Control in steps

Fixing a flowrate in a recycle stream does not conflict with our discussion of picking a dominant reactor variable for production rate control in Step 4. Flow controlling a stream somewhere in all recycle loops is an important simple part of any plantwide control strategy. 

Only after the total process mass balance has been satisfied can we check on the individual component balances in Step 7. That then settles the plantwide issues. We now apply our knowledge of unit operation control in Step 8 to improve performance and remain consistent with the plantwide requirements. Finally, Step 9 addresses higher level concerns above the base regulatory control strategy. 

Motor-driven reciprocating compressors above about 75 kW (100 hp) in size are usually equipped with a step control. This is in reality a variation of constant-speed control in which unloading is accomplished in a series of steps, varying from full load down to no load. Three-step eontrol (full load, one-half load, and no load) is usually accomplished with inlet-valve unloaders. Five-step eontrol (fuU load, three-fourths load, one-half load, one-fourth load, and no load) is accomphshed by means of clearance pockets (see Fig. 10-91). On some machines, inlet-valve and clearance-control unloading are used in combination. 

Air-Flow Control Process operating reqmrements and weather conditions are considered in determining the method of controlling air flow. The most common methods include simple on-off control, on-off step control (in the case of multiple-driver units), two-speed-motor control, variable-speed drivers, controllable fan pitch, manually or automatically adjustable louvers, and air recirculation. 

Control of wound-rotor motors, as discussed, can be effected by adjusting the external secondaiy (rotor) resistance either in steps or continuously by liquid rheostat (this method is seldom used). Commonly when secondaiy resistance is varied to adjust speed or torque or to control acceleration, multiple resistance steps are used. These steps may be switched manually (typically a drum switch) or electrically by contac tor. 

Speed control in slip-ring motors has been discussed in the previous chapter. Squirrel cage motors have limitations ill their speed control in view of their fixed rotor parameters. Speed variation, in fixed steps, however, is possible in such motors if the stator is wound for multipolcs and such motors arc known as pole changing motors. Up to four different speeds can be achieved in such motors economically, in combinations of 2/4, 4/6. 4/8, 6/8, 6/12, 2/4/6. 4/6/8. 2/4/6/12 and 4/6/8/12 poles etc, or any other similar combination. For limitation in the motor size and tlux distribution, winding sets of more than two are not recommended. I he two windings can be arranged for two. three oi (maximum) four different speeds. 

The above methods provide speed variation in steps, as in squirrel cage motors or in two machines or more, as in frequency converters, and cannot be u.sed for a process line, which requires frequent precise speed controls. Until a few years ago there was no other option with all such applications and they had to be fitted with d.c. motors only. D.C. motors possess the remarkable ability of precise speed control through their separate armature and field controls. In d.c. motors the speed... 

Calculating power developed by the expander before breaker opening, is described in Step 1. The generator power, can be measured by using a kilowatt transducer. The kilowatt transducer (or current transducer) is typically available in the motor/generator control panel. If not, it can be added to the machine at a low cost. Knowing both J(,gf and Jg, can be calculated. 

Variable-frequency drive technology is constantly improving in step with the advances in power electronic device technology and with the associated microprocessor controls. The following list of desirable fea tures is offered ... 

As k is increased from 0 to A — 1, the algorithm proceeds in reverse time. When run in forward-time, the optimal control at step k is... 

Exploitation of analytical selectivity. We have seen, in our discussion of the A —> B C series reaction (Scheme IX), that access to the concentration of A as a function of time is valuable because it permits to be easily evaluated. Modern analytical methods, particularly chromatography, constitute a powerful adjunct to kinetic investigations, and they render nearly obsolete some very difficult kinetic problems. For example, the freedom to make use of the pseudoorder technique is largely dependent upon the high sensitivity of analytical methods, which allows us to set one reactant concentration much lower than another. An interesting example of analytical control in the study of the Scheme IX system is the spectrophotometric observation of the reaction solution at an isosbestic point of species B and C, thus permitting the A to B step to be observed. 

Indolo[3,2-fl]pyrrolo[3,4-c]carbazoles 120 have been obtained in one step from indole and the corresponding maleimides in acetic acid, with coformation of the Michael adducts 121 (Scheme 15). This reactitai required careful temperature control in order to obtain the desired product ratios. An alternative independent synthesis of compounds 120 could also be accompKshed from 2,3 -biindolyl (115) andsuitable maleimides in hot acetic acid (99T2363). The system 120 where R = H has also been reported as a minor product during studies toward a synthesis of the alkaloid arcyriaflavin A (95TL2689). 

Active and monitor governors (defined as two governors in series whose settings are stepped so as to allow the active governor to control the outlet pressure and the monitor governor to assume control in the event of failure of the active governor to the open position) ... 

Hierarchical Control, in which a three-level command hierarchy is established each lower-level echelon element keys on those in the next higher echelon on each time step of the evolution. 

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