CHEN40560 Process Control

Academic Year 2021/2022

This module will introduce students to a variety of process control strategies including feedback, cascade, feedforward and ratio control. The methods required for linear systems analysis, in particular, will be covered in detail (transfer functions, characteristic equations, root locus, Routh stability test, and frequency response). Controller tuning and synthesis will be introduced and the students will develop skills needed to solve problems involved in chemical and mechanical engineering process control. Particular emphasis will be directed towards placing process control within the context of impact on a control system design's safety, maintenance, sustainability and legal/regulatory impact. Generalising the analytical skills developed in this course to be transferred to other engineering situations is also an important, embedded aspect. It is recommended that students are familiar with fluid mechanics and heat and mass transfer, which would be covered, for example, in the following courses:CHEN20060 (Transport Phenomena)or MEEN 20010 (Fluid Mechanics) & MEEN 20050 (Heat Transfer), or equivalent.
Students should note that a non-standard mark-to-grade conversion systems in used in this module for A grades only, in that A- corresponds to 70-79.99 %, an A grade to 80-89.99 %, whilst an A+ is earned for a mark of 90-100 %.
Students who have already taken CHEN 30140 are not eligible to take this module.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

When completed the students should be able: to identify and model dynamical chemical/mechanical processes and to linearise the mathematical models for application of the methods of Laplace and Fourier Transforms; to demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the dynamical behaviour of first-order and second-order systems; to analyse and determine the stability of simple closed loop feedback control systems using a range of techniques including the Routh stability test, Root Locus, Frequency Response and the Nyquist Criterion; to show an understanding of P&ID diagrams and the procedures for controller tuning; to show a familiarity with advanced process control strategies; to select appropriate process control instrumentation (sensors, transmitters, valves) for robust applications in systems automation. In addition, students will be expected to place control strategies more generally within the environment of mechanical and chemical processes, and exhibit an awareness of the advantages and limitations of control in the context of process safety and sustainability.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

36
Tutorial

6
Autonomous Student Learning

72
Total

114
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures and tutorials 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Exclusions:

If students have taken CHEN 30140, they are ineligible to take this one.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Pre-requisite:
ACM30030 - Multivariable Calculus Eng II


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: End-of-semester exam 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

75
Examination: Midterm Week 6 No Graded No

25

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Group feedback will be offered, with individual feedback on request.