How to Perform a Step Test
Tuning PID controllers is a multi-step process. While it is important to understand each step in the process, performing the bump test and collecting dynamic data is the most crucial
Common Industrial Applications of PID Control
A previous post about the Derivative Term focused on its weaknesses. As noted, the primary challenge associated with the use of Derivative and PID Control is the volatility of the
What is the Purpose of a PID Controller’s Integral Term? Why is PI Control So Widely Used in Industry?
In the realm of process control it makes complete sense that the primary goal is - you guessed it - to control the process. For decades the PID controller has
What is On-Off Control?
On-Off Control is not a highly sophisticated control method. Even so, examples of its practical, everyday use can be found all around. Look no further than the appliances in your
How Do I Calculate Dead-Time?
Adults can learn a thing or two from children. That's especially true when it comes to matters of time. Whereas adults view it as fashionable to show up to a
How Do I Detect Valve Issues and Prevent Failures?
It's generally known that the behavior of final control elements (FCEs) (valves, air handlers, etc.) change over time. Like most things the dynamics of FCEs are different from the time
What is the Process Time Constant? How Do I Calculate the Time Constant of A Process?
Party hosts often cringe when guests arrive early or late. Seemingly subtle shifts in timing can throw off planned details that are of importance to the host and utterly lost
What Are the Pros and Cons of the Step Test?
Face it, more often than not tuning a PID controller is usually easier when software is applied. While not all products are created equal, the modeling capabilities within most commercial
How Do I Tune a Level Controller?
Level controllers present challenges that are different from others. Although their presence is significant they lag behind Flow controllers in their overall share of the typical production facility's process control
Why Are Control Loops Operated in Manual Mode?
Why do manufacturers automate production? Why do they spend millions each year on new equipment and software? Those questions are pretty straight forward, and the answers seem obvious. Clearly automation