This experimental unit provides a comprehensive experimental introduction to the fundamentals of control engineering using an example of pressure control.
All components are clearly laid out on a vertical front panel. The large-format process schematic provides an aid to understanding. The controlled system is operated by compressed air, which must be provided by the laboratory. The use of two in-line pressure vessels permits a 2nd order controlled system to be constructed. Disturbance variables can be generated by alternate air tapping by way of a hand-operated valve. Both pressure vessels are fitted with manometers. A pressure sensor is installed in the second pressure vessel as measuring element, which detects the pressure as the controlled variable. The controller used is a state-of-the-art digital industrial controller. The actuator in the control loop is an electro-pneumatic control valve. 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.
