Process Control Basics

Process Control Basics

Process control is essential in modern manufacturing. The control system is the eyes, ears, and nervous system of the plant. It senses, decides, and directs the activities of the pumps, valves, motors, and other equipment. The control system handles many routine tasks, freeing up the operator to oversee the operation and handle new situations that arise. Without process control, it would be nearly impossible to efficiently produce commodities like pulp and paper, gasoline, plastic, and pharmaceuticals.

Most people learn process control through hands-on plant experience, accompanied by a healthy dose of self-study. This is because textbooks generally address the mathematics of process dynamics and control, but often miss the practical aspects. This easy-to-read book fills the gap by focusing on practical real-world knowledge of process control systems, providing clear and concise examples, and providing practical advice for handling day-to-day maintenance and documentation.

The author begins by discussing control terminology, principles, and applications, the information one needs to form a basic understanding of process control. He then explains the differences between discrete, continuous, and batch control, as well as the different control systems, programming languages, and documentation needed for each. To complete the foundation, the author addresses the management of control systems including discussions about maintenance, change management, communications, and documentation. Finally, one chapter introduces advanced control topics such as advanced regulatory control, multivariable control, and neural networks.

Whether you are a student of process control, a technician or engineer expanding their skills, or someone in operations, maintenance, sales, support, or management who wants to develop a basic understanding of process control, this book is for you.

George Buckbee, PE, is a veteran of the process control industry. An experienced author and instructor, he has over 30 years of practical experience improving process performance in a wide array of process industries including oil and gas, pulp and paper, pharmaceuticals, and consumer products.
Buckbee's career includes direct industry experience at Procter & Gamble and Sanofi Pasteur, before entering the software development and control system consulting business at ExperTune. Currently head of performance solutions at Neles, he manages global digital solutions for valve monitoring, and the ExperTune family of products and services.He is the coauthor (along with Joseph Alford) of Automation Applications in Bio-Pharmaceuticals, published by ISA. He wrote several chapters in The Instrument Engineer's Handbook and authored Mastering Cascade Control and Mastering Split-Range Control. He has also written dozens of articles and white papers on control system performance.
Buckbee holds a BS in chemical engineering from Washington University, and an MS in chemical engineering from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He was selected as an ISA Fellow in 2011, and he is a member of the ISA Publications Department.