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CHEN40560

Academic Year 2026/2027

Process Control (CHEN40560)

Subject:
Chemical Engineering
College:
Engineering & Architecture
School:
Chem & Bioprocess Engineering
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Sebastian Espinel Rios
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module introduces students to the fundamentals of classical process control for industrial systems, with a particular focus on single-input single-output (SISO) feedback control using Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controllers. Students develop a toolbox for process modelling and for understanding the transient and steady-state response of linear systems, particularly first- and second-order linear systems with and without time delay (dead time). This includes the formulation of process models from mass and heat balances using ordinary differential equations, Laplace-transform techniques, transfer functions, and Taylor-series linearisation.

In addition, the module covers open-loop dynamic process responses and system identification, as well as closed-loop control behaviour, sensors and actuators, PID control modes, and closed-loop transfer functions. Particular emphasis is placed on closed-loop stability analysis, including methods such as the Routh-Hurwitz criterion, root-locus plots, and frequency-response analysis using Bode plots, as well as practical PID tuning methods such as Internal Model Control (IMC). Python-based tutorials are used to support process dynamics and control analysis and simulation throughout the module.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

- Model representative dynamic process systems from mass and heat balances using ordinary differential equations, Taylor-series linearisation, Laplace-transform methods and transfer functions.
- Analyse the transient and steady-state behaviour of first- and second-order linear SISO systems, including systems with time delay (dead time).
- Identify simple open-loop process models and interpret process responses in the time and frequency domains.
- Formulate and analyse SISO feedback control systems, including sensors, actuators, closed-loop transfer functions and PID control modes.
- Determine closed-loop stability using characteristic equations, pole locations, Routh-Hurwitz methods, root-locus plots and frequency-response analysis using Bode plots.
- Design and tune PID controllers, including IMC-based tuning methods, and evaluate trade-offs involving performance, robustness, safety, sustainability, actuator limitations and practical constraints.

The United Nations identified seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as core to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and UCD contributes in general to SDG 4 Quality Education. Further SDGs explored within this module if relevant are listed below. A scale of 1 - 5 indicates the extent to which the SDG is covered.


 

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 Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): End-of-term exam; scheduled centrally End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
75
 No
Exam (In-person): Midterm test; in-class Week 6 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
25
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer 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.

Name Role
Assoc Professor Damian Mooney Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
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