process control importance

To increase the precision in any industry ie., to increase to increase its accuracy, its efficiency, to limit the process from crossing the safe limit or the required conditions. This is achieved by certain specific arrangement of  different instruments mainly comprises of a measuring device a controller say valve. The most common example is temperature controller in a tank. The First Step is to measure the temperature with help of a sensor like thermometer or thermocouple. The sensor also consists of a transducer which converts the temperature into electrical signal and transmitter which transmits the signal further on. The sensor is followed by a controller where necessary decision is made according to the reading. The controller comprises of a comparator in which we feed a set point. Comparision of measured reading and set point is made and an error is generated. According to the error generated specific set of instruction in form of electrical signals is sent to the actuator which produces the needed pressure forces or electrical signals for the final control element here steam valve.

   The above illustrated procedure is fully automatic and requires no operator after initialising the process. The first advantage is the accuracy and the second is safety.  Process control thus holds an important position in any industry for its efficient working.