Process Dynamics And Control

This subject is not offered in 2013.

Estimated 120 hours

Students must have completed the following subjects (or equivalent) prior to enrolling in this subject:

CHEN20008 Chemical Process Analysis 2 may be taken concurrently by students admitted to the Master of Engineering.

None

Students undertaking this subject will be expected to be competent in the use of Matlab.

CHEN30009 Process Dynamics and Control

For the purposes of considering applications for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005) and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, this subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this with the Subject Co-ordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/Contact

This subject covers the dynamics and control of process systems. Students are introduced to the concept of feedback control, with examples of controlled and manipulated variables and control schemes in process plants. Time domain analysis of process dynamics is performed using linear ordinary differential equations, Laplace transforms, and transfer functions. The dynamic response of complex process plants, described using first and second order differential equations and time delays, are investigated. Students are introduced to frequency response analysis and Bode plots. The development of empirical dynamic models, and numerical simulation using MATLAB, is also covered. The process control component of the subject introduces the concept of closed loop transfer functions and the PID controller. Dynamic process simulation is performed using analytical techniques and with the numerical simulation capabilities of the MATLAB Simulink software package. The stability of closed loop systems is analysed using techniques such as Routh stability analysis, the Bode stability criterion, and gain and phase margins. The effect of controller tuning constants (proportional gain, integral time, derivative time) on control system response is investigated, along with the Ziegler-Nichols and other tuning methods. Advanced control strategies including cascade control, time-delay compensation, feedforward control, and model-based control are developed, as well as techniques to control multi-loop systems. Digital control systems and control system instrumentation are also covered. Case studies illustrate how concepts covered in this subject can be applied to, for example, plantwide control.

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

• Understand the factors influencing the dynamic response of chemical processes to process system changes
• Analyse and implement effective and efficient process control strategies for chemical processes
• Demonstrate mastery of the mathematical modelling of feedback and other control loops

On completion of this subject students should be able to demonstrate the following skills:

• Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals
• In-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline
• Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution
• Ability to use a systems approach to design and operational performance
• Ability to optimise control systems for maximum efficiency
• Ability to apply engineering methods to solve complex problems

• One three hour written examination at the end of semester. A mark of 40% or more in this examination is required to pass the subject (70%)
• Assignment 1 (about 1000 words), typically due in week 4 (6%)
• Assignment 2 (about 2000 words), typically due in week 8 (12%)
• Assignment 3 (about 1000 words), typically due in week 12 (12%)

None

Seborg, Edgar, Mellichamp, Doyle, Process Dynamics and Control, Third Edition 2011, Wiley.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject students should be able to demonstrate the following skills:

• Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals
• In-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline
• Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution
• Ability to use a systems approach to design and operational performance