The authors, Armando B. Corripio, Ph.D., and Michael Newell, drew upon their project management experiences at major oil refineries to move away from the more academic approach of the two previous editions, and more simply explain how to improve control performance.
For example, the authors concentrate on just two rules for tuning-one that works best for common loops and the other for dead-time dominated loops.
Dr. Corripio, Professor Emeritus in chemical engineering at Louisiana State University (LSU), says that a more simplified explanation of tuning makes it easier to master today’s fundamental control techniques.
“By being less academic in approach, and removing a lot of the mathematical terminology, we’re able to improve understanding of how modern control systems work and help technicians better apply what they’re learning in the workplace,” he points out.
For instance, the third edition:
- Eliminates references to first- and second-order models since these terms are highly mathematical and reduce appreciation for the usefulness of the models.
- Removes the distinction between series and parallel proportional-integral-derivative controllers (PIDs) since most modern installations use the series version and there is little difference between the tuning of the two versions.
- Relies on a single set of tuning strategies: the quarter-decay-ratio (QDR) formulas slightly modified by the Internal Model Control (IMC) rules for certain process characteristics.
Corripio says the project management experience the authors gained at oil refineries gave them valuable insights and exposure to real-world issues and dynamics.
“I became better able to address a non-academic audience,” he relates. “When I co-wrote the first two editions, I was a professor and made much more of an academic mindset and perspective.”
Also unique to the third edition are:
- A chapter on auto-tuning software, a feature of most modern control systems that the authors contend greatly simplifies the acquisition of process data for effective tuning. During their work at oil refineries, the authors utilized auto-tuning as a reference to guide selection of final tuning parameter for the controllers, and found it less disruptive than relying on manual processes.
- A thorough explanation of the control strategies of cascade, feedforward and decoupling-all of which are demonstrated with simulation examples.
All of the example responses were generated using simulation software to illustrate the tuning and show the differences of:
- Tuning controllable versus dead-time dominated loops
- Averaging versus tight level control
- Cascade control versus simple feedback control of a jacketed chemical reactor
- Feedforward control versus simple feedback control
- Decoupler control versus simple feedback control of a blender
To purchase the third edition of Tuning of Industrial Control Systems, click here.
About the Authors
Dr. Corripio and Newell are long-time colleagues who have worked together on a variety of optimization and tuning projects for real-world implementation.
Dr. Corripio is Professor Emeritus and Adjoint Professor within the Gordon A. & Mary Cain Department of Chemical Engineering at LSU. Specializing in automatic process control, computer simulation, computer-aided process design and engineering economics, he has served as a consultant to many leading companies, including Polaris Engineering, ExxonMobil Chemical Company, Dow Chemical USA, IBM Brazil, ICI Americas, Batelle Columbus Laboratories, Bechtel Incorporated, PPG and Olin Corporation.
Dr. Corripio’s academic research focuses in particular on computer-aided process design, automatic control theory and computer-integrated manufacturing. Over the years, his research has been funded by a variety of organizations, including TDA Research, the Louisiana Board of Regents, EXXON Foundation, EXXON Chemical Americas, IBM Corporation, BASF Corporation and LSU Energy Research Center.
Prior to joining the LSU Department of Chemical Engineering in 1968, Dr. Corripio served as a development engineer and control systems engineer at Dow Chemical Company. His bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering, master’s degree in chemical engineering and doctorate degree were all earned from LSU. He has received numerous awards and contributed to a wide range of publications and research projects throughout his career.
Newell is an Automation Designer at Polaris Engineering Inc., a multi-discipline full-service engineering and design services company located in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Prior to joining Polaris Engineering in December 2006, Newell spent 10 years as an Automation Administrator at Calcasieu Refining. Newell holds a Level III Certified Control Systems Technician® (CCST®) certification through ISA. He received a degree in electronic communications from Sowela Institute of Technology in 1988. Newell teaches instrumentation and automation on a part-time basis as an adjunct instructor at Louisiana Technical College in Lake Charles.
About ISA
Founded in 1945, the International Society of Automation is a leading, global, nonprofit organization that is setting the standard for automation by helping over 30,000 worldwide members and other professionals solve difficult technical problems, while enhancing their leadership and personal career capabilities. Based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, ISA develops standards; certifies industry professionals; provides education and training; publishes books and technical articles; and hosts conferences and exhibitions for automation professionals. ISA is the founding sponsor of The Automation Federation.
