PID Controllers: Final Control Element
PID Controllers: Final Control Element
In a direct acting controller, the output increases when the process measurement (variable) increases.
Reverse action :
In a reverse action controller, the output decreases when the process measurement (variable) increases.
The controller output changes from minimum to maximum and vice-versa when the measurement exceeds
25% either side of the setpoint depending on the controller action.
6.What is a ‘gain’? Write the relation (formula) between a gain and proportional band?
A controller ‘gain’ is inversely proportional to its proportional band.
. g = (1/p)*100
. g = gain
. P = proportional band
For a 0.5 volt correction output ;by the proportional action will be repeated by the reset action every 30
secs., until the error signal becomes zero or the output gets saturated.
9.What will be the output (increases or decreases) of a direct action controller when the process goes
above the setpoint?
In a direct acting controller, the controller output increases when the process (measurement) goes above the
setpoint)
10.What will be the output of a reverse acting controller when the process changes from 50% to 75%
where the proportional band is set at 50%, setpoint is set at 50%?
The controller output will be zero.
While taking the controller from auto to manual, the manual output is to be balanced to the auto output and
then transfer the auto-manual switch to manual.
While changing the controller from manual to auto, the controller setpoint is matched to the manual output
and then auto-manual switch is transferred.
Electronic controllers :
Auto to manual control may be transferred directly as the electronic circuit keeps the auto and manual
output matched.
But while changing the controller from manual to auto, the controller setpoint is to match to the process
variable and then auto-manual switch is transferred.
13.What type of controller (P, PI, PID) is preferred on the following process control loops?
Pressure :
If the load change is minimum, then a proportional controller is suitable. If a frequent load change is
expected then a Proportional + Integral controller is preferred.
Level :
Flow :
Temperature :
14.Why is there a direct and reverse action on a controller when the control valves are already
having direct (air fail to close)/reverse(air fail to open) actions”?
The type of control valve action requirement on a process line, depends on the protection required on the
upstream or downstream of the control valve incase of an air failure.
Depending on the control valve action, the controller action has to be set to control the process.
For example :
Station back pressure control valve is reverse acting and its controller is set for reverse acting. If there is an
air failure the control valve opens fully and prevents the separator from high pressure.
If the separator gas pressure goes below the setpoint the controller output goes high and keeps the control
valve closed.
Separator level control valve is direct acting and its controller is set for direct acting. If ;there is an air failure,
the control valve closes fully and prevents the surge tank from high pressure.
If the separator level goes below the setpoint the controller output goes low and keeps the control valve
closed.