FLOW PROCESS TRAINING SYSTEM
The Flow Process Training System is a compact and mobile unit for a wide range of experiments in flow control. It gives students a greater understanding of the stability of simple control systems.
The self-contained unit can perform many experiments. By connecting this to other products in the TE3300 range further experiments are possible. For cascade control of flow and pressure, it can link to the optional Pressure Process Training System (TE3300/02). For cascade control of flow and level, it can link to the optional Level Process Training System (TE3300/04). For distributed control, it can connect to the optional Computer Control System (TE3300/06).
The main parts of the Flow Process Training System are:
• Industrial controller with auto-tune feature
• Two-channel chart recorder
• A gap-type (rotameter) flow meter
• Fixed orifice and pressure transmitter
• Pneumatic control valve
• Three-speed pump
• Reservoir
To carry out experiments, students fill the reservoir with clean water and prime the system. They then set the controller to regulate the flow of the water using a pneumatic valve. The gap-type flow meter gives a visual indication of flow. The fixed orifice and pressure transmitter give feedback to the controller. For a realistic experience, the equipment has industrial-standard instrumentation and parts.
The apparatus includes two gate valves. One valve controls the flow at the output (drain) and the other acts as a flow-bypass valve. A chart recorder shows and logs the changes of the process variable (level) and the controller output.
Note: The chart recorder is paperless, so you need a suitable computer and colour printer if you need to print out hard copies of the chart recorder traces. A socket on the side of the apparatus links to the Computer Control System (TE3300/06, available separately).
Learning outcomes
- Proportional, integral and derivative control
- Setting up and demonstrating automatic control
- The principles of loop control and the calibration and tuning of controllers, transmitters, converters and valves
- Calibration of an orifice flow meter with a differential pressure transmitter
- Quadratic flow laws and square root extraction
- Cascade control of pressure and flow, and level and flow (when used with the TE3300/02 and TE3300/04)
- Distributed control (when used with the TE3300/06 Computer Control System)
