Process Dynamics and Control

 Process Dynamics and Control
 MWF - 1:00 pm, 256 CB

Professor

 J.D. Hedengren
 Office: 330L EB, 801-422-2590
 john.hedengren [at] byu.edu
 Office hours M, W, Fr 2-3 PM

John Hedengren worked 5 years with ExxonMobil Chemical on Optimization solutions for the petrochemical industry. He conducts research in optimization methods, modeling systems, and applications in Chemical Engineering. The PRISM group is actively working on oil and gas drilling automation, reservoir engineering, process optimization, unmanned aerial vehicles, and systems biology.

Texts

  • D.E. Seborg, T.F. Edgar, E.A. Mellichamp, F. J. Doyle, Process Dynamics and Control, 3rd edition, John Wiley & Sons, NY, 2011. (Note: I have tried to make homework and reading assignments so that the 2nd edition can be used.)
  • D. Cooper, Practical Process Control, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Connecticut. Control Guru

Other resources

Recitation Sessions

As needed through-out the semester. The Teaching Assistants will conduct the recitation sessions. Generally they will be held:

  • Before exams
  • To help work through difficult project issues
  • For additional class time

Catalog Description

ChE 436: Process Control and Dynamics (3 credit hours). Prerequisite: Math 334; ChEn 376, 478 (386). Process systems, associated control systems, and instrumentation. Use of Laplace transforms and complex variables.

Course Objectives

It is the intent of this course to help the student to:

  1. Understand and be able to describe quantitatively the dynamic behavior of process systems.
  2. Learn the fundamental principles of classical control theory, including different types of controllers and control strategies.
  3. Develop the ability to describe quantitatively the behavior of simple control systems and to design control systems.
  4. Develop the ability to use computer software to help describe and design control systems.
  5. Learn how to tune a control loop and to apply this knowledge in the laboratory.
  6. Gain a brief exposure to advanced control strategies.

Grading

  • Graded Items
    • Homework = 15%
    • Quizzes = 5%
    • Project #1 Written Report = 10%
    • Exam #1 = 15%
    • Exam #2 = 15%
    • Project #2 Written Report = 10%
    • Project #2 Oral Report = 5%
    • Final Exam = 25%
  • Grade-cutoffs
    • A = 93
    • A- = 90
    • B+ = 87
    • B = 83
    • B- = 80
    • C+ = 77
    • C = 73
    • C- = 70

College Lectures

Students are required to attend two lectures during the semester. The college lectures are in October and November. You may also fulfill this requirement by attending graduate seminars in Chemical Engineering or other departments (with prior approval). Your grade will be lowered 5% (e.g., from a B+ to a B) if you do not attend 2 lectures (2.5% if you only attend one lecture). You will need to email the information about the lecture to the TAs, including date, person speaking, and topic. You may also write this on the homework.

Reading

Reading the textbook(s) is essential to passing this class. The packet material is quite easy to read, but the textbook is slightly more difficult. Students are expected to read the material before the lecture, then get clarifications on the reading, and then do the homework. Reading questions are provided to help guide students through the material, however, they are not required to be turned in as part of the homework assignments.

Quizzes

Unannounced quizzes will be given on the assigned reading material for that day. The number of quizzes will increase as student preparation for classes decreases. Motto: BE PREPARED! Quizzes will not be rescheduled, and extra credit is not available (but each quiz only constitutes one assignment of the homework grade). The quizzes are intended to: 1) provide an opportunity for you to practice responding to questions under time pressure, 2) provide encouragement for you to keep up with the course material, 3) encourage attendance.

Exams

There will be two exams given during the semester. These exams may be closed book and/or open book, in-class or in the testing center, as specified by the instructor prior to the exam. Exams will only be given after the scheduled date by special permission. Students with conflicts should arrange to take the exam prior to the scheduled date.

Project

You will be required to complete a group project in the lab as part of this course. Groups will consist of 3-4 students, and one report will be submitted for the group. Homework assignments will be reduced during the time which the project is assigned. You do not have to write a purpose for the lab. It will be necessary to schedule your time in the laboratory since facilities are limited. Please be considerate of others as you schedule and use lab time to complete the group project.

Computer Tools

We will be using a computer software packages Python, MATLAB, and Simulink for this course. You can access this in the UO lab, or download the RGS server from the CAEDM site. You need to do turn in your own version of the work, even if you work with other students.

Citizenship

I will come prepared to each class, ready to help explain the material covered in the reading. I appreciate attentive students who respect my time and the time of other students.

Honor Code

President Henry B. Eyring has encouraged us to make this the type of university where Christ would like to come. He is also very interested in justifying the tithing money of faithful members of the church. It is such a pleasure to work at this university with such great young men and women. Please remember to adhere to the Honor Code and the Dress and Grooming Standards.

Study Habits

Grade Expectations

A Read or watch material in advance, including the reading questions. Be attentive and ask questions in lectures, understand and do all homework on time, study hard for exams well before the exam starts, work hard and perform well on exams.

B Skim material in advance, attend lectures and try to stay awake, depend on TA for homework help, casually study for the exam by working the practice exam instead of learning concepts.

C Never read book, work on Separations or other homework during class, skip some homework assignments, start cramming for the exam the night before the exam.

D Skip class, don't turn in homework or turn it in late, start learning during the exam.

Preventing Sexual Misconduct

As required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the university prohibits sex discrimination against any participant in its education programs or activities. Title IX also prohibits sexual harassment—including sexual violence—committed by or against students, university employees, and visitors to campus. As outlined in university policy, sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking are considered forms of “Sexual Misconduct” prohibited by the university.

University policy requires any university employee in a teaching, managerial, or supervisory role to report incidents of Sexual Misconduct that come to their attention through various forms including face-to-face conversation, a written class assignment or paper, class discussion, email, text, or social media post. If you encounter Sexual Misconduct, please contact the Title IX Coordinator at t9coordinator@byu.edu or 801-422-2130 or Ethics Point at https://titleix.byu.edu/report-concern or 1-888-238-1062 (24-hours). Additional information about Title IX and resources available to you can be found at titleix.byu.edu.

Disability Resources

If you suspect or are aware that you have a disability, you are strongly encouraged to contact the University Accessibility Center (UAC) located at 2170 WSC (801-422-2767) as soon as possible. A disability is a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Examples include vision or hearing impairments, physical disabilities, chronic illnesses, emotional disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety), learning disorders, and attention disorders (e.g., ADHD). When registering with the UAC, the disability will be evaluated and eligible students will receive assistance in obtaining reasonable University approved accommodations.