Controller Performance Assessment in Process Control Class Through Stiction in Control Valves

Authors

  • Ranganathan Srinivasan Clarkson University
  • Raghunathan Rengaswamy Clarkson University
  • Sandra Harris Clarkson University

Abstract

In this paper, we discuss a simple liquid level experiment that can be used to teach nonlinear phenomena in process control through stiction in control valves. This experiment can be used to introduce the undergraduate students to the area of Controller Performance Assessment (CPA). The experiment is very easy to set-up and demonstrate. While there is an inherent value to teaching stiction in an undergraduate class because of its importance, this experiment can also be used to reinforce control design concepts.

Author Biographies

Ranganathan Srinivasan, Clarkson University

Ranganathan Srinivasan received his B.E. in electronics and instrumentation engineering from Annamalai University, his M.Tech. in systems and control from IIT Bombay, and his Ph.D. in chemical engineering from Clarkson University. He currently works for Honeywell Automation and Control Labs in Phoenix, and is actively pursuing research in the areas of Loop Performance Monitoring and Nonlinear Control Strategies.

Raghunathan Rengaswamy, Clarkson University

Raghunathan Rengaswamy is an associate professor in the chemical and biomolecular engineering department at Clarkson University. He received his B.Tech. from IIT Madras and his Ph.D. from Purdue University, both in chemical engineering. His research interests include Fuel Cells and Process Systems Engineering.

Sandra Harris, Clarkson University

Sandra L. Harris is an associate professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Clarkson University. She received her B.S. and M.S. from MIT, and her Ph.D. from UCSB, all in chemical engineering. Her research interests are in the areas of Process Control and Identification.

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Published

2007-04-01

Issue

Vol. 41 No. 2 (2007): Spring 2007

Section

Manuscripts