In the nearly 40 years since electronic control systems first became common features of industrial machines, controls theory has necessarily evolved to keep pace with machine design. Early on, systems ...

Plant engineers and technicians are frequently asked to tune the controller when a control loop’s process value has prolonged or significant excursions from the set point. But in many instances, no ...

The controller contains the “control algorithm,” or control logic equation. The most common control algorithm is called PID, which stands for Proportional (P)-Integral (I)-Derivative (D). When the ...

Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control is one of the most common types of automatic control used in the power industry. A PID controller continuously ...

PID loops are a central component of modulating boiler control systems with applications ranging from basic steam header pressure control to cascading 3-element drum level control. A modern ...

In my previous article on loop tuning, I discussed the importance of field data collection and the importance of a methodical approach to PID tuning. I introduced the concept of the bump test and how ...

The ABCs of PID control. Considerations for interfacing elements in the electrical circuit to accomplish those parts of the PID function for position control. Firmware code implementation.