-3 Communication Protocols in DCS
6-4 DCS Applications in Industrial Processes
7 Human-Machine Interface (HMI)
7-1 Introduction to HMI
7-2 HMI Hardware and Software Components
7-3 Designing Effective HMI Screens
7-4 HMI Integration with Control Systems
8 Process Control Strategies
8-1 Basic Control Strategies (On-Off, Proportional, Integral, Derivative)
8-2 Advanced Control Strategies (Feedforward, Cascade, Ratio Control)
8-3 Tuning Control Loops
8-4 Troubleshooting Control Systems
9 Safety and Environmental Considerations
9-1 Safety Standards and Regulations
9-2 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
9-3 Environmental Protection Measures
9-4 Safe Handling of Instruments and Control Systems
10 Maintenance and Troubleshooting
10-1 Routine Maintenance Procedures
10-2 Troubleshooting Techniques
10-3 Common Faults and Their Diagnosis
10-4 Preventive Maintenance Strategies
11 Emerging Trends in Instrumentation and Control
11-1 Introduction to Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
11-2 Smart Sensors and Wireless Communication
11-3 Cybersecurity in Control Systems
11-4 Future Directions in Instrumentation and Control Technology
Process Control Strategies

8 Process Control Strategies

Key Concepts

On-Off Control

On-Off control is the simplest form of control where the output is either fully on or fully off. This strategy is commonly used in systems where precise control is not required, such as home thermostats. The system switches on when the temperature drops below a setpoint and switches off when the temperature rises above it.

Example: A refrigerator operates using On-Off control. It turns on when the internal temperature exceeds a certain threshold and turns off when the temperature drops below it.

Proportional Control (P)

Proportional control adjusts the output in proportion to the error between the setpoint and the process variable. The larger the error, the larger the correction applied. This strategy provides faster response compared to On-Off control but can lead to steady-state error.

Example: In a heating system, if the room temperature is 10°C below the setpoint, the heater will provide more heat compared to when the temperature is only 5°C below the setpoint.

Integral Control (I)

Integral control eliminates steady-state error by continuously summing the error over time and adjusting the output accordingly. This strategy ensures that the process variable eventually reaches the setpoint, but it can introduce oscillations.

Example: In a level control system for a tank, Integral control ensures that any accumulated error over time is corrected, preventing the tank from running either too full or too empty.

Derivative Control (D)

Derivative control anticipates future error by measuring the rate of change of the error. It applies a correction based on how quickly the error is changing. This strategy helps to dampen oscillations and improve system stability.

Example: In a cruise control system for a car, Derivative control adjusts the throttle based on how quickly the car is accelerating or decelerating, helping to maintain a steady speed.

Proportional-Integral Control (PI)

Proportional-Integral control combines the advantages of Proportional and Integral control. It provides a fast response and eliminates steady-state error. This strategy is widely used in processes where both speed and accuracy are important.

Example: In a temperature control system for a chemical reactor, PI control ensures that the reactor temperature quickly reaches the setpoint and stays there without any steady-state error.

Proportional-Derivative Control (PD)

Proportional-Derivative control combines Proportional and Derivative control. It provides a fast response and improves system stability by anticipating and correcting rapid changes in the error. However, it does not eliminate steady-state error.

Example: In a robotic arm control system, PD control ensures that the arm moves quickly and smoothly to the desired position by anticipating and correcting any rapid changes in position error.

Proportional-Integral-Derivative Control (PID)

Proportional-Integral-Derivative control is the most comprehensive control strategy. It combines the advantages of Proportional, Integral, and Derivative control, providing a fast response, eliminating steady-state error, and improving system stability. This strategy is widely used in complex industrial processes.

Example: In a power plant turbine control system, PID control ensures that the turbine operates efficiently and safely by quickly responding to changes, maintaining the desired output, and stabilizing the system.

Feedforward Control

Feedforward control anticipates disturbances before they affect the process by measuring the disturbance directly and adjusting the control action accordingly. This strategy complements feedback control by providing proactive adjustments.

Example: In a paper mill, feedforward control measures the moisture content of the incoming pulp and adjusts the drying process in advance to maintain the desired paper moisture level, preventing quality issues.