ECTS credits ECTS credits: 6
ECTS Hours Rules/Memories Student's work ECTS: 99 Hours of tutorials: 3 Expository Class: 24 Interactive Classroom: 24 Total: 150
Use languages Spanish, Galician
Type: Ordinary Degree Subject RD 1393/2007 - 822/2021
Departments: Chemistry Engineering
Areas: Chemical Engineering
Center Higher Technical Engineering School
Call: Second Semester
Teaching: With teaching
Enrolment: Enrollable
- Giving students understanding of basic and advanced control systems.
- Acquisition of skills in the design of feed-back control systems through modelling and empirical methodology.
- Acquisition of knowledge on control instrumentation.
- Training of students in the use of IT tools for the design of control systems.
- Consolidation of basic knowledge to allow the students to specialise in the subject.
• THEORETICAL-PRACTICAL
Section I. Introduction
Topic 1. Introduction to process control
1.1 Control objectives
1.2 Sequential and continuous control
1.2.1 Programmable logic control (PLC)
1.3 Definitions and terminology
1.4 Representation of control loops
1.5 SISO Systems
1.5.1 Common control strategies
1.6 MIMO systems
1.6.1 Online optimization
1.7 Design of the control system
Section II. SISO systems
Topic 2. Modelling for control
2.1 Types of Models
2.2 Modelling of the process based on Conservation Laws
2.2.1 Time domain
2.2.2 Laplace domain: transfer function
2.3 Empirical modelling of the process
2.4 Dynamic analysis of the process
Topic 3. Instrumentation
3.1 introduction
3.2 Primary elements
3.2.1 Types
3.2.2 Modelling
3.3 Controllers
3.3.1 Distributed control systems
3.4 Action instruments
3.4.1 Control valves. Modelling
Topic 4. Feed-back control (feedback)
4.1 PID Controller
4.1.1 Proportional control action. P Controller
4.1.2 Comprehensive control action. PI controller.
4.1.3 Derivative control action. PID controller
4.1.4 Controller selection
4.2 Modelling and dynamic analysis of feed-back control loops
4.3 Stability
Topic 5. Controller tuning methods
5.1 Tuning criteria
5.2 Empirical tuning methods
5.2.1 Open loop
5.2.2 Closed loop
5.3 Analytical-empirical tuning methods
Section III. Process Control in the Chemical Industry
Topic 6. Other control systems
6.1 Feed-forward control
6.1.1 Ratio control
6.2 Cascade control
6.3 Selective (override) control
6.4 Split range control
Topic 7. Common control loops in the chemical industry
7.1 Instrumented safety systems
7.2 Control loops in different process units
• COMPUTER LAB
In the computer lab, dynamic simulation studies and controller tuning will be carried out on different processes through simulation: level tank, heat exchanger, reactor, distillation column, etc.
• GROUP TUTORIALS
The control of a heat exchanger will be carried out. In the first tutorial, the dynamic simulation of the process will be performed, and in the second, the controller tuning will take place.
Basic
J.A. Romagnoli, A. Palazoglu. Introduction to Process Control (Chemical Industries), 3ª Ed., 2020, CRC Press, Boca Raton.
P. Ollero de Castro, E. Fernandez-Camacho. Control e Instrumentacion de Procesos Quimicos, 1997, Sintesis, Madrid.
Complementary
W. Seames. Designing controls for the process industries, 2018, CRC Press, Boca Ratón. ISBN: 978-1-138-70518-0.
W.Y. Svrcek, D.P. Mahoney, B.R. Young. A real-time approach to Process Control, 3ª Ed., 2014, J. Wiley & Sons, West Sussex. ISBN: 9780470025345. Signatura: A 150 16 A/B
T.R. Kuphaldt. Lessons in Industrial Instrumentation: https://www.ibiblio.org/kuphaldt/socratic/sinst/book/liii.pdf
Specific Skills
CI.6 Knowledge of the fundamentals of automation and control systems.
CQ2.2. Ability in simulation of dynamic processes.
CQ.4.2 Ability for the design, management, and operation of control and instrumentation systems of chemical processes.
General Skills
CG.3 Knowledge of basic and technological disciplines that will allow the student to learn new methods and theories, and will provide them with versatility to adapt to new environments.
CG.4 Ability to solve problems with initiative, decision-making, creativity, and critical reasoning, and to communicate and transmit knowledge. Abilities and skills in the field of industrial chemical engineering.
Transferable Skills
CT.1 Capacity for analysis and synthesis
CT.4 Abilities for the use and development of computational tools
CT.6 Problem solving
CT.8 Teamwork
CT.11 Ability to communicate with experts from other areas
CT.13 Capacity to apply knowledge in practical situations
• Expository Classes
The expository classes will be dedicated to presenting the theoretical content of the subject, always with active student participation and the support of audiovisual tools. Problems will also be carried out to consolidate the theoretical knowledge.
Competencies: CI 6, CQ 4.2; CG 3, CG 4; CT 1, CT 6, CT 7, CT 11, CT 13
• Seminars
Four seminars will be dedicated to solving specific aspects/problems that the students will work on in class under the supervision of the professor. The other two seminars will be assessable tests. They will be held at the end of topics 2 and 5, and after completing the corresponding problem sets. These will consist of the individual resolution of a problem similar to the completed problem set.
Competencies: CI 6, CQ 4.2; CG 3, CG 4; CT 1, CT 6, CT 7, CT 13
• Computer Lab (mandatory activity)
In the interactive seminars of the computer lab, students will work individually. A simulator (Loop-Pro by Control Station) will be used to carry out dynamic simulation studies and controller tuning.
Work and Deliveries
The practice notebook will be submitted at the end of each seminar. Two weeks after completing the practices, a report of a practice selected by the professor will be submitted.
Competencies: CQ 2.2, CI 6; CG 4; CT 4, CT 6, CT 7, CT 8, CT 11, CT 13
• Group Tutorials
The two group tutorials of the subject will be dedicated to the study of feedback control of a heat exchanger (RYC-TAG Practice by Edibon). In groups (between 5 and 8 students), activities will be proposed to carry out the dynamic simulation of the process (first tutorial) and the controller tuning (second tutorial).
Competencies: CQ 2.2, CI 6; CG 4; CT 4, CT 6, CT 7, CT 8, CT 11, CT 13
Virtual Campus will be used as a teaching support tool.
Students can also make inquiries as desired in individualized tutorials during the established schedule.
Evaluation of Activities and Competencies
Evaluable Seminars: CI.6; CQ2.2; CQ.4.2; CG.3; CG.4; CT.1; CT.6; CT.7; CT.11; CT.13.
Computer Lab: CQ2.2; CQ.4.2; CT.1; CT.4; CT.6; CT.7; CT.8; CT.13.
Exam: CI.6; CQ2.2; CQ.4.2; CG.3; CG.4; CT.1; CT.6; CT.7; CT.11; CT.13.
Grading System
Theoretical-practical exam at the end of the semester: 50% of the grade.
Computer Lab: 25% (70% continuous assessment in the lab and practice notebook, 30% report).
Evaluable Seminars: 20% of the grade.
Group Tutorials: 5%.
Mandatory activities: the final exam and the computer-lab practicals.
Minimum exam grade: 4 out of 10. Minimum practical grade: 4 out of 10. If the student fails to achieve at least a 4 in either the exam or the practicals, the course grade will be a fail. The final recorded grade will be that of the component that caused the failure.
Grades for the seminars and the computer-lab practicals will be communicated to students according to the deadlines established by university regulations.
The same evaluation scheme applies to both examination sittings. The practical-work notebook is not recoverable. If the written report (the “memory”) is failed in the first sitting and that failure causes the practical component to be failed, the student may resubmit the report for the second sitting. No grades are carried over between sittings.
In cases of fraudulent completion of exercises or tests, the procedures set out in the university’s academic-performance assessment and grade-review regulations will apply.
Activity: Contact Hours - Student Work Hours - ECTS
Expository Classes: Contact hours: 28. Student work hours: 42. ECTS: 2.8
Seminars: Contact hours: 6. Student work hours: 18. ECTS: 1.0
Computer Lab: Contact hours: 15. Student work hours: 8. ECTS: 0.9
Group Tutorials: Contact hours: 2. Student work hours: 1. ECTS: 0.1
Individual Tutorials: Contact hours: 2. Student work hours: 1. ECTS: 0.1
Exam and Review: Contact hours: 5. Student work hours: 22. ECTS: 1.1
Total: Contact hours: 58. Student work hours: 92. ECTS: 6
For the understanding of the subject, it is important to have completed the basic subjects: heat transfer, fluid transport, mass transfer, and chemical reaction engineering.
It is recommended to continuously follow the course and make regular use of individual tutorials.
Lectures will be carried out in Spanish.
Ana Maria Soto Campos
Coordinador/a- Department
- Chemistry Engineering
- Area
- Chemical Engineering
- Phone
- 881816760
- ana.soto [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: University Professor
Óscar Rodríguez Figueiras
- Department
- Chemistry Engineering
- Area
- Chemical Engineering
- Phone
- 881816704
- oscar.rodriguez [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: Temporary PhD professor
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| 10:00-11:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Spanish | Classroom A3 |
| Wednesday | |||
| 10:00-11:00 | Grupo /CLIS_01 | Spanish | Classroom A3 |
| 01.15.2026 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLIS_01 | Classroom A6 |
| 01.15.2026 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLIL_02 | Classroom A6 |
| 01.15.2026 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom A6 |
| 01.15.2026 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLIS_02 | Classroom A6 |
| 01.15.2026 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLIL_03 | Classroom A6 |
| 01.15.2026 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLIL_01 | Classroom A6 |
| 05.18.2026 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLIL_01 | Classroom A3 |
| 05.18.2026 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLIS_01 | Classroom A3 |
| 05.18.2026 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLIL_02 | Classroom A3 |
| 05.18.2026 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom A3 |
| 05.18.2026 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLIS_02 | Classroom A3 |
| 05.18.2026 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLIL_03 | Classroom A3 |
| 05.18.2026 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLIS_02 | Classroom A4 |
| 05.18.2026 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLIL_03 | Classroom A4 |
| 05.18.2026 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLIL_01 | Classroom A4 |
| 05.18.2026 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLIS_01 | Classroom A4 |
| 05.18.2026 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLIL_02 | Classroom A4 |
| 05.18.2026 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom A4 |
| 07.01.2026 16:00-20:30 | Grupo /CLIS_01 | Classroom A1 |
| 07.01.2026 16:00-20:30 | Grupo /CLIL_02 | Classroom A1 |
| 07.01.2026 16:00-20:30 | Grupo /CLIS_02 | Classroom A1 |
| 07.01.2026 16:00-20:30 | Grupo /CLIL_03 | Classroom A1 |
| 07.01.2026 16:00-20:30 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom A1 |
| 07.01.2026 16:00-20:30 | Grupo /CLIL_01 | Classroom A1 |