Fundamentals of Automatic Process Control

Book excerpt: Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of process control is essential for plant practicing engineers and operators. In addition being able to use control hardware and software appropriately, engineers must be able to select or write computer programs that interface the hardware and software required to run a plant effectively. Designed to help readers understand control software and strategies that mimic human activities, Fundamentals of Automatic Process Control provides an integrated introduction to the hardware and software of automatic control systems. Featured Topics Basic instruments, control systems, and symbolic representations Laplacian mathematics for applications in control systems Various disturbances and their effects on uncontrolled processes Feedback control loops and traditional PID controllers Laplacian analysis of control loops Tuning methods for PID controllers Advanced control systems Virtual laboratory software (included on downloadable resources) Modern plants require operators and engineers to have thorough knowledge of instrumentation hardware as well as good operating skills. This book explores the theoretical analysis of the process dynamics and control via a large number of problems and solutions spread throughout the text. This balanced presentation, coupled with coverage of traditional and advanced systems provides an understanding of industrial realities that prepares readers for the future evolution of industrial operations.