MEng Chemical Engineering with Industrial Experience

Year of entry: 2024

Course unit details:
Process Control

Course unit fact file
Unit code CHEN30091
Credit rating 10
Unit level Level 3
Teaching period(s) Semester 1
Available as a free choice unit? No

Overview

Introduction to process control, feedback and feedforward control strategies, understanding process dynamics and modelling, adoption of control strategies, dynamic modelling and control of chemical processes, synthesis and tuning of controllers. Use of computer software for process dynamics and control.

 

Aims

The unit aims to:

Introduce the principles of chemical process control in terms of the range of control strategies employed for chemical processes. Create a solid understanding of process dynamics. Provide the foundations of the modelling of process dynamics and establish the links for practical implementation of control strategies.  Deliver the basics of model-based control and use it for controller tuning.

Learning outcomes

LO 1. Explain the need for control for achieving process objectives and safety.

ILO 2. Demonstrate concepts relevant to chemical process dynamics and develop related modelling skills.

ILO 3. Link control related issues with the underlying mathematical formulations.

ILO 4. Develop practical control strategies for chemical processes allowing the design and appropriate tuning of the control systems.

ILO 5. Recognise different types of control designs in a variety of plants.

ILO 6. Use control software to design and tune practical control loop for realistic chemical plants. 

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures provide fundamental aspects supporting the critical learning of the module and will be delivered as pre-recorded asynchronous short videos via our virtual learning environment.

Synchronous sessions will support the lecture material with Q&A and problem-solving sessions where you can apply the new concepts. Surgery hours are also available for drop-in support.

Students are expected to expand the concepts presented in the session and online by additional reading (suggested in the Online Reading List) in order to consolidate their learning process and further stimulate their interest to the module.

Study budget:

  • Core Learning Material (e.g. recorded lectures, problem solving sessions): 24 hours
  • Self-Guided Work (e.g. continuous assessment, extra problems, reading): 44 hours
  • Exam Style Assessment Revision and Preparation: 32 hours

 

Assessment methods

Assessment Types

Total Weighting

Continuous assessment

30%

Exam style assessments

70%

Please note that the exam style assessments weighting may be split over midterm and end of semester exams.

Feedback methods

Feedback on problems and examples, feedback on coursework and exams, and model answers will be provided through the virtual learning environment. A discussion board provides an opportunity to discuss topics related to the material presented in the module.

Recommended reading

Reading lists are accessible through the Blackboard system linked to the library catalogue.

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Lectures 24
Independent study hours
Independent study 76

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Konstantinos Theodoropoulos Unit coordinator
Peter Martin Unit coordinator

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