PID Loop Optimizer

Tune Level Control Loops Quickly

Get fast payback by:

• Reducing the time spent tuning the loop
• Finding the best tuning, on the first try.
• Maximizing profits by forcing the controls to adhere to the operational objectives.
• Or, Maximizing surge capacity. Ensuring smoother response to upsets, keeping critical quality variables on target.

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Level Wizard Helps You Choose the Best Tuning

The level wizard helps process engineers optimize the control strategy of level control loops in all types of process vessels. Level loops present a unique challenge to process control since the control objective varies widely, from tight level control in reactors to averaging level control in surge tanks.

No Steady-State Required

When tuning level loops, it is often difficult to establish a steady-state condition. Integrating processes tend to drift up or down. This is not a problem for users of ExperTune's PID Loop Optimizer software. The software can work with level control data, without requiring a steady-state condition.

Tuning for Surge Tanks

The new level control wizard makes it easy to optimize your level loops. It works for all types of level loops. Different level loops have different requirements. Sometimes your plant needs fast and accurate control of level, other times it is best for the level to "float" so the vessel can absorb flow upsets. The wizard guides you through the process.

Read Article on Averaging Level Control

How the Wizard Works

Based on the experience of Greg Shinskey, the level wizard:

1. Identifies the goals for the level loop
2. Chooses the level control strategy that matches the plant's goals
3. Finds the best P, PI or PID parameters to meet those goals
4. Provides built-in user guidance (see figure).

PID Tuner/Analyzer now optimizes level loops with the following level control goals:

• Fast and accurate control of level to setpoint, with and without derivative. The result is the fastest recovery back to setpoint in the face of upsets.
• Averaging level, where the purpose of the tank is a surge vessel to smooth flow upsets. In this case you are using the vessel to reduce the effects of upstream disturbances. The goal is that one unit feeding a second should disturb the second as little as possible.
  • Averaging level with P action only - level is floating, maximizing the use of the surge vessel to smooth flow upsets.
  • Averaging level with P and I action - level floats and slowly returns to setpoint.

Averaging level techniques may use tank volume. Using simple test data, the ExperTune Level Control Wizard automatically determines tank volume and controller settings.

Whatever the performance requirement, whether it be a complex application like a hot vapor by-pass, or a simple surge tank, the new ExperTune Level Wizard guides engineers through choosing and implementing the best level loop control strategy for each individual need.

Read Control Magazine's review of the ExperTune Level Wizard.