The Derivative Component in PID Tuning

The Derivative Component in PID TUNINGIntroductionThis paper is intended to stimulate thought regarding how we think about PID tuning when it comes to the use of the derivative component.PID Tuning ChallengesWhy?So what is it that derivative is supposed to help accomplish?  Most of us get by most of the time with simply using the “P” and “I” components when tuning a loop and if the loop is reasonably fast such as a flow meter or speed adjustment or even pressure we can get the job done and not have to deal with derivative. When we’re dealing with loops that have long response times such as temperature loops for tanks or dryers, there is a tendency to over-damp those loops to avoid massive overshoot of the process variable (that is if you don’t use the derivative component).Simplistic ExampleIf we just think about our car for a minute, let’s pretend that we are the PID loop control and the speedometer is our process variable and the speed limit (hopefully) is the setpoint. If we only use “P” to govern how we apply the accelerator then we’ll never reach …

New President for Bachelor Controls, Inc.

New President for Bachelor Controls, Inc.Effective August 26, 2016, Michael Bachelor assumed the presidency of Bachelor Controls, Inc.  Ray Bachelor has moved to Chairman of the Board. After growing up in the company, Michael went off to higher education and then to the Air Force where he served both as a programmer for military intelligence and finally as a member of the Presidential Honor Guard in Washington, DC.  After the military, Michael worked as a programmer in the intelligence community while residing in DC.  Michael’s degree is a BS in Computer Information Systems and he is a member of the ISA-95 committee.  In addition, Michael received the CSIA “Rising Star” award.  Michael returned to BCI in 2001 and has worked in programming, estimating and sales since then. Ray says, “The company is in good hands to manage and grow the control disciplines along with a team designed to flourish in this “information age” (aka, IIoT, Smart Manufacturing, Industrie 4.0).” BCI was formed in 1983.  It now has offices in Sabetha, KS, Lenexa, KS, Memphis, TN, and Lowell, IN.  BCI was the 15th company to be CSIA Certified …