I am giving below the write up for the Three element drum level control what we normally

follow in our boiler.

THREE ELEMENT DRUM LEVEL (FEED WATER) CONTROL

1.0 Introduction:

In the boiler the steam flow changes according to the load demand from the turbine or from
the process consuming the steam energy. To match the steam take off from the boiler, the
feed water flow has to be increased or decreased as required. The feed water is
automatically controlled by suitably positioning Feed Water Control Valve (FCV) provided in
the feed water line at boiler inlet.

2.0 Three Element Feed water Control:

For automatic control of the feed water flow to the boiler, following three (elements)
primary inputs are normally being considered.

2.1 Drum level.

2.2 Main Steam flow.

2.3 Feed water flow.

In addition, measurements of Drum Pressure, Main Steam Pressure and Main

Steam temperature are also taken for correction/compensation purpose as

detailed below.

Following paragraphs briefly explains how the feed water flow is regulated to match the
steam demand from the boiler

3.0 Drum level measurement:

Two numbers of level transmitters (dP transmitters) one on left hand side and the right
hand side of the Boiler Steam Drum are provided to measure drum level.

3.1 The two level signals from these transmitters are averaged and connected to a manual
three-way selector switch. The other two inputs for the three-way selector switch are
directly from the two transmitters. Normally the average signal is selected for the control.
In case any problem with any one of the transmitters; the healthy transmitter is selected in
the three-way selector switch for the control.

3.2 The functioning of two level transmitters is continuously monitored through a deviation
monitor. In case of difference between the two level transmitters is higher than the preset
value, and then the control is automatically transferred to Manual with an annunciation.
3.3 The selected drum level signal is compensated for density variation in the drum water
due to pressure changes (actually due to temperature changes) in the drum, through a
function generating with drum pressure signal.

4.0 Drum Level Control:

The compensated drum level signal fed to a reverse acting P I controller as process variable.
This measured drum level is compared with set point and a correcting signal (with
proportional plus integral action) is generated in the controller according the deviation
between the measured process variable (drum level) and the set point.

5.0 Main steam flow measurement:

The dP Transmitter measures the dP across the ventury nozzle, provided in the main steam
line (The dP measured is proportional to the square of the flow through the ventury nozzle
and hence the square root of the dP taken as proportional to flow.) The measured dP is
square rooted and compensated density variations due to change of Pressure and
Temperature.

6.0 Feed water flow measurement:

The dP Transmitter measures the dP across the orifice fitting is provided in the Feed water
line. The measured dP is square rooted to arrive at the feed water flow.

7.0 Feed water flow control:

The compensated steam flow is added with the corrected signal generated in the drum level
controller. This sum is taken as the demand of feed water flow (cascade set point) for the
boiler and compared with the actual feed water flow to the boiler. The deviation between
the demand and the actual feed water flow, fed to the P & I controller. The processed out
put from the controller is given to the final control element through a 'Hand selector switch'
and an 'Auto – Manual station' – the Feed water control valve as positioning signal.

8.0 Single Element Control:

During low load operation, three-element control is not required. Drum level measurement
with it's set point is adequate. Hence the output of the Drum Level Controller is directly
given to the Feed water Control Valve through the selector switch provided after Cascade P
& I Controller.

9.0 Auto Manual Operation:

An Auto Manual Control Station is provided as the last element of control system. Auto or
Manual operation can be selected from the Auto Manual Selector Switch in this Control
Station. If auto selected, the positioning signal from the selected controller (through Hand
selector switch) will go to the Final control Element – Feed water Control Valve. If manual is
selected, the controller's outputs are isolated and the Feed water Control valve can be
positioned from this control station.

Raise/Lower push buttons are provided in this control station through which Feed water
Control valve can be opened or closed as desired by the operator. Bump less transfer facility
shall be built in as part of the Control Station to avoid sudden jump of control valve position
during change over from auto to manual or vice versa.

10.0 Indications:

Normally Set point value indication, Deviation indication, Final Control element (Feed water
Control valve) position indication and Process value indication are provided either part of the
Auto Manual Control Station or separately.

11.0 Alarm and Trip signals: Low and high level alarm signals are generated from one for
the transmitters output through software switches. However very Low and very high level
trip signals (software switches) from both the transmitters output and also from the
averaged/compensated signals are considered through an 'OR' gate. Signals from
transmitters are also checked for the healthiness of the respective transmitters before
connecting to the 'OR' gate.

Following are the Trip/Alarm Signals generated.

11.1 Transmitter deviation Alarm.

11.2 Drum level – Low Level Alarm

11.3 Drum level – High Level Alarm

11.4 Drum level – Very Low Level Trip

11.5 Drum level – Very High Level Trip

12.0 Hard Wired hooter

Following Trip/Alarm Signals are also hardwired to the Hooter, which is to be

mounted externally in control room.

12.1 Drum level – Very Low Level Trip

12.2 Drum level – Very High Level Trip