CHP 303 Chemical Reaction Engineering

and Process Control (CRE + PC) Laboratory

Semester II: 2014-15
Instructors:
Mon: Dr. M. A. Shaik & Dr. Vikram Singh
Tue: Prof. S. Roy & Dr. Anil Verma
Wed: Dr. Shalini Gupta & Dr. Manoj Ramteke
Thu: Dr. Shalini Gupta & Dr. M.A. Haider
Fri: Dr. Divesh Bhatia & Dr. J. Phirani
Labs: I-303 (process control lab) and II-371 (reaction engg lab)
Grading Policy:
Regular Labwork:
Quiz (end of semester):

60%
40%

There will be 12 practical (6 each in PC and CRE) in all. The 60% of in-laboratory evaluation will be done with 5% weightage for
each turn based on your weekly report that is submitted. We will start with PC experiments in the first half of semester followed by
CRE experiments in the second half.
The experiments will be conducted in groups of 3 or 4 students. Handouts of all experiments can be downloaded from the link
http://privateweb.iitd.ac.in/~munawar/CHP303.pdf. All the students are required to come prepared for the experiment. A common
cover page (as per template on page 2 of the document in link) is to be used while submitting report for each experiment
All experiments, calculations and final report writing will have to be completed and submitted before leaving the laboratory
(except on the first turn of the semester). Each sub-group of students needs to submit only one report, but it must be a joint effort.
If some experiment is not completed or only partially done, you have to still submit the report for whatever was accomplished on
that day.
As this is a lab course 100 % attendance (including make-up) is required. There will be one extra turn at the end of the semester
for catching up or re-doing one experiment, only if needed, with prior permission of the instructor. Lack of attendance automatically
gets you a zero score for that turn. This also includes late arrival/absence from the laboratory without prior permission of the
laboratory instructor/TA for some part or entire laboratory. As a safety measure it is mandatory to use gloves, lab coats, safety
glasses and shoes during practical.

List of CRE Experiments:

Kinetics of saponification reaction from a batch reactor (CRE1)

Kinetics of hydrogen peroxide decomposition in a batch reactor (CRE2)
Kinetics of saponification reaction from a semi-batch stirred reactor (CRE3)
Flow analogy for series and parallel reactions (CRE4)
Reaction kinetics from an adiabatic batch reactor (CRE5)
Kinetics of a gas-solid non-catalytic reaction (CRE6)

List of PC Experiments: (perform only six out of available PC experiments)

Dynamics of lagged thermometer (PC1)

Dynamics of a stirred tank heater (PC2)
Temperature Control (PC3)
Level Control (PC4)
Pressure Control (PC5)
Cascade Control (PC6)
Flow Control (PC7)
Interacting & Non-Interacting Two-tank System (PC8)
Control Valve Characteristics (PC9)
Time Constant for Thermocouple & Thermometer (PC10)
Time Constant of Manometer (PC11)
Level Measurement by Capacitance Method(PC12)
Dr. Munawar A. Shaik
(Course Coordinator)

CHP 303: Chemical Reaction Engineering & Process Control Lab

II Semester 2014 - 2015

EXPERIMENT NAME AND NO.

(AS GIVEN IN HANDOUT):

GROUP NO.:
SUBGROUP NO.:

DATE AND DAY (Submitted)

LAB TURN (date and day)

NAMES OF GROUP MEMBERS

PRESENT ON THE LAB TURN:

REMARKS (IF ANY):

Name of
LAB INSTRUCTOR:

MARKS (TO BE FILLED BY LAB

INSTRUCTOR/TA):

CHP 303 PROCESS CONTROL AND REACTION

ENGINEERING LABORATORY
CRE1: Kinetics of saponification reaction from a batch reactor
AIM: To determine the kinetics of saponification reaction between ethyl acetate and
sodium hydroxide in a batch reactor.
APPARATUS: Reaction Flask/Reactor, Stirrer, Beakers, Burettes, Pipettes, Indicator
and ice bath
CHEMICALS: Ethyl acetate, Sodium hydroxide, Oxalic acid (or other standard acid
for making stock solution), Indicator.
PREPARATION:
(i)

Prepare standard acid stock solution of 0.1N (contact lab. technician)

(ii)

Prepare 1000 ml of sodium hydroxide solution of 0. 1N and determine its

exact normality with standard acid solution

(iii)

Calculate volume of ethyl acetate required per 100 ml of sodium hydroxide

0.1N so that the normalities are 1:1 and 1:2.

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE:
(i)

Add 400 ml of sodium hydroxide solution into the reaction vessel and stir its
contents slowly with the stirrer

(ii)

Add the calculated amount of ethyl acetate for concentration ratio of 1:1 or
1:2 into the reactor vessel and note the time as starting time for reaction.
Immediately take a simple of 2 ml from the reactor and quench it.

(iii)

At specified time intervals, i.e. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25 min take
samples of 5 ml from the reactor and quench them in ice bath.

(iv)

Titrate the samples with standard oxalic acid solution for determining the
concentration of the sodium hydroxide as a function of time.

THEORY:
Reaction :
NaOH + CH3 COOC2 H5 CH3 COONa + C2 H5 OH
(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

It is reported that the reaction is irreversible and the reaction orders with
respect to the reactant is unity. The rate expression is given by (elementary reaction):
dC A
= k C A CB = K C A [ (CBO C AO ) + C A ]
dt
dC A

= K C A2
for
C AO = CBO
dt

for

C AO CBO

(1)
(2)

DATA AND CALCULATIONS:

From the titration results, calculate the concentrations of the reactant A (sodium
hydroxide) in the reaction mixture at zero time and at other times.
Differential Method:
(i)

Plot CA vs. t data.

(ii)

Draw tangents at different values of CA.

(iii)

Calculate slopes (dCA /dt) at each value of CA.

(iv)

Plot (dCA/dt) vs. f (CA ) = CA {(CBO - CAO ) + CA )

(v)

Calculate the rate constant, if the data gives a straight line passing
through the origin, from the slope of the line.

(vi)

When the reactants are present in equimolal concentrations, plot ln(dCA /dt) vs. ln CA and determine the rate constant from the slope and
the overall order from the intercept.

Integral Method:
Integration of the equations (1) and (2) gives the following equations.

ln

C AO {(C BO C AO ) + C A }
= (C BO C AO ) k t
C BO C A
1
1

=K t
C A C AO

(3)

(4)

(i)

Plot
(CBO

C AO {(CBO C AO ) + C A ]
1
ln {
vs. t
C AO )
CBO C A

(ii)

Calculate the rate constant from the slope of the line.

(iii)

When the reactants are present in equimolal concentrations,

Plot 1/CA vs. t and calculate the rate constant from the slope of the line.

FURTHER WORK :
(a)

Repeat the experiment with different initial concentrations of the reactant .

(b)

Determine the order of reaction by half life method. Check the value of the
rate constant with that obtained above in your procedure.

(c)

Repeat the experiment at different temperatures to completely determine the

rate equation, i.e. frequency factor and activation energy, and order of
reaction.

RELEVANT BACKGROUND READING:

Fogler, H. Scott, Elements of Chemical Reaction Engineering, 3rd Ed., PHI India Pvt.
Ltd. (1999).
(Chapters 3, 5)
Levenspiel, O., Chemical Reaction Engineering, 3rd Ed., John Wiley and Sons (1999).
(Chapter 3)

CHP 303 PROCESS CONTROL AND REACTION

ENGINEERING LABORATORY
CRE2: Kinetics of hydrogen peroxide decomposition in a batch
reactor
AIM: To determine the kinetics of hydrogen peroxide decomposition in a batch
reactor.
APPARATUS: Three- necked round bottom flask, condenser, gas volume
measuring unit at atmospheric pressure, constant temperature bath, thermometer,
stopwatch.
CHEMICALS: Hydrogen peroxide, Potassium iodide.
PREPARATION:
The gas volume measuring unit consists of a 1 liter capacity measuring cylinder
and a open mouth glass bottle both connected at the bottom by a rubber tube. The
top of the measuring cylinder is covered with a lid with a 3- way stop valve.
Fill the measuring jar and the bottle with water such that the levels in the jar and
the bottle correspond to 1000 ml mark in the measuring cylinder when the 3- way
stop cock is open to atmosphere. Then keep aside the glass bottle without pouring
out the water.
PROCEDURE:
(i)

Connect the reaction flask and the gas measuring cylinder with rubber
tubing with the condenser in between.

(ii)

Add 100/150 ml of distilled water in the flask and heat it up to the desired
temperature (i.e., 35 40 - 45 50 C) and add 5 to 10 ml of the given
H2O2 solution and a pinch of KI salt.

(iii)

Immediately turn the 3-way stop cock to connect the reactor with the gas
measuring cylinder and note the time as zero time.
1

(iv)

Keep the overflow glass bottle next to the measuring cylinder and note the
times for change in volume of gas in the measuring cylinder by
maintaining equal levels of water in the cylinder and bottle.

(v)

Note the time and volume of the gas collected at regular volume change in
the cylinder also.

THEORY
Reaction :
2H2 O2 2H2 O + O2
(B) + (O)

(A)

It is reported that the reaction is irreversible and first order. The rate equation is:

dC A
= k CA
dt

DATA AND CALCULATIONS

Calculate the initial concentration of the hydrogen peroxide solution from the total
volume of oxygen (VO2) obtained from known volume of H2O2 (5 ml). Grammoles of Hydrogen peroxide in 1 ml of the sample is given by

CH 2O2 =

VO 2 2
( gm mole / ml )
22,400 5

Concentration of H2 O2 in the initial reaction mixture:

C A0 =

CH 2O2 VH 2O2

(V

H 2O

+ VH 2O2

The concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the reaction mixture at any time is

given by:
CA =

V Vt
V

C AO

where Vt = volume of O2 liberated at time t.

Show the derivation of the above relationships and establish their correctness.

Differential Method:

(1)

Plot Vt vs. t

(2)

Plot CA vs. t

(3)

Draw tangents at different values of CA and calculate (-d CA /dt) values.

(4)

Plot ln(-dcA /dt) vs. ln CA

(5)

Calculate the order and the rate constant from the intercept and the slope

of the data line.

Integral Method:

Plot ln(CAO /CA ) vs. t.

The line should pass through origin and the rate constant is given by the slope of
the line.
Compare the rate constants obtained in the differential and integral cases and
commet.
FURTHER WORK

(a) Repeat the experiment at a fixed temperature and at 2-3 different initial
concentration of H2 O2 and determine order by half life method.
(b) Repeat the experiment at different temperatures and determine the activation
energy and frequency factors from Arrhenius plot.
RELEVANT BACKGROUND READING:

Fogler, H. Scott, Elements of Chemical Reaction Engineering, 3rd Ed., PHI India Pvt.
Ltd. (1999).
(Chapters 3, 5)

Levenspiel, O., Chemical Reaction Engineering, 3rd Ed., John Wiley and Sons (1999).
(Chapter 3)

CHP 303 PROCESS CONTROL AND REACTION

ENGINEERING LABORATORY
CRE3: Kinetics of saponification reaction from a semi-batch
stirred reactor
AIM: To determine the reaction rate/rate constant for saponification reaction between
ethyl acetate and sodium hydroxide in semi-batch mode of contacting.
APPARATUS: Storage tanks for the reactants, Reactor, Stirrer, Rotameters, Burettes,
Pipettes, Conical flasks, Ice bath.
CHEMICALS: Ethy1 acetate, sodium hydroxide, oxalic acid (or other standard acid
for making stock solution), indicator.
PREPARATION:
(i)

Prepare approximately 0.1N solution of sodium hydroxide and fill the storage
tank with it.

(ii)

Prepare ethyl acetate solution of about 0.1N concentration and fill the storage
tank with it.

(iii)

Prepare standard oxalic acid (or any other standard acid stock solution as
directed by the lab. technician) of about 0.1N.

(iv)

Determine the normality of the sodium hydroxide solution prepared.

PROCEDURE:
(i)

Take NaOH in the reactor to fill it to an appreciable level (seek guidance from
the lab. technician or instructor).

(ii)

Start the stirrer slowly and maintain a suitable speed so as not to spill the
liquid in the reactor.

(iii)

Adjust the flow rate of the ethyl acetate solution from the storage tank to about
30-50 ml/min.

(iv)

Allow the ethyl acetate flow to the reactor at the prefixed flow rate.

(v)

When the reaction mixture starts overflowing, start collecting samples of 2 ml

and quench in ice bath (note that the reactor is operating in semi-batch mode).

(vi)

Start collecting the samples from the exit overflow until steady state is
attained, i.e. the composition of the last two samples has the same value (and
essentially the NaOH, which was in batch, has been flushed out of the system
by the flowing ethyl acetate solution).

(vii)

Titrate the samples obtained with standard acid for determining the
concentration of the sodium hydroxide.

THEORY:
Reaction:
NaOH + CH3COOC2H5 CH3COONa
(A)

(B)

Rate equation = (-rA)

(C)

+
+

C2H5OH
(D)

k CA CB

(1)

Design equations for semi-batch reactor need to be derived from first principles, with
help from books by Fogler and Levenspiel. The derivation should be shown in the
report.
DATA AND CALCULATIONS:
Calculate the steady state exit concentration/conversion of the reactant (A) ie. Sodium
hydroxide. Measure the volume of the reactor and volumetric flow rate of the
reactants. Calculate the rate constant from the equations derived above.
FURTHER WORK:
Repeat the experiment with different flow rates/concentrations of the reactants and
verify the rate constant.
RELEVANT BACKGROUND READING:
Fogler, H. Scott, Elements of Chemical Reaction Engineering, 3rd Ed., PHI India Pvt.
Ltd. (1999).
(Chapter 4)
2

CHP 303 PROCESS CONTROL AND REACTION

ENGINEERING LABORATORY
CRE4: Flow analogy for series and parallel reactions
AIM: To study series and parallel reactions using fluid flow analogy and determine
the rate constants.
APPARATUS: Burettes, Capillary tubes and stop watch.
CHEMICALS: Water.
PREPARATION:
Connect the burettes with the capillary tubes, measure the I.D. and lengths of the
capillary tubes. Setup is already prepared in the laboratory.
PROCEDURE:
(i)

Empty all the three burettes.

(ii)

Adjust the capillary tubes such that they are in zero/50 ml mark level in the
burettes and the liquid flows through them into the subsequent burettes
(burettes kept downstream), smoothly.

(iii)

Close the stop-cocks of the burettes and fill the top most burette to the zero
level mark.

(iv)

Open the stop cocks of the burettes except the lower-most burette and note
down times for changes in water levels of known values in each of the
burettes.

Note:

To avoid the difficulty of noting level vs. time data in the three burettes

simultaneously, first note time vs. level in the top most burette only. Repeat the
experiment noting down level vs. time in the middle burette. The level vs. time data in
the lower most burette can be determined from material balance for the three burettes.
The level vs. time data in the first burette is independent of the flows into the second
and third burettes.
1

(v)

Repeat

the

same

procedure

for

parallel

reaction

arrangement

of

burettes/capillary tubes also, designed to mimic a parallel reaction scheme.

THEORY:
Series Reaction:

Assuming first order reactions, the rate equations are:

(1)
(2)
(3)

At t = 0, CA = CA0 and CB = CC = 0. Using these initial conditions, the solution to

equations (1)-(3) can be found by integration over time:
exp

(4)

exp

exp

(5)
(6)

The maximum concentration of the intermediate and the time at which the maximum
occurs are, respectively, given by:
/

(7)

(8)

Please derive these relationships in your report.

We draw an analogy of the above reaction scheme with the burette-capillary
arrangement. The first burette empties into the second via flow through the capillary.
Resistance to flow in the capillary determines the speed of the emptying of the first
burette. Thus, the first burette may be taken to the first reactant A, and the rate
constant of flow through the first capillary may be taken to be the first rate constant
k1. Similarly, for the second and third burettes and capillaries. Thus, the envisioned
fluid mechanical apparatus provides an analogy to the series reaction network.

From fluid mechanics principles, a first order irreversible reaction can be represented
by emptying of a tank with a pipe line having laminar flow conditions (through
Hagen-Poiseulles equation). The equation relating level fall with time is given by
(please derive this relationship in your report):

dh
= k1 ' h
dt

(9)

k1 ' = g d 4 / 32 L D 2

(10)

D = tank (burette) diameter

d = pipe (capillary tube) diameter
L = length of the pipe (capillary tube)
h

= level in tank (burette) function of time

= viscosity of liquid (water)

= density of liquid (water)

Parallel Reaction Network:
B

k1
A
k2

Assuming first order the rate equations are given by:

dC A
= (k1 + k2 )C A
dt
dCB
= k1 C A
dt
dCC
= k2 C A
dt

(1)
(2)
(3)

At t = 0, CA = CA0 and CB = CC = 0. Using these initial conditions, the solution to

equations (1)-(3) can be found by integration over time:
exp

(4)

exp

(5)

exp

(6)

Please derive these relationships in your report.

3

DATA AND CALCULATIONS:

Series Reaction Network:
(i)

Measure the height of the burettes w.r.t. the capillary tube level (centerline of
horizontal capillary). Measure the length and diameter of the capillary tube.

(ii)

Plot h vs. t for three burettes on a single graph.

(iii)

Plot - ln(h/h0) vs. t for the first burette data.

(iv)

Note down the value of hmax for the second burette and the corresponding time.

(v)

Determine the value of k1 from the slope of the second plot.

(vi)

Calculate k1 /k2 ratio from equation (7) or (8) by trial and error.

(vii)

Calculate the k2 from the above values.

(viii) Calculate the numerical values of k1 and k2 from equation (10) and verify
with the above values.
Parallel Reaction Network:
(i)

Plot h vs. t for the three burettes on a single graph.

(ii)

Plot - ln(h/h0) vs. t data of the first burette.

(iii)

Calculate (k1 + k2) from the slope of the line of the above plot.

(iv)

Calculate (k1/k2) ratio from the ratio of the maximum heights of the plot of the
graphs of the second and third burettes (CB and CC).

(v)

Calculate individual values of k1 and k2.

FURTHER WORK
Repeat the experiment with some liquid initially present in the second and third
burettes, i.e. CBO = 0 and CC0 = 0 at t = 0 and verify h vs. t data from the solutions of
the equation (1), (2) and (3).
RELEVANT BACKGROUND READING:
Fogler, H. Scott, Elements of Chemical Reaction Engineering, 3rd Ed., PHI India Pvt.
Ltd. (1999).
(Chapter 6)
Levenspiel, O., Chemical Reaction Engineering, 3rd Ed., John Wiley and Sons (1999).
(Chapter 8)

CHP 303 PROCESS CONTROL AND REACTION

ENGINEERING LABORATORY
CRE5: Reaction kinetics from an adiabatic batch reactor
AIM:To determine the kinetics of the reaction between hydrogen peroxide and
sodium thiosulphate ina batch reactor under adiabatic conditions.
APPARATUS:Reaction vessel (Thermos Flask), Thermocouple or thermometer.
CHEMICALS:Sodium thiosulphate solution and hydrogen peroxide solution.
PREPARATION: Take 1M H2 O2 solution and 0.5M Na2 S2 O3 solutions (100 ml
each).

PROCEDURE:
(i)

Add the two reactants into the reaction flask and close the lid. Note the time as
the starting time for reaction.

(ii)

Note the temperature vs. time date at regular intervalsuntil there is no change
in the temperature of the reaction mixture.

THEORY:
A simple thermos flask acts as a very good adiabatic batch reactor, particularly is the
reaction is fast and the rate of heat transfer from the flask is slow in comparison.
Reaction:
2 Na2 S2 O3 + 4 H2 O2 Na 2 S3 O6 + Na 2 SO4 + 4 H2 O
It is reported that the reaction is irreversible and first order w.r.to each reactant.
Rate equation is:
-rA=kCACB

(1)

Under adiabatic conditions, the heat balance gives:

dT/dt = ( H ) ( rA ) / ( M T C p )

(2)

where, MT

total mass/moles of reaction mixture.

Cp

avg. specific heat (mass/mole basis)

1

heat of reaction

Note that the reaction rate constant k, itself is a function of temperature, and is
related via Arrhenius law:
/

Taking the reactants in stoichiometric proportions, the rate equation (1) can be
expressed as:
- rA

k C A2

(3)

Solving equations (2) and (3) together with the boundary condition:
At t = 0, T = T0 and CA = CA0
Gives:
1
(T T ) 2

dT
dt

k 0 C AO
T TO )

e E / RT

(4)

When reactants are not in stoichiometric proportions, i.e., when

, the

temperature variation is given by:

C
2(T TO ) E / RT
dT
= k O C AO (T T ) [ BO
]e
dt
C AO
(T TO )

(5)

DATA AND CALCULATIONS:

(i)

Plot t vs.T data.

(ii)

At different values of Tcalculate dT/dt by graphical method.

(iii)

Plot ln[

(iv)

Calculate the activation energy from the slope of the line.

(v)

Calculate the frequency factor from equation (4).

(vi)

Repeat the similar procedure for the case of non-stoichiometric proportions,

1
T )2

dT
]
dt

1
.
T

vs

in which case you have to get the parameters from equation (5).

FURTHER WORK:
Repeat the experiment with different initial concentrations of the reactants such that

and calculate the rate constant using equation (5).

RELEVANT BACKGROUND READING:

Fogler, H. Scott, Elements of Chemical Reaction Engineering, 3rd Ed., PHI India Pvt.
Ltd. (1999).(Chapter 8)
Levenspiel, O., Chemical Reaction Engineering, 3rd Ed., John Wiley and Sons (1999).

(Chapter 9)
2

CHP 303 PROCESS CONTROL AND REACTION

ENGINEERING LABORATORY
CRE6: Kinetics of a gas-solid non-catalytic reaction
AIM: To determine the rate parameters, i.e. reaction rate constant and effective
diffusion coefficient for the reaction of calcium carbonate decomposition (gas-solid
non-catalytic reaction).
APPARATUS: Furnace, pelletizer, holders, microbalance, stop watch, thermocouple.
CHEMICALS: Calcium carbonate powder, or chalk.
PREPARATION: Prepare one dimensional pellets by compacting the reactant
powder in the pellet holder using the bench-vice under uniform pressure. The
diameter, thickness and weight of the pellets are then measured.
Alternatively, if plain chalk is supplied to you, then cut them into precise cylindrical
shapes and weigh them in the microbalance to ensure that you know the precise
weight.
PROCEDURE:
Number the pellets (pellet holder) for identification. Raise the furnace temperature to
the desired reaction temperature. Keep all the pellets in the furnace at one time (try to
make sure that they all have similar dimensions and initial weights). Remove each
pellet after keeping them in the furnace for different reaction times and put them
immediately in a desiccator for cooling. Then, measure the weight loss of the pellets
corresponding to different reaction times.
THEORY:
Reaction:

CaCO3 CaO

+ CO2

B(S)

C(S)

A(g)

The reaction is assumed to proceed according to shrinking core model.

1

For chemical reaction rate controlling, the time of reaction for conversion X is given
by:
t =

B L X

(1)

Kr

For mass transfer controlling, the time of reaction is:

B L
B L2 X
t
=
+
2 Deff C AE
x K g C AE

( 2)

Where:
B

molar density of the solid

thickness of the pellet

conversion

Kg =

mass transfer coefficient, m/sec

Kr =

reaction rate constant, kg.mol/m2 sec

Deff =

effective diffusion coefficient, m2/sec

CAE =

equilibrium CO2 concentration at any given temperature.

The rate parameters are obtained by data according to equation (1) and (2). For
determining the chemical reaction rate constant, the experiments are conducted at
lower temperature 650-7500C and mass transfer coefficients the temperature are 750
to 9000C.
DATA AND CALCULATIONS:
From the experiments with each pellet, the time versus weight loss is determined.
Then conversion is given by:
X =

WO Wt
WO W

(3)

Where W0, Wt, W are weight of the solid at zero time, any time and infinite time
i.e. completion of reaction. The time versus conversion for the different pellets is used
to calculate the rate parameters corresponding to one temperature.
For the calculations, the molecular diffusion coefficient DCO2-air can be calculated
using Chapman-Enskog equation and porosity can be calculated from true density and
bulk densities of the solid pellet and assuming tortuosity factor as 2.
2

Deff = DCO2 air /

(4)

The Deff values can be compared with the experimental value obtained according to
equation (2).
FURTHER WORK: Repeat the experiments at other temperatures for determining
the activation energies for reaction and diffusion constants.
RELEVANT BACKGROUND READING:
Fogler, H. Scott, Elements of Chemical Reaction Engineering, 3rd Ed., PHI India Pvt.
Ltd. (1999). (Chapter 11)
Levenspiel, O., Chemical Reaction Engineering, 3rd Ed., John Wiley and Sons (1999).
(Chapter 25)

CHP 303: PROCESS CONTROL AND REACTION ENGINEERING LAB

PC 1: EXPERIMENT: TRANSIENT RESPONSE OF A LAGGED THERMOMETER
OBJECTIVE :

To determine the transient response of a distributed parameter system and to

show that it can be approximated by a first order system followed by a time delay and n-first
order systems in series using a lagged thermometer.

EXPERIMENTAL SETUP:

A mercury thermometer is embedded in a long cylindrical wooden

block. The transient response to change in the surrounding temperature is determined by the
temperature at the centre line of this block. A hot temperature bath is provided for this
purpose. You may try different types of materials around the thermometer.

THEORY:

If several identical interacting systems are arranged in series, the response is

practically the same as that of a distributed system, which is one where resistance and
capacity are associated with each incremental length of the system. That is to say that transfer
function of a distributed parameter system can be approximated by
( )
( )

Where

as n

(1)

is the time constant of a first order system. Another useful approximation of the

transfer function of a distributed parameter system is a first order system followed by a time
lag, i.e;
( )
( )

(2)

Where Td is the time delay and is the time constant of the first order system.
PROCEDURE : Measure the initial reading of the thermometer and then place the lagged
thermometer inside the hot bath which is maintained at constant temperature. Measure the
temperature with time until the steady state has been reached. This completes one set of the
experiment. Remove the lagged thermometer from the hot bath and allow it to cool in the
atmosphere. Once again, note the temperature versus time until the new steady state has
been reached.

RESULTS TO BE REPORTED:
1. Plot Q =

vs t for both heating and cooling experiments. Here

and

are

the initial and ultimate temperatures respectively.

2. To approximate the response of two and three first order systems in series, determine
the time to reach 74% and 80% response respectively. Let these be t0.74 and t0.8. Then
time constant of two first order systems in series will be approximately, =

/4

and the time constant for three first order systems in series will be, =

/9.

Using these time constants, determine the theoretical response from equation (1) and
match with the actual responses and comment.
3. To approximate the response by a first order system followed by a time delay, find the
inflection point of the transient response plot and draw a tangent at the inflection
point. The intercept of the x-axis provides the value of Td, while the inverse of the
slope gives the value of the time constant. Using the values of

and Td plot the

theoretical response from equation (2) and match with the actual response and
comment.

CHP 303: PROCESS CONTROL AND REACTION ENGINEERING LAB

PC 2: EXPERIMENT: DYNAMICS OF STIRRED TANK HEATER
OBJECTIVE:

To study the response of a stirred tank heater using a step change in heater input.

EXPERIMENTAL SET-UP: The stirred tank has a diameter of 22.6 cm and a height of 28 cm. Water is
filled upto a certain level and is continuously agitated by a stirrer with a diameter of 5 cm rotating at
1100 rpm. The bottom of the tank contains heating coils whose input is controlled by means of variac.
Cooling water flows through a long helical coil. There are 15 turns in all, the diameter of the helix being
4.2 cm and the coil thickness is 6mm. Cooling water is obtained from an overhead tank and there is a
valve to regulate the flow. Temperature of the tank is measured using a thermometer.

THEORY:

Draw a block diagram of the stirred tank heater. Cooling water enters at a temperature Ti

and mass flow rate Mc (measured using measuring cylinder). The outlet temperature of the cooling
water changes when a step change is introduced into the system by altering the heater input Q. Derive
the transfer function (refer any book on process control like Coughanowr) between the tank
temperature T and the heater input Q.

The following assumptions can be made:

1. The temperature of water in the cooling coil is the average of inlet and outlet temperatures.
2. Perfect mixing exists in the tank i.e. same temperature throughout.

The value of heat transfer coefficient between tank and coil, U, is a function of several parameters like
stirrer rpm and diameter, Prandtl number etc. The exact correlation can be obtained from Perrys
handbook.

PROCEDURE:

The study is to be conducted by changing the heater input in a step fashion and

noting the change in tank temperature. (It is also possible to change cooling water flowrate and note
the resultant effect on the system)
1. Set up the apparatus and start the flow of cooling water.
2. Set variac reading (say 80 V) and wait for steady state to be attained.
3. Give a step change to the variac reading (hence heater input ) and start noting temperature
vs time.
4. Plot the temperature vs time curve. Compare the experimental and theoretical curves (with
the one obtained from the transfer function). Identify possible sources of error.

CHP 303: PROCESS CONTROL AND REACTION ENGINEERING LAB

PC-3: EXPERIMENT: Temperature Control
OBJECTIVE: To study the tuning of PID controller by Open Loop method using (a) Cohen
and Coon (C-C) (b) Ziegler-Nichols (Z-N) tuning rules.
APPARATUS: Process tank having temperature controlling unit.
THEORY: The open loop method of tuning in which the control action is removed from the
controller by placing it in manual mode and an open loop transient is induced by a step
change in the signal. Fig.1 shows a typical control loop in which the control action is
removed and the loop opened for the purpose of introducing a step change (M/S). The step
response is recorded at the output of the measuring element. The step change to the valve
is conveniently provided by the output from the controller, which is in manual mode. The
response of the system is called the process reaction curve.

Fig: 1. Block Diagram of a Control Loop for measurement of Process reaction curve.
A typical process curve exhibits an S- shape as shown in Fig: 2. It is represented by equation
(1).
G ( s) = K

e L s
1 + Ts

(1)

Zeigler and Nichols suggested setting the values of Kc, Ti, Td according to the formula shown
in Table 1. Refer Fig. 2 for symbol meaning for tuning the controller via Z-N settings.
Table 1. Z-N Settings for tuning different Controllers
Type of Controller
Proportional (P)
Proportional - Integral (PI)
Proportional - Integral Derivative (PID)

Kc
T/L
0.9T/L
1.2T/L

Ti

Td

L/0.3
2L

0.5L

Fig: 2.Typical process reaction curve (First Order with Transportation lag)
Similarly, Cohen and Coon suggested controller parameters as given in Table 2.
Table 2. C-C settings for tuning different controllers
Types of Control
Proportional (P)

Parameter Settings
Kc = (T/(Kp*L) ) * ( 1+L/3T)

Proportional - Integral (PI)

Kc = (T/(Kp*L)) * (0.9 + L/12T)

Ti = L * (30 + 3L/T) / (9 +20L/T)

Proportional - Derivative (PD)

Kc = (T/(Kp*L))* (1.25 + L/6T)

Td = L*(6-2L/T) / (22+3L/T)

Proportional - Integral Derivative (PID)

Kc = (T/(Kp*L)) * (1.33 + L/4T)

Ti = L*(32 + 6L/T) / ( 13 +8L/T)
Td = 4L / (11 + 2L/T)

The value of Kp can be found using Kp = Bu / M, where Bu is the ultimate value of B at large
time t. (Refer to Fig. 1).
PROCEDURE :
1. Process Tank filled with liquid water is made available. Temperature Control Trainer
is active.
2. Log in the system and select INTERFACE mode for experimentation.
3. Turn on the water supply and maintain the inlet flow rate of water to process tank to
approximately 600-700 mL per min. Please note that attached Rotameter is not
calibrated. Corresponding reading in Rotameter will be around 20-25 LPM. Please
verify it.
4. Due to some external disturbances, liquid flow rate may show some significant
change in its value. Please keep an eye on the rotameter reading to dampen such

changes by careful adjustment of rotameter itself. Please note that change in mass
flow rate is not desired in the undertaken experiment.
5. Run the process as directed below:
o Select the MANUAL MODE with controller output 0 %.
o Wait till steady state is reached.
o Log on to a file for saving transient data.
o Start saving data. Wait for approximately 5 mins.
o Give a STEP RESPONSE to controller output. Change it from 0% to 100%.
o Wait till steady state is reached. Please do not rush.
o Log Off from data saving procedure.
6. With the help of saved data file, draw the Process Reaction Curve.
7. Find the control setting parameters from Cohen-Coon (C-C) & Ziegler-Nichols (Z-N)
rules.
8. Tabulate the control setting parameters for each type of controlling mode e.g. Pmode, PI-mode, PID-mode; obtained from both the rules, C-C & Z-N.
9. Run the process with the suggested controlling parameters for each type of control
mode, obtained from both the methods. Please follow the instructions directed
below carefully.
Select the MANUAL MODE with controller output 0%.
Have the set point of 25 oC.
Wait till steady state is reached.
Select the AUTO MODE.
Set P / PI / PID parameters as obtained from Z-N rules. For the first time, set
for P-mode. You will have the opportunity of tuning PI & PID mode in next
RUN sequences.
Wait till steady state is reached. Please do not rush.
Once steady state is reached, LOG on to a file for saving transient response of
system. It is advised to save the data file with name explaining: controller
mode, set pointy change, control parameter values.
Start saving data, with file name as suggested above, if possible.
Wait till approximately 5 mins.
Give a STEP change by changing the set point from 25 oC to 35 oC.
Wait till steady state is reached. Please do not rush.
Log Off from data saving procedure.
10. Repeat the procedure mentioned in STEP-8 for obtaining the process transient
response for different control mode e.g. PI and PID.
11. Repeat STEP-8 and STEP-9 for controlling parameters as obtained previously from CC rules.
12. Draw the excel plots for all the above set of transient responses. Plot process value
and set point of the process on the same graph against time.
13. Report the best possible controlling mode for the step change made. Justify your
decision on both, qualitative and quantitative scale.

14. Last step of experiment is to observe the frequency response of the system. Do as
directed below:
Select AUTO MODE.
Set for PI Mode of control. Set the controlling parameters with Kc= 4*Kc(ZN) and Ti = 1.85*Ti (Z-N).
Turn on Function Generator.
Select Signal type as Sine Wave of Amplitude: 5, Period: 10 sec, Reference
point 30.
Wait for steady state.
Log on to data file for saving data.
Save the transient frequency response for approximately 15 mins.
Log Off from data saving procedure.
Shut down the unit. Please make sure Heater is turned off.
Make a plot showing the transient response of process value, set point
value and control output value against time. Please make sure that they are
plotted on same graph.

CHP 303: PROCESS CONTROL AND REACTION ENGINEERING LAB

PC 4: EXPERIMENT: Level Control Trainer: Experiment & Simulation
OBJECTIVE: Optimizing the tuning parameters of Level Control Trainer via simulation
interface and comparing the transient response obtained from the simulation with real time
response for the same set of controlling parameters obtained as above.
APPARATUS: Process tank having level control trainer, rotameter, pump, sump-tank etc.
THEORY: The open loop method of tuning in which the control action is removed from the
controller by placing it in manual mode and an open loop transient is induced by a step
change in the signal. Fig.1 shows a typical control loop in which the control action is
removed and the loop opened for the purpose of introducing a step change (M/S). The step
response is recorded at the output of the measuring element. The step change to the valve
is conveniently provided by the output from the controller, which is in manual mode. The
response of the system is called the process reaction curve.

Fig: 1. Block Diagram of a Control Loop for measurement of Process reaction curve.
A typical process curve exhibits an S- shape as shown in Fig: 2. It is represented by equation
(1).
e L s
G ( s) = K
1 + Ts

(1)

Zeigler and Nichols suggested setting the values of Kc, Ti, Td according to the formula shown
in Table 1. Refer Fig. 2 for symbol meaning for tuning the controller via Z-N settings.
Table 1. Z-N Settings for tuning different Controllers
Type of Controller
Proportional (P)
Proportional - Integral (PI)
Proportional - Integral Derivative (PID)

Kc
T/L
0.9T/L
1.2T/L

Ti

Td

L/0.3
2L

0.5L

Fig: 2.Typical process reaction curve (First Order with Transportation lag)
Similarly, Cohen and Coon suggested controller parameters as given in Table 2.
Table 2. C-C settings for tuning different controllers
Types of Control
Proportional (P)

Parameter Settings
Kc = (T/(Kp*L)) * ( 1+L/3T)

Proportional - Integral (PI)

Kc = (T/(Kp*L)) * (0.9 + L/12T)

Ti = L * (30 + 3L/T) / (9 +20L/T)

Proportional Derivative (PD)

Kc = (T/(Kp*L)) * (1.25 + L/6T)

Td = L*(6-2L/T) / (22+3L/T)

Proportional - Integral Derivative (PID)

Kc = (T/(Kp*L)) * (1.33 + L/4T)

Ti = L*(32 + 6L/T) / ( 13 +8L/T)
Td = 4L / (11 + 2L/T)

The value of Kp can be found using Kp = Bu / M, where Bu is the ultimate value of B at large
time t. (Refer to Fig. 1).
It is the open loop method of tuning control parameter, which is widely used in industrial
practices. However, we will divert from this approach in this experiment. Students will have
an opportunity to exercise the above mentioned open loop algorithm in Temperature
Control Trainer experimentation.
Currently, the area of focus will be doing a set of suggested simulation on INTERFACE
panel of the trainer. Transient data will be observed and analyzed for step, frequency &
square wave responses given to the system. You will be given a set of controlling
parameters for different modes of controller. You are required to come up with the best
control logic from the given set.

Having done with search for best controlling action, students are advised to replicate their
simulations model for real time experimentation. This will help in realizing and appreciating
the real time differences with ideal simulation conditions, if any.
EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE :
1. Run the process with the suggested controlling parameters (same as for simulation)
for each type of control mode. Please follow the instructions directed below
carefully.
2. Log in the system with INTERFACE mode this time.
3. Select AUTO mode.
4. Make sure all the system component e.g. pump, rotameter, sump-tank are in
working conditions.
5. Repeat step 4 for real time analysis for all the above done simulations.
6. Plot the responses, both simulation & experiments, on the same graph for
comparison.
7. Plot the Bode diagram for frequency response.
8. Explain the effect of increasing value of Kc for P-mode controller, both qualitatively
and quantitatively.
9. What happens to phase lag with decrease in frequency of the sine wave signal.
Justify your reasoning on simulation and experimental results obtained.
SIMULATION PROCEDURE:
1. Level Control Interface Panel is made available.
2. Log in the system and select SIMULATION mode
3. Select AUTO mode.
4. Do as directed below:
o Adjust set point to 30%.
o Select P-mode of controller with Kc = 1.0.
o Wait for steady state. Please do not rush.
o Log on to a file for saving system transient response.
o Induce a step change by changing set point to 50%.
o Wait for steady state. Please do not rush.
o Log off from data saving protocol.
5. Repeat step 4 for Kc = 2, 10, 30.
6. Please observe the sustained oscillations for Kc = 30. Justify it.
7. Turn ON the Function Generator module.

OPTIONAL:
Table 3. Input Response Parameter for Simulation
S.No. Signal Type
1.
Sine Wave

Amplitude
10

Period
10

Reference Point
40

2.

Sine Wave

10

100

40

3.

Triangle
Wave

10

10

40

8. Repeat step 4 for simulation conditions as mentioned in Table 3.

Control Mode
a. P-mode
Kc = 1
b. P-mode
Kc = 5
c. P-mode
Kc = 50
P-mode
Kc = 5
PI-mode;
Kc= 100, Ti = 10.

CHP 303: PROCESS CONTROL AND REACTION ENGINEERING LAB

PC 5: EXPERIMENT: Pressure Control Trainer: Experiment & Simulation
OBJECTIVE: Optimizing the tuning parameters of PID controller for Pressure Control Trainer
via simulation interface using Ziegler-Nichols (Z-N) tuning rules and to study the closed loop
response for servo and regulatory problems.
APPARATUS: Process tank having pressure control trainer, interfacing unit with computer,
air supply through compressor.
The basic objective is to control the pressure in the process tank shown in Fig. 1. The
interfacing unit is basically a medium for communicating with the equipment from the
computer. The assembly has various supporting components on the front panel i.e. pressure
gauges which is used to measure the pressure, current to pressure converter in the range 3
to 15 psi for current in the range of 4 to 20 mA which is given to the I/P converter by digital
indicating controller. The setup also contains a pneumatic actuator. The pressure in the
process tank is sensed by the pressure transmitter with the help of pressure sensor fitted in
the line. The data is transmitted by the pressure transmitter to the computer through the
interfacing unit which shows the value of the process variable. The control valve performs
the function of controlling the input of air pressure in the process tank. It has a diaphragm
type pneumatic actuator which varies the flow of air according to the movement of the
stem at a pressure range of 3 15 psi received from I/P converter.

Fig. 1. Schematic diagram of experimental setup

THEORY: In the open loop method of tuning the control action is removed from the
controller by placing it in manual mode and an open loop transient is induced by a step
change in the signal. Fig.2 shows a typical control loop in which the control action is
removed and the loop opened for the purpose of introducing a step change (M/S). The step
response is recorded at the output of the measuring element. The step change to the valve
is conveniently provided by the output from the controller, which is in manual mode. The
response of the system is called the process reaction curve.

Fig: 2. Block Diagram of a Control Loop for measurement of Process reaction curve.
A typical process curve exhibits an S- shape as shown in Fig: 3. It is represented by equation
(1).
G ( s) = K

e L s
1 + Ts

(1)

Zeigler and Nichols suggested setting the values of Kc, Ti, Td according to the formula shown
in Table 1. Refer to Fig. 3 for meaning of symbols for tuning the controller via Z-N settings.
Table 1. Z-N Settings for tuning different Controllers
Type of Controller
Proportional (P)
Proportional - Integral (PI)
Proportional - Integral Derivative (PID)

Kc
T/L
0.9T/L
1.2T/L

Ti

Td

L/0.3
2L

0.5L

Fig: 3.Typical process reaction curve (First Order with Transportation lag)

The value of K can be found using K = Bu / M, where Bu is the ultimate value of B at large
time t. (Refer to Fig. 2).
Start-up:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

All the drains should be closed.

Switch on the main supply.
Check whether all the valves are properly working or not.
Switch on computer and the interfacing unit.
Select the auto mode to perform experiment automatically and in manual mode to
change the values manually.
6. Connect the equipment with compressed air supply.

Shut-down:
1. Exit from the software.
2. Switch off the interfacing unit.
Procedure:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Start the set-up (as mentioned in start-up)

Select open loop option for control.
Select a value of set point to some desired value.
Apply 20-30 % change to controller output. Record the step response. Wait for the
steady state.
5. Start data logging and from the readings draw the step response curve.
6. Calculate T and L (refer to Fig.3)
7. Calculate PID settings from Table 1.
8. Now select auto mode option for control.
9. Change the set point. And input the controller settings calculated earlier. Plot the
closed loop response.
10. Repeat the same for regulatory problem by changing the disturbance.

CHP 303: PROCESS CONTROL AND REACTION ENGINEERING LAB

PC 6: EXPERIMENT: Flow-Level Control Trainer: Cascade Control
OBJECTIVE: Optimizing the tuning parameters of Flow-Level Control Trainer via simulation
interface and comparing the transient response obtained from the simulation with real time
response using Cascade control scheme.
APPARATUS: Process tank having flow and level control trainer.
THEORY: In cascade control an intermediate process variable is used that responds to both the
manipulated variable and some disturbances to achieve more effective control over the
primary process variable. Fig.1 shows the general block diagram of a cascade control scheme.

Fig: 1. Block Diagram for Cascade Control Loop

Two controllers are used but only one process variable is manipulated. The output of one
controller can be used to manipulate the set point of another. Each controller has its own
measurement input, but only the primary controller has an independent set point and only the
secondary controller has an output to the process. The advantages are that the disturbances
affecting secondary variable can be connected by the secondary controller before a
pronounced effect is felt by the primary variable. Also closing the control loop around the
secondary part of the process reduces the phase lag of primary controller and this increases
speed of response.
In this experiment, cascading of flow and level controllers is done. Level controller is the
primary controller with an independent set point, and controlling level in the tank is the
primary variable. The level transmitter transmits the level of tank to primary controller which
gives its output as set point to the secondary controller i.e. the flow controller. The flow
controller gets the process value of flow from the flow transmitter. Responding to both it gives
an output to the control valve through an E/P converter and adjusts the flow into the level tank.
The flow transmitter forms the secondary loop while level transmitter forms primary loop.

PROCEDURE: Cascade control using PC as PID controller

switch
mains
pump
flow-cascade / level PC
PID / PC
FR knob (E/P in)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

position
OFF
OFF
level PC
PC
Fully anti clockwise

Ensure that the drain valve of sump tank (V1) is fully closed.
Close the bypass valve (V2) partially. Partially open the drain valve (V3) of the level tank.
Fill clean water in the sump tank till the maximum level of the sump tank.
Connect the communication cable from output of the interface card to PC.
Connect the 230 V A.C. supply to the trainer. Switch ON the Mains supply.
Ensure that pneumatic supply (to the trainer) is ON and it is more than 2 kg/cm2.
Ensure that position of the switches is as per the table mentioned above
Switch on the pump on the panel marked as PUMP
Gradually turn the knob of FR clockwise till the pressure gauge marked E/P IN shows
20 psi. (WARNING: Sudden application of pressure or application of high pressure may
damage E/P converter.)
10. Switch ON the PC and the interface device. Select the experiment Cascade Flow/Level.
11. Make following settings. (Take two readings with set points 200 and 300)
Primary loop (level loop): set point: 300, PB: 80%, It: 10 s-1, Dt: 0 s-1.
Secondary Loop (flow loop): PB: 25%, It: 45 s-1, Dt: 5 s-1.
Low alarm: 275 lph, High alarm: 400 lph
12. Ensure that both the PID controllers are in Manual Mode. Keep the output of the
secondary loop to 0 %. This means the control valve is fully open. Let the level reach
near set point.
13. Change the secondary PID and primary PID to Auto mode
14. See the graphical trend display where you will observe graphs of level vs time, set point
vs time, output vs time, etc. Observe if the level is under control. Note if there are
oscillations or offset, note if the response time is faster or slower. Depending on this
data, tune the PID controller.
15. Once control is achieved and fine tuning is done, create a disturbance in secondary loop
(flow loop) and observe its effect on the level. To do this open the valve V2 slightly and
observe the flow and level. This will increase the flow momentarily leading to increase in
level. However, the primary loop takes care of the minor changes here on its own and
the effect of this is not passed on to secondary loop (level loop). Please note that the
disturbance in the flow should not be more than 10 % of the present value of flow.
16. Switch OFF the pump and shut down the system.

CHP 303: PROCESS CONTROL AND REACTION ENGINEERING LAB

PC 7: EXPERIMENT: Flow Control Trainer: Experiment & Simulation
OBJECTIVE: PID control of Flow Control Trainer via simulation interface and to study the
closed loop response for servo and regulatory problems.
APPARATUS: Flow control trainer, interfacing unit with computer, air supply through
compressor.
THEORY: The basic objective is to control the flow rate to a process tank shown in Fig. 1.
The assembly has various supporting components on the panel: differential pressure
transmitter (DPT) connected across an orifice plate for flow measurement, pneumatic
control valve for adjusting the desired flow rate, rotameter for manual measurement of
flow rate, centrifugal pump for water circulation.
Control valve
Interfacing unit

Orifice plate
Rotameter

HV-2

HV-1

Water tank
Pump

Fig. 1. Schematic diagram of experimental setup

The pressure drop data is transmitted by the differential pressure transmitter to the
computer through the interfacing unit which shows the value of the process variable. The
control valve performs the function of controlling the input of air pressure to adjust the
stem position. It has a diaphragm type pneumatic actuator which varies the flow of air
according to the movement of the stem at a pressure range of 3 15 psi received from I/P
converter.
The interfacing unit between the apparatus and computer has several components: smart
micro controller input/output (MCIO) card, current-to-voltage (I-V) card, Voltage-to-Current
(V-I) card, on/off switch for pump, power supply, on/off switch for panel. The signal
(pressure drop) is sensed by the sensors (transducers & transmitters) from the actual
process. These signals are in the form of electrical signals of 4-20 mA which are processed
by the signal conditioning card and converted to 0-10 volts. Then, the 0-10 volt signal is
processed in the MCIO card where analog signals are converted to digital through ADC
(analog to digital) channel. These digital signals are transferred through RS232
communication bus to the computer where PID controller algorithm computes the signal
and value. The control signal generated from the PID algorithm is fed back to the MCIO card
through RS232 and is passed to DAC (digital to analog) section which further converts the

signal back to analog form. The output of MCIO card (0-10 volts) is fed to the signal
conditioning card where 0-10 V is converted to 4-20 mA, which is transferred to the final
control element for adjusting the desired air pressure to be supplied to the control valve for
adjusting the stem position.
Precautions:
1. The recirculation valve (HV-2) has to be kept open to at least 60%. (It is recommended
to keep this valve always fully opened).
2. To ensure electrical signal transmission keep the PANEL switch in ON position.
Start-up:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Fill up the feed tank with water up to 80% of the capacity.

Keep recirculation valve (HV-2) to full open position.
Switch on the PC and Panel main switch (if not done already)
Run the interface software. Select appropriate option for different application and
go to Bar graph page.
5. Set some PID values on the Flow Indicating Controller.
6. Switch the controller from MANUAL mode to AUTO mode. After a few minutes (wait
for steady state) the flow rate will approach the initial set point value.

Procedure:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Start the set-up (as mentioned in start-up)

Select auto mode option for control.
Select a value of set point to some desired value (SERVO problem)
Record the closed loop step response for (i) P (ii) PI and (iii) PID controllers. In each
case wait for the new steady state and later bring the set point back to the original
value and wait for steady state before changing the controller from P to PI or PID.
Effectively, for the same step change compare the responses of P, PI and PID
controllers
5. Now consider REGULATORY problem and close the HV-1 valve partially to introduce
a disturbance. Once again plot the closed loop response for (i) P (ii) PI and (iii) PID
controllers as explained in step 4 so that for the same value of disturbance you are
comparing the responses of P, PI and PID controllers.

CHP303:PROCESSCONTROLANDREACTIONENGINEERINGLAB
PC8:EXPERIMENT:InteractingandNoninteractingTwotankSystem
OBJECTIVE:Tostudythedynamicopenloopresponseofliquidlevelinsingletank,twotank
interactingandtwotanknoninteractingsystems.
Apparatus: It is a selfcontained recirculating unit consisting of a sump tank, three tanks
and an overhead tank. The sump and overhead tanks are connected by pump. Level
indicatorswithscaleareprovidedforeachTank1,Tank2andTank3.Rotameterisprovided
to measure the flow rate of water. Valves are provided for connection and drainage
purposes.
THEORY: The single tank liquid level system is a physical example of first order system.
Consider a system comprising of a tank of uniform cross sectional area with a flow
resistancesuchasavalveattachedtoit.Thevolumetricflowratethroughtheresistanceis
relatedtotheheadby alinear relationship. Theprincipledistinction to be madeinmulti
capacityprocessesisinhowthecapacitiesarejoined.Iftheyareisolatedtheyaresaidtobe
noninteractingasthecapacitiesbehaveexactlyastheywoulddoalone.Butifcoupled,they
interact with one another in which case the contribution of each is altered due to
interaction.Innoninteractingsystemthetwotanklevelsdonotinteractbecausetheflow
from first tank to the second tank is independent of level in the second tank. In an
interactingsystemthelevelsinbothtanksinteractbecauseanychangeinthedownstream
levelwillaffecttheupstreamlevelaswell.Overall,bothinteractingandnoninteractingtwo
tanksystemsareexamplesofsecondordersystems.

Fig.1.Schematicdiagramofexperimentalsetup

Data: Inner diameter of each tank (D1) = 0.108 m. Outer diameter of the down comer in
eachtank(D2)=0.022m.Crosssectionareaofeachtank,A=[(D1)2(D2)2]/4.

Nomenclature: V1=flowcontrolvalve(Rotameter);V2=ValveforwatersupplytoTank2;
V3=ValveforwatersupplytoTank3;V4=drainvalveforTank2;V5=drainvalveforTank3;
V6=drainvalveforoverheadtank;V7=drainvalveforsumptank.

ProcedureforSingleTankSystemTank2(orTank1):
1. CloseallthevalvesV1V7.Fillthesumptankwithwater.SwitchONthepowersupplyand
thepump.Waittillthereisoverflowfromoverheadtank.NowopenthevalveV1andadjust
theflowrate(1020lph).
2. OpenthevalveV2completelyandpartiallyopenthevalveV4andwaittillaconstantheight
isachievedbyliquidinTank2.Notedowntheinletflowrateandheightofliquid(hi)inthe
tank(thisisinitialheight).
3. Nowincreasetheinletflowrate(stepchange:1020lph)throughvalveV1.Simultaneously
startthestopwatchandrecordtheheightofliquidlevelintankwithtime,tillsteadystateis
reached(constantheight).Notedownthefinalconstantheightandflowrate.
4. Repeat the same experiment for different step changes. After completing the experiment
switchOFFthepumpandpowersupply.OpenthedrainvalveV4.
5. Determine the valve resistance (R2) by plotting flow rate Vs head. The resistance is the
reciprocalofslopeofdischargevsheadcurve.

ProcedureforTwoTankInteractingSystem(Tank2Tank3):
1. CloseallthevalvesV1V7.Fillthesumptankwithwater.SwitchONthepowersupplyand
thepump.Waittillthereisoverflowfromoverheadtank.NowopenthevalveV1andadjust
theflowrate(1020lph).
2. OpenthevalveV2completelyandpartiallyopenthevalveV3&V5andwaittillaconstant
heightisachievedbyliquidinTank2andTank3.Notedowntheinletflowrate(qi)andheight
ofTank2(h2i)andTank3(h3i)(thisisinitialheight).
3. Nowincreasetheinletflowrate(stepchange:1020lph)throughvalveV1.Simultaneously
startthestopwatchandrecordtheheightsofliquidlevelinTank2andTank3withtime,till
steadystateisreached(constantheight).Notedownthefinalconstantheights(h2fandh3f)
andflowrate(qf).
4. Using deviation variables H2=h2fh2i, H3=h3fh3i,Q=qfqi, determineresistances R2 = H2H3/Q,
R3=H3/Qandfindtimeconstants2=A2R2and3=A3R3.Comparetheexperimentalresponse
(H3 vs time) with theoretical response. After completing the experiment switch OFF the
pumpandpowersupply.OpenthedrainvalvesV4V5.

ProcedureforTwoTankNonInteractingSystem(Tank1Tank2):
1. CloseallthevalvesV1V7.Fillthesumptankwithwater.SwitchONthepowersupplyand
thepump.Waittillthereisoverflowfromoverheadtank.NowopenthevalveV1andadjust
theflowrate(1020lph).
2. PartiallyopenthevalveV2&V4andwaittillaconstantheightisachievedbyliquidinTank1
andTank2.Notedowntheinletflowrate(qi)andheightofTank1(h1i)andTank2(h2i)(thisis
initialheight).
3. Nowincreasetheinletflowrate(stepchange:1020lph)throughvalveV1.Simultaneously
startthestopwatchandrecordtheheightsofliquidlevelinTank1andTank2withtime,till
steadystateisreached(constantheight).Notedownthefinalconstantheights(h1fandh2f)
andflowrate(qf).
4. UsingdeviationvariablesH1=h1fh1i,H2=h2fh2i,Q=qfqi,determineresistancesR1=H1/Q,R2=
H2/Qandfindtimeconstants1=A1R1and2=A2R2.Comparetheexperimentalresponse(H2
vs time) with theoreticalresponse. After completing theexperiment switch OFFthe pump
andpowersupply.OpenthevalvesV2&V4.

CHP 303: PROCESS CONTROL AND REACTION ENGINEERING LAB

PC 9: EXPERIMENT: Control Valve Characteristics
OBJECTIVE: To study the characteristics of different control valves to understand flow
coefficient, hysteresis and rangeability.
Apparatus: The set-up consists of three pneumatic control valves as shown in Fig 1. One
control valve is with equal % characteristics (air to close type), second is with linear
characteristics (air to open type), and third is quick opening characteristics (ON/OFF). Sump
tank with pump is provided for continuous water circulation. Manometer is provided at the
inlet of valves to measure pressure. Valves are given for water supply to the control valve.
Valves are provided for air supply to control valves. The air regulator and pressure gauge is
given for regulating air pressure.

Fig. 1. Schematic diagram of experimental setup

THEORY: If a control valve is used to control fluid flow, some mechanism must physically open
or close the valve. Different types of actuators are used to control the stem travel of the valve,
like electrical actuators, pneumatic actuators are used for control valves. Spring opposed
diaphragm actuator positions the valve plug in response to the controller signals. Mostly the
controller signals are in the range of 3-15 psig. There are two types of actuators as described
below.
(i) Direct acting actuator (Air to close): Direct acting actuators basically consist of a
pressure tight housing sealed by a flexible fabric reinforced elastomer diaphragm. A
diaphragm plate is held against the diaphragm by a heavy compression spring. Signal
air pressure is applied to upper diaphragm case that exerts force on the diaphragm and
the actuator assembly. By selecting proper spring rate or stiffness, load carrying
capacity, and initial compression, desired stem displacement can be obtained for any
given input signal.
(ii) Reverse acting actuator (Air to open): In case of reverse acting actuators the stem gets
retracted with increase in pressure.

Types of Control Valve: Valve is essentially a variable orifice. Control valve is a valve with a
pneumatic / hydraulic / electric (excluding solenoids) or other externally powered actuator
that automatically fully or partially opens or closes the valve to a position dictated by signals
transmitted from controlling instruments. Control valves are used primarily to throttle energy
in a fluid system and not for shutoff purpose. Depending upon the vale plug design the control
valve can be divided in three categories: (i) Equal % type, (ii) Linear type, (iii) Quick opening
type (On/Off type).
(1) Control Valve Flow Coefficient: A control valve changes the flow rate by changing the
pressure in the flow system because it introduces the constriction in the delivery system.
There is a close relation between the pressure and the flow rate in a fluid stream passing
through a pipe so that if pressure is changed, the flow rate will also change as

where

k is correction factor which allows selection of proper size of valve to accommodate the rate
of flow that the system must support. This correction factor is called as valve coefficient and
is used in valve sizing. The flow coefficient (Cv) of a control valve is given by
= 11.7

where Q = discharge of fluid (m3/h), P= pressure drop (KPa), G = specific gravity of fluid
relative to water (G=1)
Procedure for Control Valve 1:

Close all the valves V1-V10.

Fill the sump tank up to 3/4th with water.
Connect air supply to the setup.
Switch ON the power supply and the pump. Wait for tank to fill water.
Open valve V4. Open valve V1 and adjust the flow rate.
Open valve V6 completely. Partially open valve V5 and wait for some time (5 min).
Record manometer reading. Record rotameter reading.
Repeat the experiment by adjusting valve V1 at different flow rates.

Procedure for Control Valve 2:

Close all the valves V1-V10.

Fill the sump tank up to 3/4th with water.
Connect air supply to the setup.
Switch ON the power supply and the pump. Wait for tank to fill water.
Open valve V2 and adjust the flow rate.
Open valve V7 completely. Partially open valve V5 and wait for some time (5 min).
Record manometer reading. Record rotameter reading.
Repeat the experiment by adjusting valve V2 at different flow rates.

Procedure for Control Valve 3:

Close all the valves V1-V10.

Fill the sump tank up to 3/4th with water.
Connect air supply to the setup.
Switch ON the power supply and the pump. Wait for tank to fill water.
Open valve V3 and adjust the flow rate.
Open valve V8 completely. Partially open valve V5 and wait for some time (5 min).
Record manometer reading. Record rotameter reading.
Repeat the experiment by adjusting valve V3 at different flow rates.

Determine Cv for all three control valves.

(2) Study of Hysteresis of Control Valve: Hysteresis is predictable error resulting from the
differences in the transfer functions when a reading is taken from above and below the value
to be measured. In case of control valves for same actuator signal different stem travel (hence
valve coefficients) are obtained depending upon the direction of change in signal. The
maximum error in stem travel expressed in % for same actuator pressure while opening and
closing the valve is indicated as hysteresis.
Procedure for Control Valve 1:

Close all the valves V1-V8.

Fill the sump tank up to 3/4th with water.
Connect air supply to the setup.
Switch ON the power supply and the pump. Wait for tank to fill water.
Open valves V1 and V3 and adjust the flow rate.
Open valve V5 completely. Partially open valve V4 and wait for some time (5 min).
Note down the reading of pressure gauge and position of valve stem by scale.
Now slowly decrease the air pressure by pressure regulator.
Repeat the last two steps until the valves is fully closed (pressure upto 0 psi).

Procedure for Control Valve 2:

Close all the valves V1-V8.

Fill the sump tank up to 3/4th with water.
Connect air supply to the setup.
Switch ON the power supply and the pump. Wait for tank to fill water.
Open valves V2 and adjust the flow rate.
Open valve V6 completely. Partially open valve V5 and wait for some time (5 min).
Note down the reading of pressure gauge and position of valve stem by scale.
Now slowly decrease the air pressure by pressure regulator.
Repeat the last two steps until the valves is fully closed (pressure upto 0 psi).

Procedure for Control Valve 3:

Close all the valves V1-V10.

Fill the sump tank up to 3/4th with water.
Connect air supply to the setup.
Switch ON the power supply and the pump. Wait for tank to fill water.
Open valves V3 and adjust the flow rate.
Open valve V8 completely. Partially open valve V5 and wait for some time (5 min).
Note down the reading of pressure gauge and position of valve stem by scale.
Now slowly decrease the air pressure by pressure regulator.
Repeat the last two steps until the valves is fully closed (pressure upto 0 psi).

Plot x vs p on a simple graph for both increasing pressure and decreasing pressure cases for
all three valves, where x is fraction of maximum valve lift, x = L / Lmax; L is valve lift (in
mm), L = L Li ; Li = initial position of valve stem(mm), L = position of valve stem (mm); Lmax
= max value of valve lift.

(3) Study of Rangeability: Control valves have a characteristic such that flow changes by a
constant of its instantaneous value for given change in stem position. Generally this type of
valve does not shut off the flow completely in its limit of stem travel. The rangeability (R) is
defined as the ratio of maximum to minimum controllable flow.
=
where m is
fraction of max flow rate.
Procedure for Control Valve 1:

Close all the valves V1-V8.

Fill the sump tank up to 3/4th with water.
Connect air supply to the setup.
Switch ON the power supply and the pump. Wait for tank to fill water.
Open valves V1 and adjust the flow rate. Open valve V3.
Open valve V5 completely. Partially open valve V4 and wait for some time (5 min).
Record manometer reading. Record rotameter reading.
Now slowly decrease the air pressure by pressure regulator.
Adjust valve V1 to keep pressure drop constant.
Note down rotameter reading.
Repeat the last three steps until the valves is fully closed (pressure upto 0 psi).

Procedure for Control Valve 2:

Close all the valves V1-V8.

Fill the sump tank up to 3/4th with water.
Connect air supply to the setup.
Switch ON the power supply and the pump. Wait for tank to fill water.
Open valves V2 and adjust the flow rate.
Open valve V6 completely. Partially open valve V4 and wait for some time (5 min).
Record manometer reading. Record rotameter reading.
Now slowly decrease the air pressure by pressure regulator.
Adjust valve V2 to keep pressure drop constant.
Note down rotameter reading.
Repeat the last three steps until the valves is fully closed (pressure upto 0 psi).

Procedure for Control Valve 3:

Close all the valves V1-V10.

Fill the sump tank up to 3/4th with water.
Connect air supply to the setup.
Switch ON the power supply and the pump. Wait for tank to fill water.
Open valves V3 and adjust the flow rate.
Open valve V8 completely. Partially open valve V5 and wait for some time (5 min).
Record manometer reading. Record rotameter reading.
Now slowly decrease the air pressure by pressure regulator.
Adjust valve V3 to keep pressure drop constant.
Note down rotameter reading.
Repeat the last three steps until the valves is fully closed (pressure upto 0 psi).

Calculate fraction of max flow rate, m = Q / Qmax, where Q is flow rate of water (m3/s), Qmax is
max flow rate of water (m3/s). Determine rangeability =
where mmin is min value of
m and mmax is max value of m.
After completion stop the air supply. Switch OFF pump and power supply. Open valve V5 fully
to release the air.