Process Simulation and Control (CHEN90032)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1
Associate Professor Gabriel da Silva
Email: gdasilva@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
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. The development of dynamic process models is introduced, along with analytical and numerical techniques for process simulation. Process simulation is performed using linear ordinary differential equation models, Laplace transforms, transfer functions, and numerical methods. The response of complex process plants to common dynamic inputs is investigated. Students are introduced to frequency response analysis and Bode plots.
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 software packages including MATLAB Simulink. 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.
The subject will cover feedback control schemes for common unit operations. Developing and using process simulators, including the application of Laplace transforms and transfer functions as well as the use of numerical simulation tools. Frequency response analysis and Bode plots. Simulation of closed-loop control systems and PID controllers. Closed-loop stability analysis and controller tuning. Advanced single-loop control strategies and multiloop control systems.
Please view this video for further information: Process Simulation and Control
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject the student is expected to:
- Interpret how key process variables change in time for common chemical processes responding to typical dynamic inputs
- Simulate common unit operations, using analytical and numerical methods
- Analyse and implement effective and efficient control strategies for chemical processes
- 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
- Appraise how regulatory control systems interact with safety systems to keep large scale chemical infrastructure operating in a reliable, safe, sustainable and profitable fashion.
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: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
All of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHEN20011 | Digitisation in the Process Industries | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| MAST20029 | Engineering Mathematics |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (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: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| 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 requiring 13-15 hours of work. ILOs 1, 2, 3 and 7 are addressed in this assignment.
| From Week 3 to Week 6 | 10% |
A written assignment, 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 7 are addressed in the exam. The examination is a hurdle and must be passed to pass the subject.
| End of semester | 60% |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Gabriel da Silva Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 54 hours in total arising from the following: 3 x 1-hour lectures per week for 12 weeks, 1 x 1-hour tutorial per week for 12 weeks and 2 x 3-hour practicals Total time commitment 200 hours Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025 Last self-enrol date 14 March 2025 Census date 31 March 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025 Assessment period ends 27 June 2025 Semester 1 contact information
Associate Professor Gabriel da Silva
Email: gdasilva@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
Estimated 200 hours
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- 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 Ph.D.- Engineering Course Doctor of Philosophy - Engineering Course Master of Philosophy - Engineering Specialisation (formal) Chemical with Business Specialisation (formal) Chemical 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.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
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: 4 March 2025