Tutorial

Fig.1
Fig. 1 shows a simple level-control system in which a closed relay opens the valve and an open relay
closes the valve. Input flow is not controlled. The relay closes at 6.0 V and opens again at 4.8 V. The
level sensor has a transfer function of
Vh= 0.8h + 0.4 V
a). Find the value of ampifier gain, K, required to open the valve when the level reaches 1.5m.
b). At what level does the valve close?
c). Suppose Q1 = 5 m3/min, Q2 = 2 m3/min, Qout = 9 m3/min (when open). What is the period
of the level oscilation?

Fig.2

Fig. 2 shows a system for measuring the pressure of exploding gases inside a steel chamber. A
computer is used to measure the pressure. The pressure sensor has a transfer function of

V p=0.05 p+500

and a first-order time constant of = 2.0 s. When an explosion occurs, the

pressure rises virtually instantaneously from 0 to some maximum, pmax . At , t = 0 the explosion occurs,
and the computer must take a reading at t = 1 s and determine the pressure, pmax. This is before the
sensor signal has stabilized.
a).

Explain how pmax can be determined from a measurement taken at t = 1.0 s

b)

Suppose the sensor signal at t=1.0s is 1.45V. What is the value of pmax ?

c).

Suppose pmax = 2500 psi; what value will the sensor voltage have at 1.0 s?

A temperature sensor has a static transfer function of and a time constant of 3.3 s. If a step change of
22 to 50C is applied at t = 0, find the output voltages at 0.5 s, 2.0 s, 3.3 s, and 9 s. What is the
indicated temperature at these times? (Use the first order equation).

A pressure sensor measures 44 psi just before a sudden change to 70 psi. The sensor measures 52 psi at
a time 4.5 s after the change. What is the sensor time constant? (Use the first order equation).

Fig.3
A process-control loop has a setpoint of 175C and an allowable deviation of 5C. A transient causes
the response shown in Figure 3. Specify the maximum error and settling time.