Process Dynamics and Control

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to process dynamics and control, a critical area in chemical and process engineering that ensures safe, stable, and efficient operation of industrial systems. The rationale for this course stems from the increasing demand for engineers who can model dynamic behavior, analyze system responses, and design control strategies that optimize process performance. The focus of the course begins with a review of Laplace transforms and their application in solving ordinary differential equations, forming the mathematical foundation for dynamic analysis. Students are introduced to the principles of process dynamics, transfer functions, and the behavior of low- and high-order systems. The course then transitions into core process control topics including system identification, instrumentation, automation, and the theoretical basis for feedback control. Emphasis is placed on closed-loop control systems, stability analysis, controller tuning methods, and frequency response techniques such as Bode and Nyquist plots. Through a combination of theory, practical examples, and real-world case studies, students gain a deep understanding of how to analyze, model, and control dynamic systems. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to derive and interpret transfer functions, assess dynamic system behavior, design and tune feedback controllers, and evaluate system stability using classical control methods. These skills are essential for ensuring process reliability, optimizing performance, and preparing students for advanced coursework or careers in process engineering, automation, and control system design.

1. Course Introduction

2. Lecture 1a: Review of Laplace Transforms

3. Lecture 1b: Solution of ODEs by Laplace Transforms

4. Lecture 2a: Introduction to Process Dynamics Part 1

5. Lecture 2a: Introduction to Process Dynamics Part 2

6. Lecture 3: Transfer Functions

7. Lecture 4a: Dynamics of Low Order Processes - First Order Processes

8. Lecture 4b: Dynamics of Low Order Processes - Second Order Processes

9. Lecture 5; Dynamics of Higher Order Processes

10. Lecture 6a: Introduction to Process Control

11. Lecture 6b: System Identification

12. Lecture 7: Industrial Instrumentation and Automation

13. Lecture 8a: Basic Control Theory

14. Lecture 8b: Feedback Controllers

15. Lecture 9: Closed-Loop Feedback Control Systems

16. Lecture 10: Stability of Closed Loop Systems

17. Lecture 11: Controller Tuning

18. Lecture 12a: Frequency Response Analysis Part 1

19. Lecture 12a: Frequency Response Analysis Part 2

20. Lecture 13: Bode and Nyquist Stability Criterion

1. Problem Set 1: Review of Laplace Transforms

2. Problem Set 2: Solution of ODES by Laplace Transforms 

3. Problem Set 3: Introduction to Process Dynamics 

4. Problem Set 4: Dynamics of Low-Order Processes 

5. Problem Set 5: Dynamics of Higher-Order Processes 

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1. Process Dynamics and Control by Seborg

2. Process Control - Designing Processes and Control Systems for Dynamic Performance by Marlin (2nd Edition)

3. Chemical Process Control - An Introduction to Theory and Practice by Stephanopoulos

4. Principles and Practice of Automatic Process Control by Smith (2nd Edition)

5. Essentials of Process Control by Luyben

6. Process Systems and Analysis by Coughanowr (3rd Edition)

7. Basic and Advanced Regulatory Control System Design and Application by Wade (2nd Edition)

1. Process Dynamics and Control by GATE Chemical Engineering

2. Process Dynamics and Control - GATE by Chemgate Academy