How To Set Up Your Unique PID Temperature Controller

Every day, PID (proportional integral derivative) controllers are widely used in industrial control applications to regulate temperature, pressure, flow, speed, pressure, and other process variables. These instruments control process variables using a control loop feedback mechanism. They’re the most stable and accurate controllers.

1、How the PID Controller Works

As we mentioned earlier, a PID controller can effectively control temperature, flow, pressure, and such process variables. The instrument combines proportional control with other integral and derivative adjustments that assist the unit to make up for any changes in the system automatically.

1.1 The Basics of a PID Controller

The primary use of a PID controller is to force feedback to match the desired set point. Think of a thermostat that forces the heating and cooling system on and off based on the set temperature. PID controllers work best in systems with a relatively small mass. These systems usually react rapidly to any changes in the energy that’s added to the working process. Experts also recommend the use of PID controllers in systems where there’s a frequent change in the load so the controller can automatically compensate for the changes.

1.2 The Working Principle PID Controllers

The main working principle behind a PID controller entails the individual adjusting or tuning of the proportional, integral, and derivative terms. A correction factor calculates and applied to the input based on the differences between the three values. Here’s an example: when your oven is more relaxed than your desired level, the heat will increase.

Let’s look at the three steps:

Step 1: Proportional Tuning

In proportional tuning, the target comparable to the difference correct. The target value never achieves since, as the difference moves towards zero, the applied correction does the same.

Step 2: Integral Tuning

The purpose of integral tuning is to attempt to remedy the situation in proportional adjustment by cumulating the error result from the “P” action to add the correction factor. Here’s a good example: if in equivalent tuning, the oven stayed below temperature, the necessary adjustment would increase the amount of heat delivered. However, “I” action does not stop once the target reached. Instead, it tries to drive the cumulative error to zero. The result is an overshoot.

Step 3: Derivative Tuning

In this final step, derivative tuning tries to minimize the overshoot from the “I” action. It does so by slowing the correction factor that’s applied as the target approached.

2、How to Adjust the PID Value

PID control may appear simple in concept, but the mathematics behind the process is rather complicated. For the best performance, process-specific values for a wide range of interacting parameters need to be selected. The method of selecting these values referred to as tuning.

Once appropriately tuned, a PID temperature controller will keep deviations from the desired set point to a minimum and quickly respond to any disturbances to the set point. In this section, we’ll discuss several methods of tuning a PID temperature controller.

2.1 PID Controller Tuning Methods

Before we discuss the proper ways of tuning a PID temperature controller, it’s important to note that every process has its unique characteristics, even when the equipment is similar. Why? Because the airflow around ovens varies, barometric pressure changes from hour to hour, and ambient temperatures can alter the density and viscosity of a fluid.

That said, let’s look at the three broad approaches to tuning PID temperature controllers.

2.1.1 Zeigler-Nichols (ZN) Method

First released in 1942 Ziegler-Nichols method This method describes two approaches to adjusting a PID loop. In the first method, the lag or delay in response is measured, in addition to the time taken to reach the final output value. The second approach entails establishing the period of a steady oscillation. In each method, the measured values are entered in a table to give benefits for gain, reset time, and rate.

The Ziegler-Nichols method has its issues. For instance, the technique produces a response that’s too aggressive when it comes to oscillation and overshoot. Secondly, the method can be time-consuming when applied to processes that react slowly.

2.1.2 Manual Tuning

In manual tuning, you set the reset time to its optimum value. You then set the rate is zero. Increase the gain until the loop oscillates at a consistent amplitude. After this, a fixed benefit to half of the value and adjust the rest time so that it rectifies any offset within a reasonable period. Then increase the rate until the level of overshoot minimizes.

2.1.3 Auto Tuning

The vast majority of PID process controllers come with auto-tuning functions. The PID controller learns how the process reacts to changes or disturbances in the desired set point. The controller then automatically calculates the appropriate PID settings. The latest controllers have fuzzy logic and automatic adjustments. Can handle nonlinearities and inaccuracies in complex control situations. Such situations regularly encountered in the process and manufacturing industries.

3、Programming the Controller, You Can Use the Software

The process of tuning a PID temperature controller seems simple at first. One only needs to set three gain values: the proportional, integral, and derivative gains. In reality, however, the process of systematically and safely achieving the perfect set of these gain values can be rather complicated. PID tuning software aims to simplify this process. There’s, of course, a wide variety of software in the market that can help in PID controller tuning. We’ll take a look at two of the most popular PID controller software at the moment.

3.1 Simulink Software

The Simulink software combines a suite of tools that can improve and simplify the process of designing and implementing PID controllers. One of the significant advantages of this software is that it significantly saves time. Additionally, it cuts the development cost of PID temperature controllers and makes it easy for designers to move from the concept stage to code. The code can download to a microcontroller that makes it easy to control a physical device or system.

3.2 LOOP-PRO

The LOOP-PRO software accurately models highly variable process conditions. The software can effectively handle long dead-time. This software functions impressively in both open-loop and closed-loop terms. If you’re looking for PID control software for complex industrial applications, LOOP-PRO is an excellent choice.

4、Things You Need To Be Aware Of

Once you have successfully installed your PID temperature controller, one of the most important things you’ll need to pay attention to is how to maintain the device properly. Taking care of the controller can significantly extend their useful life. Below are a few maintenance tips you can apply for your PID temperature controller:

Regularly remove the grain deposited at the bottom of the air supply tube. To do this, loosen the drain plug at the bottom of the filter regulator.
Be careful always to maintain the air pressure at 140kPa.
When you notice that the performance of the air filter is no longer stable, consider repairing or replacing it.
Inspect the orifice holes of the nozzle or pilot relay based on the conditions of air supply
Every once in awhile, press the orifice cleaning button to clean the orifice
Whenever necessary, disassemble and unclog the nozzle.

These basic maintenance practices can go a long way in keeping your PID controller functioning optimally for a long time.

5、Fields in the PID Temperature Controller

PID temperature controllers use in over 99% of all loops needed for food, chemical, and pharmaceutical production. Below are some specific applications where these controllers are applied:

Heat treatment of metals. In this application, PID controllers ensure precise control of ramp and soak processes, hence achieving the desired metallurgical properties.
Drying and evaporating solvents from painted surfaces. Excessive temperatures can cause damage to substrates, while too low temperatures can result in the reduced appearance of products or even product loss.
Curing rubber. For complete curing of rubber without adverse effects on the material properties, there’s a need for precise temperature control.
Baking. All commercial ovens must stick to strictly prescribed heating and cooling sequences. This helps ensure that all necessary reactions take place.
Motion control. All motion control systems utilize some form of PID control. These systems, however, require some particular kind of a controller because the response is faster in these systems.

6、Summary

Each year, millions of PID temperature controllers use for controlling industrial processes all over the world. In almost all heat processes, PID temperature control is necessary for ensuring the maintenance of consistent product quality. That’s because the temperature inside the furnace or oven needs to kept within strictly narrow limits. Any disturbance, for instance, when there’s an addition or withdrawal of a product or the application of a ramp function, needs to be appropriately handled. This is the job of the PID temperature controller.

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