Reverse-acting proportional pressure controller

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a homework problem involving a reverse-acting proportional pressure controller with specific output and input parameters. Participants are attempting to determine the measured pressure corresponding to a given output current and the proportional band setting for a different output. The conversation includes technical calculations, interpretations of the problem statement, and graphical representations.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that a 15 mA output corresponds to a specific pressure value, with calculations suggesting it could be around 10.9 bar or 9.75 bar, depending on the proportional band setting.
  • Others argue about the interpretation of the proportional band and whether it should be centered around the measured value or the set point.
  • Several participants express uncertainty about the correct approach to calculating the outputs and the implications of the reverse-acting nature of the controller.
  • One participant mentions the need to consider offsets in the calculations, while others focus on graphical methods to visualize the relationship between pressure and output current.
  • There is a suggestion to use the slope-intercept form of a line to characterize the relationship between the input and output, indicating a mathematical approach to the problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct interpretation of the problem or the calculations involved. Multiple competing views remain regarding the approach to solving the problem and the values derived from different methods.

Contextual Notes

Participants note ambiguities in the problem statement, particularly regarding the definitions of the controller's output and the proportional band. There is also mention of varying interpretations of the problem context, which may affect the calculations.

Who May Find This Useful

Students and professionals working with control systems, particularly those focused on pressure control applications, may find this discussion relevant. It may also be useful for those studying proportional control mechanisms and their mathematical representations.

  • #31
David J said:
I think the PB should be relating to the output which is mA in this question.

PB is the fraction of full scale input required to cause full scale output
Δin/Δout where Δout is 100%

80% of your 15 bar full scale input is 12 bar
 
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  • #32
pbcontrilller.jpg
https://www.physicsforums.com/attachments/234224
 

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  • #33
I think, finally, after looking at this for hours it just hit home. Its been staring me in the face to be honest but I finally got it. It made me question my answer to the first part though, even though I had been told my answer was correct my graph wasn't so I ended up changing it. We are not even required to create a graph, I just did it to get a better understanding and I think given this problem in the future being able to plot a graph will be a big help

upload_2018-11-20_18-34-19.png
upload_2018-11-20_18-35-18.png


Thanks again for your help with this problem
 

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  • #34
David J said:
I think, finally, after looking at this for hours it just hit home. Its been staring me in the face to be honest but I finally got it.

Isn't that a great feeling ?
Thanks for sharing your victory.
We old guys enjoy them too , if only vicariously.

You're equipped now to help your classmates.

In my plant we made such drawings of our analog reactor control and protection system for our own use.We called them "Scaling Diagrams".
Actually one young engineer made them to teach himself how it all worked and we all recognized their value. ( In case he's reading this , his initials were jpm , nice work Jorge !)
Ten years later our engineering department stumbled across them, cleaned them up and made them into official plant drawings.

As you have found a picture is worth a thousand words .

I'm glad to hear 'the light came on' for you, thanks for the feedback.
Now - Share the light !

old jim
 
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