DEPARTMENT OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION

ANDHRA PRADESH
Name : D. Simhachalam
Designation : Lecturer
Branch : A.E.I.E
Institute : K.D.R.G.P.T, Wnp, Mbnr Dist.
Semester : V
Subject : Process Control
Subject code : AEI-504
Topic : Process control system Configuration
Duration : 50 minutes

Subtopic : Advantages, disadvantages &

application of Cascade control system
Teaching Aids : PPTS, Animations, Diagrams
AEI504.58 1
 Objectives
On completion of this topic, you would be
able to know

• The advantages and disadvantages of

cascade control systems

• The applications of cascade control systems

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 Advantages
There are two distinct advantages gained with cascade
control:

Firstly,
4. Disturbances affecting the secondary variable can
be corrected by the secondary controller before a
pronounced influence is felt by the primary variable.

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 Advantages…

• In other words,

• For disturbances that enter near the beginning of the

system,

• The secondary controller starts corrective action

before the process output shows any deviation

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 Advantages…

• The error may be 100 fold lower than with a single

controller.

• The overall performance is better for all types of load

changes.

• Reduces phase lag

• Increased speed of response

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 Disadvantage

• Instability in cascade loops.

• Adding cascade control to a system can destabilize

the primary loop if most of the process dynamics are

within the secondary loop.

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 Applications

• Cascade control systems are used in

• Evaporator controls

• Heat exchanger controls

• pH control systems

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 Applications…

• Distillation control

• Stirred- tank reactors

• Refrigeration control system

• Temperature control system

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 Summary
We have discussed about

• The advantages and disadvantages of cascade

control systems

• The applications of cascade control systems

AEI504.58 9
 Quiz
1. Disturbances affecting the secondary variable can
be corrected by the ---------------controller before a
pronounced influence is felt by the primary variable
in a cascade controller

a) Primary controller
b) Secondary controller
c) Both primary & secondary controllers
d) None

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 Quiz

2. The main disadvantage of the cascade control loop

is that it creates

a) Off set
b) Instability
c) Dead time
d) Above all

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 Quiz

3. The cascade control systems are used in

a) Evaporator controls
b) Heat exchanger controls
c) pH control systems
d) Above all

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 Frequently Asked Questions

2. List the advantages of cascade control systems.

4. What is the main disadvantage of cascade control

system?

6. List the applications of cascade control systems.

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