Control Loop Foundation

Control Loop Foundation: Batch and Continuous Processes reviews the fundamental principles of industrial process control in a clear and practical way. Designed for engineers, technicians and operators new to the field, this book explains how modern control systems monitor and regulate processes like temperature, flow, pressure and level using real-world plant examples, diagrams and hands-on web-based workshops. It covers measurement devices, final control elements (such as valves and drives), field wiring and communications, operator graphics, process characterization, single-loop PID control, tuning and an introduction to advanced model-predictive control. The authors focus on practical skills rather than complex math. The chapters teach readers how to interpret standard plant documents (plot plans, PIDs, loop diagrams), and tune and test controllers and design operator interfaces for safety and efficiency. Interactive web exercises allow readers to run simulated processes, perform step tests and practice tuning controllers. This book also discusses control system goals, including economics, safety and environmental compliance and offers practical examples, such as boiler draft control and ammonia synthesis, to emphasize the importance of good control. As control techniques are introduced, simple process examples are used to illustrate how these techniques are applied in industry. The last chapter of the book, on process applications, contains several more complex examples from industry that illustrate how basic control techniques may be combined to meet a variety of application requirements.