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Unit Name INDUSTRIAL PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS

Unit Code ME503

Unit Duration 12 weeks

Graduate Diploma of Engineering (Industrial Automation)

Duration: 1 year

Award  

Master of Engineering (Industrial Automation)

Duration: 2 years

Year Level 1st

Unit Creator/Reviewer Dr. Srinivas Shastri /Hadi Harb

Core/Elective Core

Pre/Co-requisites None

Grad Dip total course credit points = 24

Credit Points (3 credits x 8 (units))

Masters total course credit points = 48

(3 credits x 12 (units) + 12 credits (Thesis))

Mode of Delivery On-Campus or Online

10 hours per week:

Lecture - 1 hour

Unit Workload Tutorial Lecture - 1 hours

Practical / Lab - 1 hour (where applicable)

Personal Study recommended - 7 hours (guided and unguided)

             

Unit Description and General Aims

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This subject aims to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of the techniques and technologies
employed in the automated control of industrial processes. The subject combines the fundamentals of
process identification and feedback control design with a broad understanding of the hardware,
system architectures and software techniques widely used to implement control solutions. Students
will acquire the ability to analyze control problems and create solutions based on the use of modelling
techniques and well-established software tools. This ability will help to prepare the students for the
advanced control topics to be covered later in the course. 

Students will be able to describe the key features of control system equipment practices and their
comparative investment costs as used in different sectors of industry. Control techniques for both
continuous and batch process control will be covered, Students will undertake case studies to create
and evaluate choices of system architectures and equipment solutions in terms of plant availability,
initial cost and potential for improvements in plant performance indicators such as energy efficiency
and production rates.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject/unit, students are expected to be able to:

1. Discriminate between the key features of industrial control systems.

Bloom’s Level 5
2. Apply mathematical modelling techniques to identify static and dynamic response characteristics of a
continuous process.
Bloom’s Level 5
3. Design a feedback control system for a continuous process using transfer functions and stability
analysis methods.
Bloom’s Level 5
4. Design a digital control system for a process using z-transform and discrete time system analysis.
Bloom’s Level 6
5. Design a control system for a process using Fuzzy logic.
Bloom’s Level 6
6. Describe and incorporate into relevant system designs the principles of batch process and
manufacturing control system practices as recommended by International Standards ANSI/ISA- 88,
and ANSI/ISA-95.
Bloom’s Level 5

Bloom’s Taxonomy
The cognitive domain levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy:

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Bloom’s Bloom’s
Description
Level Category
Exhibit memory of
previously learned material
1 Remember by recalling facts, terms,
basic concepts, and
answers.
Demonstrate understanding
of facts and ideas by
organizing, comparing,
2 Understand
translating, interpreting,
giving descriptions, and
stating main ideas.
Solve problems to new
situations by applying
3 Apply acquired knowledge, facts,
techniques and rules in a
different way.
Examine and break
information into parts by
identifying motives or
4 Analyse
causes. Make inferences
and find evidence to
support generalizations.
Present and defend
opinions by making
judgments about
5 Evaluate
information, validity of
ideas, or quality of work
based on a set of criteria.
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Verbs
Choose, Define, Find, How, Label,
List, Match, Name, Omit, Recall,
Relate, Select, Show, Spell, Tell,
What, When, Where, Which, Who,
Why
Classify, Compare, Contrast,
Demonstrate, Explain, Extend,
Illustrate, Infer, Interpret, Outline,
Relate, Rephrase, Show,
Summarize, Translate
Apply, Build, Choose, Construct,
Develop, Experiment with, Identify,
Interview, Make use of, Model,
Organize, Plan, Select, Solve, Utilize
Analyse, Assume, Categorize,
Classify, Compare, Conclusion,
Contrast, Discover, Dissect,
Distinguish, Divide, Examine,
Function, Inference, Inspect, List,
Motive, Relationships, Simplify,
Survey, Take part in, Test for, Theme
Agree, Appraise, Assess, Award,
Choose, Compare, Conclude,
Criteria, Criticize, Decide, Deduct,
Defend, Determine, Disprove,
Estimate, Evaluate, Explain,
Importance, Influence, Interpret,
Judge, Justify, Mark, Measure,
Opinion, Perceive, Prioritize, Prove,
Rate, Recommend, Rule on, Select,
Support, Value
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Adapt, Build, Change, Choose,

6 Create
Combine, Compile, Compose,
Construct, Create, Delete, Design,
Compile information
Develop, Discuss, Elaborate,
together in a different way
Estimate, Formulate, Happen,
by combining elements in a
Imagine, Improve, Invent, Make up,
new pattern or proposing
Maximize, Minimize, Modify,
alternative solutions.
Original, Originate, Plan, Predict,
Propose, Solution, Solve, Suppose,
Test Theory

Engineers Australia

The Australian Engineering Stage 1 Competency Standards for the Professional Engineer, approved as
of 2013. This table is referenced in the mapping of graduate attributes to learning outcomes and via
the learning outcomes to student assessment.

Stage 1 Competencies and Elements of Competency

1. Knowledge and Skill Base

Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical

1.1
sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.

Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer

1.2
and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline.

1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.

Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering

1.4
discipline.

Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the engineering
1.5
discipline.

Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of sustainable

1.6
engineering practice in the specific discipline.

2. Engineering Application Ability

2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.

2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.

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2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.

Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering

2.4
projects.

3. Professional and Personal Attributes

3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability.

3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.

3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour.

3.4 Professional use and management of information.

3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct.

3.6 Effective team membership and team leadership.

Graduate Attributes
Successfully completing this Unit will contribute to the recognition of attainment of the following
graduate attributes aligned to the AQF Level 9 criteria, Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency
Standards for the Professional Engineer and the Washington Accord and the Program Level Outcomes
(PLO):

Graduate Attributes / Program Level Outcomes

EA Stage 1 Learning
(Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Professional and Personal Competencies Outcomes
Development)

A. Effective Communication (PLO 1)

A1. Cognitive and technical skills to investigate, analyse and

organise information and ideas and to communicate those
2.2, 3.2 1, 4, 5
ideas clearly and fluently, in both written and spoken forms
appropriate to the audience.

A2. Ability to professionally manage oneself, teams, information

and projects and engage effectively and appropriately across a 2.4, 3.2, 3.4,
 
diverse range of international cultures in leadership, team and 3.5, 3.6
individual roles.

B. Critical  Judgement (PLO 2)  

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B1. Ability to critically analyse and evaluate complex information 1.1, 1.2, 1.3,
2, 3
and theoretical concepts. 2.1

B2. Ability to creatively, proactively and innovatively apply

1.5, 2.1, 3.3,
theoretical concepts, knowledge and approaches with a high 4, 5
3.4
level of accountability, in an engineering context.

C. Design and Problem Solving Skills (PLO 3)  

C1. Cognitive skills to synthesise, evaluate and use information

from a broad range of sources to effectively identify, formulate 1.5, 2.1, 2.3 4,5
and solve engineering problems.

C2. Technical and communication skills to design complex

systems and solutions in line with developments in engineering 2.2, 2.3 4, 5, 6
professional practice.

C3. Comprehension of the role of technology in society and

identified issues in applying engineering technology ethics and 1.5, 1.6, 3.1 1
impacts; economic; social; environmental and sustainability.

D. Science and Engineering Fundamentals (PLO 4)

D1. Breadth and depth of mathematics, science, computer

1.1, 1.2, 1.3,
technology and specialist engineering knowledge and 4, 5
1.4
understanding of future developments.

D2. Knowledge of ethical standards in relation to professional

1.6, 3.1, 3.5  
engineering practice and research.

D3. Knowledge of international perspectives in engineering and 1.5, 1.6, 2.4,

6
ability to apply various national and International Standards. 3.4

E. Information and Research Skills (PLO 5)

E1. Application of advanced research and planning skills to

1.4, 2.4, 3.6  
engineering projects.

E2. Knowledge of research principles and methods in an

1.4, 1.6 2
engineering context.

       

Unit Content and Learning Outcomes to Program Level Outcomes (PLO)

via Bloom’s Taxonomy Level
This table details the mapping of the unit content and unit learning outcomes to the PLOs and graduate
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attributes at the corresponding Bloom’s Taxonomy level, specified by the number in the table.

Integrated Specification /

Program Learning Outcomes

 

PLO 1 PLO 2 PLO 3 PLO 4 PLO 5

LO1 5 - 5 - -

LO2 - 5 - - 5

Unit LO3 - 5 - - -
Learning
Outcomes LO4 6 6 6 6 -

LO5 6 6 6 6 -

LO6 - - 5 5 -

Assessments 6 6 6 6 5
Unit
Study
Lectures/Tutorials 6 6 6 6 5

             

Max Bloom’s level 6 6 6 6 5

Total PLO coverage 5 6 6 5 3

Student Assessment 

Assessment Type
When assessed Weighting Learning
(e.g. Assignment - 2000 word essay (specify
(e.g. After Topic (% of total Outcomes
topic)
5) unit marks) Assessed
Examination (specify length and format))

Assignment 1

Type: Multi-choice test / Group work / Short

answer questions / Role Play / Self-Assessment / After Topic 5 15% 1, 2
Presentation

Example Topic: To be suggested by lecturer

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Assessment Type
When assessed Weighting Learning
(e.g. Assignment - 2000 word essay (specify
(e.g. After Topic (% of total Outcomes
topic)
5) unit marks) Assessed
Examination (specify length and format))

Assignment 2 - Project Midterm

Type: Report / Research / Paper / Case Study /

Site Visit / Problem analysis / Project /
Professional recommendation / Self-Assessment

(Typical report 1,500 words maximum, excluding After Topic 7 25% 1, 2, 3

references. This is a progress report with;
literature review, hypothesis, and proposal for
workings)

Example Topic: Proposal for the analysis, design

and modelling of a storage tank system

Assignment 3

Type: Multi-choice test / Group work / Short

answer questions / Role Play / Self-Assessment / After Topic 9 15% 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Presentation

Example Topic: To be suggested by lecturer

Assignment 4 - Final Project (Typical thesis

4000 words, excluding references, figures and
tables. If a continuation of the midterm, this
should complete the report by adding sections
on: workings, implementation, results,
verification/validation, conclusion/challenges
and recommendations/future work.)

Example Topic: A continuation of the mid-term

initial submission OR a “Control Systems 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
Final Week 40%            
Planning and Design Project” will be attempted 6
which will include for justification of the type of
equipment to be used in terms of cost, ease of
use and availability when compared with plant
improvement objectives.

Embedded practical component: Students are

to design and simulate a feedback / cascade
control system using Matlab or similar software
tools and include results in final project report.

Attendance / Tutorial Participation

Example: Presentation, discussion, group work, Continuous 5%             -

exercises, self-assessment/reflection, case study
analysis, application.

Prescribed and recommended readings

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Required textbook

• King. Process Control - A Practical Approach, 2nd Edition. John Wiley & Sons, 2016 – ISBN:
978-1-119-15774-8
• Altmann, D. Macdonald, Practical Process Control for Engineers and Technicians. Elsevier, 2005 –
ISBN: 978-0-7506-6400-4
• Mandal, Ajit K.. Introduction to Control Engineering - Modeling, Analysis and Design (3rd Edition).
New Academic Science, 2017 – ISBN: 978-1-78183-099-4
• Fadali, M. Sami Visioli, Antonio. Digital Control Engineering - Analysis and Design (2nd Edition).
Elsevier, 2013 – ISBN: 978-0-12-394391-0

Recommended Reference Materials

• Engineering Standard ANSI/ISA-88 Part 1 or IEC 61512-1

• Engineering Standard ANSI/ISA-95 Part 1 or IEC 61512-1
• Connell, Basic Math for Process Control. ISA, 2003 – ISBN: 978-1-55617-813-9 (Available on Knovel)
• V. Dukkipati, MATLAB for Control System Engineers, 2nd Edition. New Academic Science, 2014 –
ISBN: 978-1-78183-066-6
• L. Trevathan, A Guide to the Automation Body of Knowledge, 2nd Edition. ISA, 2006 – ISBN:
978-1-55617-984-6
• Number of journals and websites (advised during lectures).
• Examples of journals include
1. Journal of Process Control
2. Control (Electronic access via ControlGlobal.com)

Unit Content:
One topic is delivered per contact week, with the exception of part-time 24-week units, where one topic is
delivered every two weeks.

Topic 1

Control systems and their relationship to process operations

1. Introduction to the purposes of industrial control systems and the role of the control system in
achieving business objectives.
2. Characteristic control system features in various industry sectors
3. Process Variables, Manipulated Variables and Set Points
4. Input/output relationships of typical process equipment modules: Tanks, Heat exchangers, reactors.

Topic 2

Process characteristics

1. Process unit operations, flowcharts and the depiction of the control system.
2. Overview of single control loops: level, temperature, pressure, and flow
3. Linear differential equations and Introduction to process dynamics
4. Overview of process characteristics: gain, dead time, response curve

Topic 3

1. Linearisation

Topic 4

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Dynamics of continuous processes

1. Laplace transform
2. 1st and 2nd order processes.
3. Transfer functions

Topic 5  

Fundamentals of feedback control

1. Poles and zeros

2. Transfer functions and block diagrams
3. Feedback control overview

Topics 6

Proportional Integral Derivative Control.

1. PID control
2. Effect of a proportional control action on a process
3. Effect of integral control action on a process
4. Offset in P control

Topics 7

Analysis and design of feedback control systems

(Lab demonstrations and application software tools should be used (MATLAB Control System Toolbox) in
association with this topic.

1. Stability and dynamic behaviour of linear systems in feedback control.

2. Design of feedback controllers
3. Tuning feedback controllers

Topic 8

Frequency domain analysis

(Lab demonstrations and application software tools should be used (MATLAB Control System Toolbox) in
association with this topic.

1. Bode plot
2. Bode stability criterion
3. Nyquist stability criterion

Topic 9

Introduction to Digital Control Systems

1. Discrete time systems

2. Difference equations
3. z-Transform
4. Discretised PID controllers

Topic 10

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Fuzzy Logic for Control Systems

1. Fuzzy modelling and control

2. Fuzzy sets and membership
3. Fuzzy logic controllers

Topic 11

Automation system functions

1. Introduction to safety critical control systems (Details in ME 508).

2. Principles of batch process control based on ANSI/ISA-88/IEC 61512)
3. Introduction to Enterprise-Control System Integration (ANSI/ISA-95/IEC 62264)
4. Human factors and ergonomic design

Topic 12

Project and Course Review

In the final week students will have an opportunity to review the contents covered so far. Opportunity will
be provided for a review of student work, to clarify any outstanding issues, and to work on finalising the
major assessment report.

Software/Hardware Used
Software

• Software: Matlab (Toolboxes: Control System Toolbox, System Identification Toolbox, Statistics and
Machine Learning Toolbox, Model Predictive Control Toolbox)
• Version: R2019a
• Instructions: Install the Student version on your computer OR use the software on Remote lab
• Additional resources or files: N/A

Hardware

• N/A

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