Control loops are systems applied by design engineers in various industrial applications to maintain process variables (PVs) at a desired value or set point (SP). Control loops are important for maintaining the stability of a system, and for consistently producing the desired outcome of a process.
A temperature control loop is one of the most common examples of a control loop. Control loops work to maintain the temperatures in our homes and offices. They are used for a range of immersion and industrial heating systems as well. Temperature control loops are set up as follows:
- -The process to be controlled is established. In the case of a temperature control loop, this refers to the temperature of a substance that is being heated, such as water temperature.
- -Sensors measure the process value (PV), or in this case, the current value of the temperature. Sensors come in the form of thermostats in domestic heating systems, while industrial applications usually apply the use of thermocouples, RTDs and thermistors.
- -Sensors feed the measured value of the process value to the temperature controller. This initiates the control process required to achieve the set point (desired temperature).
- -The final control element receives the manipulated values from the controller and physically reduces or increases the temperature.
All control loop systems contain a coordinated series of elements required in achieving a control objective. Control loop systems are available in various configurations, depending on the type of industry and specification of use. However, they all follow a similar design principle.
The core components
Control loops are essentially feedback loops as they involve error detection and the implementation of a feedback correction. The process is achieved by linking various hardware components in a circuit. This involves a manufacturing sequence or system that involves a single variable or multiple variables to be controlled.
The components in a closed control loop are set up accordingly. It is important to ensure that all components are linked in the right order at all times. Any disruption within the system leads to a discontinuation of the automated process. For instance, switching to a manual controller.
Sensors and transducers
Sensors are the initial measurement devices in a control loop. They convert the process variable into corresponding analog or digital signals which are read by the controller and then compared to the desired set point. Measurements are usually represented in electrical charge, voltage or pneumatic pressure. If the reading from the sensor is outside of the set point’s control band, the controller then opens or closes the power switch turning the heater on or off until the desired temperature is achieved.
A wide variety of sensors are available in the market. These are applied according to the type of variable to be measured. Watlow provides temperature sensors such as thermocouples or RTDs . These provide high-temperature dielectric strength that ensures signals are carried faithfully to the instrumentation or controls.
Transducers are advanced sensors that further transform given values through signal conditioning. For instance, in electrical instrumentation, current may be converted into voltage measurements. These conversion devices are also available in various forms according to their working principles, such as capacitance and self-generating properties.
Transmitters may be applied to standardize the signals that are circulated throughout the control loop, where parameters are remotely monitored and managed. These devices that function closely with sensors are able to deal with various signals, such as pressure, flow, and temperature.
The measured values within a control system are displayed to operational personnel. This is achieved through indicators, such as pressure gauges or digital displays on a controller.
Controllers
The controller is the device within the control loop that interprets the measurements fed by the sensor and determines the control action to take based on a comparison of that value to the set point. There are various versions of the device, including Watlow's temperature, power and process controllers.
The controller requires an input of measured readings. These are of controlled variables and a representation of the SP (set point) expressed as a measured value. PID (proportional integral derivative) controllers are considered by professionals as being the most effective and stable controllers available in the market.
Controllers begin by processing the measured values via a component known as the error detector. The error detector will determine if the measured PV is aligned with the SP or reference value.
Controllers utilize error signals to execute subsequent control actions that are executed to reach the SP. Therefore, it is necessary for error detectors to generate error signals before control actions are conveyed. Control actions are traditionally evaluated by pneumatic or electronic signal processing.
However, recent advances in technology have seen a marked rise in the use of computer evaluations. Computerized or “smart” controllers are valued across industries for their capacity at handling multivariable systems with intensive operations. Some effective examples of smart controllers include Watlow's ASPYRE® line of power controllers and the PM PLUS temperature controller.
Final control elements and actuators
The final control elements are those that receive control action signals from the controller. They adjust the process variable at the desired parameter. Response time is integral in the design of an effective thermal loop. This greatly improves crisis management in the event that a PV is outside of the desired SP.
Actuators are the most crucial component within final control elements, which has a direct influence on the control process. The component initiates change by processing evaluated control actions, which regulates the transition from PV to SP.
These devices are commonly represented by a valve stem or heating coil in most industrial settings. Additional devices such as valve positioners may be installed to improve the response rate of actuators such as control valves. Repositioners help to establish the exact position of the valve (actuator) according to the controller output signal.
Industrial control loops
Most complex processing functions are operated based on the fundamentals of a control loop. Control loops are widely applied within industrial control systems (ICS) and distributed control systems (DCS) for various purposes. These include applications such as quality control systems, food processing, and water treatment.
Control loops are also applied in industrial architecture through digital field networks such as Fieldbus. In such situations, various control loops are applied according to the degree of risk and functionality involved in the project. Digital field networks function via digital signals, as opposed to the more common analog variant. And do so under strict protocol owned by specific companies.
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