Types of Process Control Systems

Processes can be characterized as one or more of the following forms:

Batch

Some applications require that specific quantities of raw materials be combined in specific ways for particular duration to produce an intermediate or end result.

One example is the production of adhesives and glues, which normally require the mixing of raw materials in a heated vessel for a period of time to form a quantity of end product.

Other important examples are the production of food, beverages and medicine. Batch processes are generally used to produce a relatively low to intermediate quantity of product per year (a few pounds to millions of pounds).

Continuous

Often, a physical system is represented through variables that are smooth and uninterrupted in time. The control of the water temperature in a heating jacket, for example, is an example of continuous process control. Some important continuous processes are the production of fuels, chemicals and plastics.

Continuous processes in manufacturing are used to produce very large quantities of product per year (millions to billions of pounds). Such controls use feedback such as in the PID controller. A PID Controller includes proportional, integrating, and derivative controller functions.

Hybrid

Applications having elements of batch and continuous process control are often called hybrid applications.

3 Likes