What Is Process Control?

Process control systems automate the monitoring and adjustment of complex manufacturing processes to consistently produce quality products. Used in a variety of continuous mass production industries, process control systems allow a few workers to control a large number of complex processes with a high degree of efficiency. Process control systems also improve safety, lower production costs, save energy, and decrease environmental impacts.

What Industries Use Process Control Systems?

Process control systems play an important role in most advanced manufacturing facilities, especially within industries focused on continuous mass production. Popular industries that rely heavily on process control include: power generation, oil and gas, chemical processing, pulp and paper, food and beverage, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, plastics, petrochemicals, and water/wastewater.

What Types of Process Control Variables Are There?

Process variables can consist of anything that affects a physical or chemical process. The most common process variables fall into five major types: level, flow, temperature, analytical, and pressure. Analytical process variables are often called chemical variables, because they involve chemical properties like acidity. Other process variables include density, velocity, speed, stress, force, and weight.

Bayport Technical's Custom Flow Level Control Trainer (120-CFLCD) is designed to demonstrate various fluid flow properties and to allow hands-on training relative to the design and control of those processes common to industry.

The unit consists of the following main components: multiple loop programmable controller; fluid pump; orifice assembly; transmitters; control valves; fluid storage with flow tanks; heater and cooler; and pressure gauges and components. It is mounted on a cabinet base on casters.