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Process Dynamics And Control (CHEN90032)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 2
Gabriel Da Silva
Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
AIMS
Continuous chemical processes are inherently dynamic systems – process inputs and outputs change in time. To accommodate this, modern plants require some form of automatic control. This subject equips students with the skills to understand how and why key process variables change in time, and to then design and implement effective control strategies to accommodate this.
Students are introduced to the concept of feedback control, with examples of control schemes for common unit operations. Time domain analysis of process dynamics is performed using linear ordinary differential equations, Laplace transforms, and transfer functions. The response of complex process plants to common dynamic inputs is investigated. Students are introduced to frequency response analysis and Bode plots. The development of empirical dynamic models, and numerical simulation using MATLAB, is also covered.
The process control component of the subject introduces the concept of closed loop transfer functions and the PID controller. Dynamic process simulation is performed using analytical techniques and with the numerical simulation capabilities of the MATLAB Simulink software package. The stability of closed loop systems is analysed using techniques such as Routh stability analysis, the Bode stability criterion, and gain and phase margins. The effect of controller tuning constants on control system response is investigated, along with various controller tuning methods. Advanced control strategies including cascade control, time-delay compensation, and feedforward control are developed, as well as techniques to simultaneously control multiple process variables in multiloop systems.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Feedback control schemes for common unit operations. Developing and solving dynamic process models, including the application of Laplace transforms and transfer functions as well as the use of numerical simulation tools. Frequency response analysis and Bode plots. Modelling of closed-loop control systems and PID controllers. Closed-loop stability analysis and controller tuning. Advanced single-loop control strategies and multiloop control systems.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject the student is expected to:
- Understand how key process variables change in time for common chemical processes responding to typical dynamic inputs
- Be able to model the dynamics of common unit operations, using analytical methods and computer simulations
- Analyse and implement effective and efficient control strategies for chemical processes
- Be able to analyse and tune feedback controllers effectively
- Demonstrate mastery of the mathematical modelling of feedback and other control loops
- Appraise different methods of implementing advanced forms of process control and identify the optimum solutions particularly considering multi-loop control
Generic skills
- Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals
- In-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline
- Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution
- Ability to use a systems approach to design and operational performance
- Ability to optimise control systems for maximum efficiency
- Ability to apply engineering methods to solve complex problems.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
All of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
CHEN20011 | Chemical Process Analysis | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
MAST20029 | Engineering Mathematics |
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
CHEN30009 Process Dynamics and Control
Recommended background knowledge
Students undertaking this subject will be expected to be competent in the use of Matlab.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Coordinator and Student Equity and Disability Support.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS
Semester 2
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Attendance and participation in a 3 hour laboratory class, with a written assignment of approximately 1000 words. Requiring a time commitment of 13-15 hours of work including preparation. ILOs 1,2, and 3 are addressed in this laboratory class.
| From Week 5 to Week 9 | 10% |
Attendance and participation in a 3 hour laboratory class, with a written assignment of approximately 1000 words. Requiring a time commitment of 13-15 hours of work including preparation. ILOs 3, 4, 5, and 6 are addressed in this laboratory class.
| From Week 6 to Week 12 | 10% |
A written assignment of approximately 1000 words, requiring 13-15 hours of work. ILOs 1, 2, and 3 are addressed in this assignment.
| From Week 5 to Week 7 | 10% |
A written assignment of approximately 1000 words, requiring 13-15 hours of work. ILOs 3, 4, 5, and 6 are addressed in this assignment.
| From Week 10 to Week 12 | 10% |
One written 3-hour closed book end-of-semester examination (60%). ILOs 1 to 6 are addressed in the exam. The examination is a hurdle and must be passed to pass the subject.
| End of semester | 60% |
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Gabriel da Silva Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 3 x 1 hour lectures per week for 12 weeks, 2 x 3 hour practicals, and 1 x 1 hour tutorial per week for 12 weeks. Total time commitment 200 hours Teaching period 3 August 2020 to 1 November 2020 Last self-enrol date 14 August 2020 Census date 21 September 2020 Last date to withdraw without fail 16 October 2020 Assessment period ends 27 November 2020 Semester 2 contact information
Gabriel Da Silva
Time commitment details
Estimated 200 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
None
Recommended texts and other resources
Seborg, Edgar, Mellichamp, Doyle, Process Dynamics and Control, Third Edition 2011, Wiley.
- Subject notes
LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS
The subject is delivered through a combination of lectures and tutorials. Students also complete an experiment and a simulation-based controller design project, applying material covered in the lectures.
INDICATIVE KEY LEARNING RESOURCES
Lecture notes and slides. Worked solutions to tutorial problems. Online quizzes. All content is made available via the LMS.
CAREERS / INDUSTRY LINKS
Case studies on practical control and process safety systems, delivered by a practicing control engineer.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Doctor of Philosophy - Engineering Course Ph.D.- Engineering Course Master of Philosophy - Engineering Specialisation (formal) Chemical Specialisation (formal) Chemical with Business Specialisation (formal) Biochemical - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Subject coordinator approval required
Last updated: 3 November 2022