Now that the PID components and type structures have been examined, Let’s get into the process of fine-tuning a PID loop. It is important to remember that in a real-world setting there are many variables that must be accounted for such as the plant process load variations, transmitter calibration and range scaling, control valve stroke, fuel supply pressures, […]
PID Loops in Boiler Control Systems Part 3: Boiler Control Applications and Common PID Loops
As stated in Part 1, PID loops are a central component of a modern boiler control system. In this section, we will examine some of the more common applications of PID loops in boiler control systems. We will look at four types of PID loops: Reverse Acting, Direct Acting, Cascading, and Override. Reverse Acting PIDs The most common […]
PID Loops in Boiler Control Systems Part 2: Expanded Definitions of Proportional and Integral Terms
Now that the basic PID terms have been examined, we can now look deeper into the PID calculations and some less common variations that can be used. Defining KP In the basic definition of the Proportional Term in Part 1, the Proportional Term was calculated by finding the Error (either SP-PV or PV-SP) and multiplying it by a […]
PID Loops in Boiler Control Systems Part 1: The Anatomy of a PID
PID loops are a central component of modulating boiler control systems with applications ranging from basic steam header pressure control to cascading 3-element drum level control. A modern full-metering combustion controller with draft, FGR, VSD, and O2 trim can have as many as 10 PID loops running at once, with some interacting with each other. With this in […]
Choosing Between SIL2 and SIL3: Striking the Right Balance of Safety and Cost
Safety Integrity Levels (SIL) are critical in ensuring the reliability and safety of safety-related systems in various industries, including process automation, transportation, and manufacturing. SIL2 and SIL3 represent two different levels of functional safety, each with their own advantages and trade-offs. When designing safety-critical systems, engineers often face the dilemma of choosing between these two levels. This article […]
Heat Exchangers In Boiler Applications
Howard Wells, Danbury, CT Various heat exchangers are used to capture waste heat contained in boiler exhaust that would otherwise be lost to the atmosphere. These devices are designed to capture the maximum amount of heat possible, resulting in improved fuel efficiency and reduced operational costs. There are three main types of heat exchangers used in boiler applications: […]
Opposed Blade Damper vs. Single Blade Butterfly Damper: Technical Benefits for Flow Control
When it comes to flow control in ducting systems, choosing the right damper design is crucial. Two common options are the opposed blade damper and the single blade butterfly damper. Here’s an explanation of the technical benefits offered by an opposed blade damper compared to a single blade butterfly damper: Improved Control Range: Opposed Blade Damper: The opposed blade damper design features multiple blades that move in opposite directions, […]
Technical Summary: Influence of Chemical Kinetics and Turbulence on Combustion Emissions
Dan Wallace Chemical kinetics and turbulence play critical roles in the formation and control of combustion emissions. Understanding their influence is essential for optimizing combustion processes and minimizing harmful pollutants. Here is a technical summary of how chemical kinetics and turbulence affect combustion emissions: Chemical Kinetics: Chemical kinetics refers to the study of chemical reactions and their rates. […]
Fuel System Controller for Data Centers & Fuel Systems
Brandt Boulden For Data Centers and Mission Critical Facilities with large Fuel Systems, the Preferred Fuel System Controller (FSC) offers flexibility, redundancy, and ease of monitoring. The FSC is a state-of-the-art fuel management system that has been designed to provide a simple and efficient way to manage fuel storage and delivery for industrial and commercial facilities. This advanced […]
What – and why – you need to know about liquid biofuels
Article as seen in District Energy Fall 2022 Gustavo Sanclemente As end users look to reduce carbon emissions while minimizing capital equipment and operating costs, some are considering biofuels. While demand for this fuel is becoming more pronounced, third-party testing agencies, government regulatory bodies and even manufacturers are rushing to catch up to customer requirements and market needs. […]