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 […]
Modernizing NYC’s Psychiatric Facility: A Boiler Control Retrofit Story
In the world of ever-evolving codes and regulations, it’s a must for industries to stay up to date. And this is particularly important for vital places like that psychiatric facility right in New York City. Recently, this facility experienced a transformative retrofit, replacing its old Cleaver Brooks boiler control panels with the advanced and intuitive BurnerMate Universal (BMU) […]
Understanding SCADA Systems
-Estera Cioroch, Danbury, CT SCADAs are used anywhere there is a need to regulate automated functions, including manufacturing, power generation, water treatment and distribution, food production and refrigeration, oil and gas refining, mass transit and traffic regulation, and so much more. Given their broad use and application, understanding what they are and what they do is key to […]
NEW Product! 3-Element Drum Level Controller
Preferred brings boiler safety to a new level with the modern 3-element drum level controller: the JC-43D2, 3-Element Drum Level Controller. Featuring a 5″ LED backlit touchscreen and user-friendly configuration, the JC-43D2 brings advanced safety features like level sensor failure detection, redundant backup low water level and high steam pressure burner shutdown, and water column blowdown maintenance reminder […]
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: […]
Purging Control Panels to Reduce Classification
By Tom O’Marra Hazardous Locations, such as Class I, Division 2 or Class II, Division 2, are common areas to find equipment in the industrial control industry. These are locations, as defined by The National Electrical Code (NEC), where flammable gases or liquids are utilized (C1D2) or in the case of Class II, Division 2, combustible dust. Under […]