- Course Code
- EG 40HC
- Credit Points
- 10
- Course Coordinator
- Dr J Kiefer
Pre-requisites
Notes
Available only to candidates following an Engineering degree programme.
Overview
This course focuses on the fundamental principles of control theory and the practice of automatic process control. The dynamic behaviour of process plants is reviewed and the need for the control established. The properties of stochastic processes are introduced. The basic concepts involved in process control are then introduced, including the elements of control systems, feedback/forward control, block diagrams, and transfer functions. The mathematical techniques required for the analysis of process control are covered, focussing on Laplace Transform analysis, before students begin to develop simple control loops for first order systems. Development to more general situations is made through the study of second order systems and the application of compensation including PID control. The control theory developed is applied to a range of chemical engineering problems using simulation tools. The random nature of process disturbances is then introduced into the control loop behaviour to study the effect of dynamics systems. Students complete a case study which is marked as part of the continuous assessment element of the course.
Structure
24 one-hour lectures, 6 one-hour tutorials and 3 two-hour practicals in total
Assessment
1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination paper (80%), and continuous assessment (20%) made up from the following two elements:
- Laboratory logbook and completed Matlab exercises
- Group Case Study Report
Resit: Where a resit is offered, the mark reported will be 1 two-hour written examination (80%), and in-course assessment mark from the 1st attempt (20%)
Formative Assessment
Solutions to tutorial solutions provided.
Feedback
Students are expected to ask for feedback on their level of understanding at the weekly feedback/tutorial sessions.
Tutorial questions will be handed in and marked each week.
There will be a scheduled session for feedback on the exams within 4 weeks of the publication of exam results. Students requiring feedback on the exam should make appointments within this session to see the Course Coordinator.