ABSTRACT

Process control systems are used to make things under conditions or reactions that require tight and ever-present control. Examples of process control systems are power generation from coal or nuclear sources, petrochemical production, and oil refining. Some manufacturing and food processing systems can also be considered process control systems. These systems involve moving different substances, harnessing and controlling energy sources, and in most cases controlling processes or reactions. The system is usually designed with some sort of end product in mind and may also have requirements to operate safely, to operate efficiently by minimizing the use of energy or materials, and to operate within environmental regulations. These requirements can change daily, and the process itself may experience disturbances that require operator intervention. These systems can involve automation but are usually of such a scale and complexity that total automation has not been feasible.