Closing the Gap Between Process Control Theory and Practice

Authors

  • Carlos Velázquez University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez
  • Nelson Cardona-Martínez University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez
  • Edwin Velázquez Automation Technologies

Abstract

The pressure on world-wide manufacturing industries to meet tougher demands and regulations has forced companies to focus on improving manufacturing using tools like process automation. This focus requires better-prepared students. The process control course of the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez has been tailored to integrate theory with real practice of chemical process control so that our students develop the right skills for their professional careers and the manufacturing demands. This paper describes the changes and the hands-on project.

Author Biographies

Carlos Velázquez, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez

Carlos Velázquez received his bachelor’s and M.Sc. degrees in chemical engineering from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, and his Ph.D. from the University of Connecticut. His current research interests include inline sensing, process modeling and optimization, process control, powder drying and mixing, and granulation. His teaching interests include process control and pharmaceutical operations.

Nelson Cardona-Martínez, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez

Nelson Cardona-Martínez received his Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In 1989 he joined the Chemical Engineering Faculty at the University of Puerto Rico–Mayagüez, where he was chairman for almost five years and is currently a professor. His research group is presently studying the fundamental and applied aspects of catalytic processes involved in the conversion of biomass-derived materials into soluble feedstock, fuels, and chemicals.

Edwin Velázquez, Automation Technologies

Eng. Edwin Velázquez has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez and an M.B.A. from University of Phoenix. He was the founder of Automation Technologies, Inc., a system-integration engineering company focused on process control automation projects for the bulk chemical industry. He has taught the control practice part of the course in several occasions.

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Published

2010-04-01

Issue

Vol. 44 No. 2 (2010): Spring 2010

Section

Manuscripts