Process control is the discipline of maintaining process variables (temperature, pressure, flow, composition) at desired setpoints to ensure product quality, operational safety, and economic efficiency. This article covers PID control fundamentals, cascade control strategies, feedforward control, and advanced process control (APC) concepts.
Process industries — including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, oil & gas, and power generation — are characterized by continuous or batch operations, complex multivariable interactions, long time delays, and stringent safety requirements. Understanding these characteristics is essential for designing effective measurement and control strategies.