This experimental unit provides a comprehensive experimental introduction to the fundamentals of control engineering using an example of flow control.

  All components are clearly laid out on a vertical front panel. The large-format process schematic provides an aid to understanding. A pump delivers water from a storage tank into the piping system. The flow rate is measured by a paddle-wheel sensor. The transparent rotameter enables the control process to be observed very clearly. The controller used is a state-of-the-art digital industrial controller. The actuator in the control loop is an electric control valve. A ball valve in the pipe system enables defined disturbance variables to be generated. The controlled variable X and the manipulating variable Y can be tapped as analogue signals at lab jacks. This enables external recording equipment, such as a plotter or an oscilloscope, to be connected.

  An instrumentation and control software (RT 650.40) with interface module (USB) is available as an accessory. This enables the key process variables to be represented, and control functions executed.

 
  The well-structured instructional material sets out the fundamentals and provides a step-by-step guide through the experiments.

- fundamentals of control engineering
- latest industrial control engineering components:

  controllers, transducers, actuators
- operation and parameter setting of a multi-

  functional state-of-the-art digital controller: e.g.

  parameter setting as P, PI and PID controller
- investigation of disturbance and control response
- influence of different controller parameters on

  stability and control quality
- investigation of the properties of the open and

  closed control loops

- processing of process variables using external

  equipment, e.g. plotter or oscilloscope

- together with accessory RT 650.40:

  familiarisation with and use of I&C software