Simulation Design On Water Flow Control System.
SIMULATION DESIGN ON WATER FLOW CONTROL
SYSTEM
NOORSHAHIRAH BT. MASAT
B051010106
UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA
2013
UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA
SIMULATION DESIGN ON WATER FLOW CONTROL SYSTEM
This report submitted in accordance with requirement of the Universiti Teknikal
Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) for the Bachelor Degree of Manufacturing Engineering
(Robotics & Automation) (Hons.)
by
NOORSHAHIRAH BT MASAT
B051010106
880816045198
FACULTY OF MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING
2013
B051010106
BACHELOR OF MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING (ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION) (HONS.)
2013 UTeM
DECLARATION
I here y, de lared this report e titled “i ulatio Desig o Water Flow Co trol “yste
results of my own research except as cited in reference.
Signature
:
..............................................................
Author’s Name
:
..............................................................
Date
:
..............................................................
is the
APPROVAL
This report is submitted to the Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering of UTeM as a
partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Manufacturing
Engineering (Robotic & Automation) (Hons.). The member of the supervisory is as
follow:
………………………………
Project Supervisor
(Mr. Mohd Nazmin Bin Maslan)
ABSTRAK
Projek ini adalah simulasi untuk menunjukkan konsep asas sistem kawalan aliran air.
Fokus utama projek ini adalah untuk mewujudkan Antara Muka Pengguna (GUI) secara
grafik dengan simulasi menggunakan perisian Visual Basic. Projek ini dimulakan
dengan melakukan kajian dan penyelidikan daripada jurnal, internet atau buku untuk
mendapatkan pengetahuan yang berkaitan dengan projek ini. Projek ini berjalan dengan
lancar selagi ia mengikuti perancangan cartaaliran projek. Simulasi ini adalah kawalan
untuk dua pengawal adalah gelung terbuka dan gelung tertutup. Dalam pengawal gelung
terbuka, ia menunjukkan pergerakan air dari takungan ke tangki dengan mengawal injap
beban. Pengawal gelung tertutup menunjukkan pergerakan air yang dikawalan oleh
sensor aliran. Apabila simulasi bermula, paparan maklumat akan ditunjukkan di
bahagian penerangan. Simulasi ini dibina untuk mendapatkan pemahaman pelajar
mengenai konsep asas sistem kawalan. Pengesahan daripada pelajar selepas
menggunakan simulasi ini adalah sangat penting sebagai pengesahan kepada projek ini.
Pengesahan tersebut dilakukan melalui kaji selidik dalam talian. Hasil daripada kaji
selidik tersebut, beberapa cadangan untuk penambahbaikan yang telah diberikan untuk
meningkatkan mutu dan membenarkan projek ini untuk menjadi lebih baik dan berguna
untuk pelajar.
ABSTRACT
This project is the simulation show the basic concept of water flow control system. The
main focus of this project is to create the Graphical User Interface (GUI) with
simulations using the Visual Basic software. Before starting the project, it is important to
study and do a research from journal, internet or a book to get knowledge about the
project. The project is conducted in smoothly as long as follows the project flow
diagram planned. This simulation is controlled for two controllers are open loop and
closed loop. In the open loop controller, it is shown the water movement from the
reservoir to the tank by controlling the loading valve. The closed loop controller shows
the water movement is controlled by the flow sensor. When the simulation starts, the
information will display in the description part. The simulation is built to gain
understanding about the basic concept of a control system from the student. The result is
gained from validation from a student after used this simulation. Some ideas for future
works were suggested in this report to improve and allow this project to be more useful
to students.
DEDICATION
This is for my parent that has been the greatest and best supporter and helper for to
complete this project and my degree.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to thank Encik Mohd Nazmin bin Maslan for being a good supervisor of the
project. His extravagant guide, sentient criticisms and patient support the writing of the
report in inestimable ways. His support of the project was greatly needed and deeply be
pleased about.
Other than that, thousands of gratitude dedicated to the technicians, friends and everyone
that had given support the whole time in completing the project.
TABLE OF CONTENT
Abstrak
i
Abstract
ii
Dedication
iii
Acknowledgement
iv
Table of Content
v
List of Figure
viii
List of Tables
x
List Abbreviations, Symbols and Nomenclatures
xi
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1
Overview of the Project
1
1.2
Problem Statement
3
1.3
Objective
3
1.4
Scope
3
1.5
Summary
4
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1
Fluid Flow Control System
5
2.3
Process Control System
6
2.4
Control Algorithms
9
2.4.1
Open loop control algorithm
9
2.4.2
On-off control algorithm
2.5
2.6
11
Visual Basic
13
2.5.1
Visual Basic 6 Programming Environment (IDE)
14
2.5.2
Animation against Alternatives
15
Summary
17
CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY
3.1
Project Flow Diagram
18
3.1.1
Project Planning
20
3.1.2
Theoretical Study
20
3.1.3
Understanding on Simulation System Work
21
3.1.4
Process Planning and Software Selected
22
3.1.5
Design a Graphical and Simulation System
23
3.1.6
Programming
24
3.1.7
Program Testing and Run the System
24
3.1.8
Simulation Troubleshoot
25
3.3
Gantt Chart of Project
25
3.4
Summary
27
CHAPTER 4: RESULT AND DISCUSSION
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
Simulation Design Process
28
4.1.1
Conceptual Design
29
4.1.2
Design Process
29
Simulation Coding
34
4.2.1
If-Then-Else Statement
35
4.2.2
Timer
35
4.2.3
Mathematically Equation
36
4.2.4
PictureBox
37
4.2.5
TextBox
38
4.2.6
CommandButton
39
4.2.7
Label
40
4.2.8
OptionButton
40
4.2.9
MsgBox
41
Simulation Process Application
42
4.3.1
Open Loop Simulation Design
43
4.3.2
Closed Loop Simulation Design
46
Validation Test for the Simulation
47
4.4
Summary
53
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION
5.1
Conclusion
54
5.2
Future Works
55
5.2.1
Simulation
55
5.2.2
Hardware
56
REFERENCES
APPENDIX A
APPENDIX B
LIST OF FIGURES
1.1
Process control variable
2
2.1
Process control system level
7
2.2
Elevator response
8
2.3
Open loop control system
10
2.4
Block diagram system gain
10
2.5
Closed loop control system
11
2.6
Block diagram of flow control system
12
2.7
VB interface
14
2.8
Traffic light interface
16
3.1
Project flow diagram
19
3.2
Monitoring simulation system flow chart
22
3.3
Process planning
23
4.1
Form 1
30
4.3
Form2
32
4.4
Frame 1
33
4.5
Frame2
33
4.6
Frame3
34
4.7
If-Then-Else statement flow
35
4.8
Timer programming
36
4.9
Mathematical equation in programming
37
4.10
PictureBox programming
38
4.11
TextBox Programming
39
4.12
CommandButton programming
39
4.13
Label programming
40
4.14
OptionButton programming
41
4.15
MsgBox programming
42
4.17
The MsgBox popup
43
4.18
Valve A close
44
4.19
Valve A partially open (PO)
45
4.20
Valve A fully open (FO)
45
4.21
On algorithm
46
4.22
Off algorithm
47
4.23
Question 1 pie chart
48
4.24
Question 2 data
48
4.25
Question 3 pie chart
49
4.26
Question 4 pie chart
49
4.27
Question 5 pie chart
50
4.28
Question 6 pie chart
50
4.29
Question 7 pie chart
51
4.30
Question 8 pie chart
51
4.31
Question 9 pie chart
52
4.32
Question 10 comment
52
LIST OF TABLES
4.1
Description component in Form1
30
4.2
Description of Form2
32
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS, SYMBOLS AND
NOMECLATURE
BASIC
-
Beginners All-Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code
FKP
-
Fakulti Kejuruteraan Pembuatan
GUI
-
Grapichal User Interface
IDE
-
Integrated Development Environment
PC
-
Personal Computer
PID
-
Proportional, Integral, Derivative
PSM
-
Projek Sarjana Muda
VB
-
Visual Basic
VB6
-
Visual Basic 6
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
This chapter covers on the introduction, problem statement, objective and scope of the
research study. The introduction discusses the overview about the project that will be
conducted. The problem needs to be found before starting the project is identified in the
problem statement section. Lastly, the objective is about the target to be achieved with
this project meanwhile the scope is project limitation of the project.
1.1
Overview of the Project
At the university, the application of the water flow control system is usually used in
water flow and level control system. It is can be used in learning the basic control
system so that the student able to know about the connection between water flow control
in process control system. This project is about the simulation design on water flow
control system. It uses Visual Basic (VB) to show the water movement and the
Graphical User Interface (GUI) as the monitoring system interface using the Visual
Basic 6 (VB6) software.
In water flow and level control, it has the process control that is the operational control
in the internal characteristic. It is usually in the fluid process as a component device to
control the fluid flows and need to control the continuous flow of fluid through a large
set of following operations. The process is defined as a set of operation that perform
physical or a series transformation in which fluid is converted into a more useful state. A
process forms part of a set of production or processing functions complete in and by
means of process hardware such as tanks, pipes, fittings, measuring device and others.
The performance of an industrial process is influenced by internal and external condition
called process variables such as flow, level, temperature, dimension, speed, volume and
others. The control of the process variable is archived by the control equipment and the
controlling them to the desire level called set points. Figure 1.1 shows the process
control variables where the manipulated variables determine the control that state of the
system the examples flow rate. The flow rates entering or leaving the process so the
control will be changed. The controlled variable there is an associated manipulated
variable; it is maintained despite any disturbance.
Manipulated
variables
Process
Controlled
variables
Figure 1.1: Process control variable (Singh, S.K, 2012)
Visual Basic was developed by Microsoft to extend the capability of BASIC by adding
objects and programming like buttons, menus, and other elements of the GUI. VB can
also be used within other Microsoft software to program small routine. Programs are
commonly referred to as software. Software is essential to a computer because it
controls everything the computer does. All of the software is used to make the
computers useful is created by individuals working as programmers or software
developers. A programmer, or software developer, is a person with the training and
skills necessary to design, create, and test computer programs.
1.2
Problem Statement
The problem statement of the project needs to be identified in order to perform the
project. Through meticulous observation, it is found out that engineering student lack of
a learning kit that can aid them to understand the basic process control system. This
simulation is developing as guidance on how to manipulate the process control system
using the water level and flow control system. The programming is required to operate
the simulation animation using VB6 and to integrate the GUI and animation with their
programming lines.
1.3
Objective
A project must have the objective to ensure the project can achieve the target and Gantt
chart. The main objective of this project is to create the Graphical User Interface (GUI)
with simulations using the Visual Basic software. The other objectives that support it
are:
1. To demonstrate the systems in water flow system; open-loop control system and
closed-loop control system.
2. To control the water flow in the system for the required process control.
1.4
Scope
The scope of the project is to determine the specified project limitation. The scope of
this project is design a basic simulation for water flow control system and Graphical
User Interface (GUI). The simulation is to control the water flow simulation moving
created in visual basic 6. This simulation system allows student understanding about
how to control the water flow control system.
1.5
Summary
This chapter briefly explains about the project that will be conducted. It also states the
motivation the project must be conducted with the problems that crop up with
mentioning also the project limitation.
CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
The literature review is done to gain the information on the project that is being carried.
Firstly the explanation of water flow followed by process control fundamental,
component are related to flow control of fluid, fluid flow fundamental and GUI
monitoring system that allows to control the tank.
2.1
Fluid Flow Control System
Fluid level and flow control system is usually found in the chemical engineering sector.
It is important to them to know and understand how to control flow and level the fluid in
the rig. Fluid flow and level control system is the control fluid in the tank with several
process control algorithms. This project focuses on the concept experimental rig as a
simulation platform. That can be used in the university to show and aid the student to
understand more in the basic control system. There are many experimental rigs exist in
the market which includes a couple tank experimental level and flow control rig.
In fluid flow control system, the water must be controlled continuously and accurately
during treatment. Various methods of water flow control can be used. The valves can be
the set to allow specific flows of water through a treatment plant either an inlet or the
outlet. If the regulating valve is fitted, it will require regular adjustment to ensure that
constant flow maintains.
Flow measurement gives an indication of the efficiency of a process. Water flow rate is
the important measurement in fluid flow. The water flow is the amount of water passing
through a pipe within a given period of time. The flow in pipes under pressure or in open
channels under the force of gravity, the volume of water flowing past any given point in
the pipe or channel per unit time is called the flow rate or discharge (Q). The water flow
rate can calculate using equation velocity multiply cross section vector area to get the
volume of fluid passing given station per unit time (Esposito, A , 2009).
Q=v·A
2.2
Process Control System
Process control is the control of a physical variable within a particular system. By
controlling a particular physical variable, it controls the entire process. Process control
allows manufacturer to obtain a higher level of quality control and to conform to stricter
safety requirement, creating better products and protecting the safety of workers and
consumers. Manufactures need to control the manufacturing environment in order to
produce uniform product. Many chemical reactions are dependent on very specific
reaction conditions. For safety reasons, manufacturers often need to control physical
variable of processes (Singh, S.K, 2012).
The benefit of process control system has increased production level or in other word
productivity, reduces the raw material costs; improve product quality and uniformity of
the manufactured goods and services, increased efficiency, improved profitability,
increased safety in operation environmental condition and comfort and convenience of
operation. There are four levels of process control systems. The level process is shown
in Figure 2.1 below (Singh, S.K, 2012).
Controller tuning
Level 1
Algorithm
Level 2
Control system
structure
Process design
Level 3
Level 4
Figure 2.1: Process control system level (Singh, S.K, 2012).
In level 1, it is controlled tuning to determining the values of controller tuning constants
that give the best control. For level 2 is algorithms, it is deciding the type of controller to
be used in example P, PI, PID or others. The level 3 is a control system structure, it is
determining what to control and manipulate and how to match one controlled variable
with one manipulated variable or in other word pairing. The last level is level 4 for
process design; it is developing a process flow sheet and using the parameters that
produce an easily controllable plant (Singh, S.K, 2012).
SYSTEM
NOORSHAHIRAH BT. MASAT
B051010106
UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA
2013
UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA
SIMULATION DESIGN ON WATER FLOW CONTROL SYSTEM
This report submitted in accordance with requirement of the Universiti Teknikal
Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) for the Bachelor Degree of Manufacturing Engineering
(Robotics & Automation) (Hons.)
by
NOORSHAHIRAH BT MASAT
B051010106
880816045198
FACULTY OF MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING
2013
B051010106
BACHELOR OF MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING (ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION) (HONS.)
2013 UTeM
DECLARATION
I here y, de lared this report e titled “i ulatio Desig o Water Flow Co trol “yste
results of my own research except as cited in reference.
Signature
:
..............................................................
Author’s Name
:
..............................................................
Date
:
..............................................................
is the
APPROVAL
This report is submitted to the Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering of UTeM as a
partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Manufacturing
Engineering (Robotic & Automation) (Hons.). The member of the supervisory is as
follow:
………………………………
Project Supervisor
(Mr. Mohd Nazmin Bin Maslan)
ABSTRAK
Projek ini adalah simulasi untuk menunjukkan konsep asas sistem kawalan aliran air.
Fokus utama projek ini adalah untuk mewujudkan Antara Muka Pengguna (GUI) secara
grafik dengan simulasi menggunakan perisian Visual Basic. Projek ini dimulakan
dengan melakukan kajian dan penyelidikan daripada jurnal, internet atau buku untuk
mendapatkan pengetahuan yang berkaitan dengan projek ini. Projek ini berjalan dengan
lancar selagi ia mengikuti perancangan cartaaliran projek. Simulasi ini adalah kawalan
untuk dua pengawal adalah gelung terbuka dan gelung tertutup. Dalam pengawal gelung
terbuka, ia menunjukkan pergerakan air dari takungan ke tangki dengan mengawal injap
beban. Pengawal gelung tertutup menunjukkan pergerakan air yang dikawalan oleh
sensor aliran. Apabila simulasi bermula, paparan maklumat akan ditunjukkan di
bahagian penerangan. Simulasi ini dibina untuk mendapatkan pemahaman pelajar
mengenai konsep asas sistem kawalan. Pengesahan daripada pelajar selepas
menggunakan simulasi ini adalah sangat penting sebagai pengesahan kepada projek ini.
Pengesahan tersebut dilakukan melalui kaji selidik dalam talian. Hasil daripada kaji
selidik tersebut, beberapa cadangan untuk penambahbaikan yang telah diberikan untuk
meningkatkan mutu dan membenarkan projek ini untuk menjadi lebih baik dan berguna
untuk pelajar.
ABSTRACT
This project is the simulation show the basic concept of water flow control system. The
main focus of this project is to create the Graphical User Interface (GUI) with
simulations using the Visual Basic software. Before starting the project, it is important to
study and do a research from journal, internet or a book to get knowledge about the
project. The project is conducted in smoothly as long as follows the project flow
diagram planned. This simulation is controlled for two controllers are open loop and
closed loop. In the open loop controller, it is shown the water movement from the
reservoir to the tank by controlling the loading valve. The closed loop controller shows
the water movement is controlled by the flow sensor. When the simulation starts, the
information will display in the description part. The simulation is built to gain
understanding about the basic concept of a control system from the student. The result is
gained from validation from a student after used this simulation. Some ideas for future
works were suggested in this report to improve and allow this project to be more useful
to students.
DEDICATION
This is for my parent that has been the greatest and best supporter and helper for to
complete this project and my degree.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to thank Encik Mohd Nazmin bin Maslan for being a good supervisor of the
project. His extravagant guide, sentient criticisms and patient support the writing of the
report in inestimable ways. His support of the project was greatly needed and deeply be
pleased about.
Other than that, thousands of gratitude dedicated to the technicians, friends and everyone
that had given support the whole time in completing the project.
TABLE OF CONTENT
Abstrak
i
Abstract
ii
Dedication
iii
Acknowledgement
iv
Table of Content
v
List of Figure
viii
List of Tables
x
List Abbreviations, Symbols and Nomenclatures
xi
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1
Overview of the Project
1
1.2
Problem Statement
3
1.3
Objective
3
1.4
Scope
3
1.5
Summary
4
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1
Fluid Flow Control System
5
2.3
Process Control System
6
2.4
Control Algorithms
9
2.4.1
Open loop control algorithm
9
2.4.2
On-off control algorithm
2.5
2.6
11
Visual Basic
13
2.5.1
Visual Basic 6 Programming Environment (IDE)
14
2.5.2
Animation against Alternatives
15
Summary
17
CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY
3.1
Project Flow Diagram
18
3.1.1
Project Planning
20
3.1.2
Theoretical Study
20
3.1.3
Understanding on Simulation System Work
21
3.1.4
Process Planning and Software Selected
22
3.1.5
Design a Graphical and Simulation System
23
3.1.6
Programming
24
3.1.7
Program Testing and Run the System
24
3.1.8
Simulation Troubleshoot
25
3.3
Gantt Chart of Project
25
3.4
Summary
27
CHAPTER 4: RESULT AND DISCUSSION
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
Simulation Design Process
28
4.1.1
Conceptual Design
29
4.1.2
Design Process
29
Simulation Coding
34
4.2.1
If-Then-Else Statement
35
4.2.2
Timer
35
4.2.3
Mathematically Equation
36
4.2.4
PictureBox
37
4.2.5
TextBox
38
4.2.6
CommandButton
39
4.2.7
Label
40
4.2.8
OptionButton
40
4.2.9
MsgBox
41
Simulation Process Application
42
4.3.1
Open Loop Simulation Design
43
4.3.2
Closed Loop Simulation Design
46
Validation Test for the Simulation
47
4.4
Summary
53
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION
5.1
Conclusion
54
5.2
Future Works
55
5.2.1
Simulation
55
5.2.2
Hardware
56
REFERENCES
APPENDIX A
APPENDIX B
LIST OF FIGURES
1.1
Process control variable
2
2.1
Process control system level
7
2.2
Elevator response
8
2.3
Open loop control system
10
2.4
Block diagram system gain
10
2.5
Closed loop control system
11
2.6
Block diagram of flow control system
12
2.7
VB interface
14
2.8
Traffic light interface
16
3.1
Project flow diagram
19
3.2
Monitoring simulation system flow chart
22
3.3
Process planning
23
4.1
Form 1
30
4.3
Form2
32
4.4
Frame 1
33
4.5
Frame2
33
4.6
Frame3
34
4.7
If-Then-Else statement flow
35
4.8
Timer programming
36
4.9
Mathematical equation in programming
37
4.10
PictureBox programming
38
4.11
TextBox Programming
39
4.12
CommandButton programming
39
4.13
Label programming
40
4.14
OptionButton programming
41
4.15
MsgBox programming
42
4.17
The MsgBox popup
43
4.18
Valve A close
44
4.19
Valve A partially open (PO)
45
4.20
Valve A fully open (FO)
45
4.21
On algorithm
46
4.22
Off algorithm
47
4.23
Question 1 pie chart
48
4.24
Question 2 data
48
4.25
Question 3 pie chart
49
4.26
Question 4 pie chart
49
4.27
Question 5 pie chart
50
4.28
Question 6 pie chart
50
4.29
Question 7 pie chart
51
4.30
Question 8 pie chart
51
4.31
Question 9 pie chart
52
4.32
Question 10 comment
52
LIST OF TABLES
4.1
Description component in Form1
30
4.2
Description of Form2
32
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS, SYMBOLS AND
NOMECLATURE
BASIC
-
Beginners All-Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code
FKP
-
Fakulti Kejuruteraan Pembuatan
GUI
-
Grapichal User Interface
IDE
-
Integrated Development Environment
PC
-
Personal Computer
PID
-
Proportional, Integral, Derivative
PSM
-
Projek Sarjana Muda
VB
-
Visual Basic
VB6
-
Visual Basic 6
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
This chapter covers on the introduction, problem statement, objective and scope of the
research study. The introduction discusses the overview about the project that will be
conducted. The problem needs to be found before starting the project is identified in the
problem statement section. Lastly, the objective is about the target to be achieved with
this project meanwhile the scope is project limitation of the project.
1.1
Overview of the Project
At the university, the application of the water flow control system is usually used in
water flow and level control system. It is can be used in learning the basic control
system so that the student able to know about the connection between water flow control
in process control system. This project is about the simulation design on water flow
control system. It uses Visual Basic (VB) to show the water movement and the
Graphical User Interface (GUI) as the monitoring system interface using the Visual
Basic 6 (VB6) software.
In water flow and level control, it has the process control that is the operational control
in the internal characteristic. It is usually in the fluid process as a component device to
control the fluid flows and need to control the continuous flow of fluid through a large
set of following operations. The process is defined as a set of operation that perform
physical or a series transformation in which fluid is converted into a more useful state. A
process forms part of a set of production or processing functions complete in and by
means of process hardware such as tanks, pipes, fittings, measuring device and others.
The performance of an industrial process is influenced by internal and external condition
called process variables such as flow, level, temperature, dimension, speed, volume and
others. The control of the process variable is archived by the control equipment and the
controlling them to the desire level called set points. Figure 1.1 shows the process
control variables where the manipulated variables determine the control that state of the
system the examples flow rate. The flow rates entering or leaving the process so the
control will be changed. The controlled variable there is an associated manipulated
variable; it is maintained despite any disturbance.
Manipulated
variables
Process
Controlled
variables
Figure 1.1: Process control variable (Singh, S.K, 2012)
Visual Basic was developed by Microsoft to extend the capability of BASIC by adding
objects and programming like buttons, menus, and other elements of the GUI. VB can
also be used within other Microsoft software to program small routine. Programs are
commonly referred to as software. Software is essential to a computer because it
controls everything the computer does. All of the software is used to make the
computers useful is created by individuals working as programmers or software
developers. A programmer, or software developer, is a person with the training and
skills necessary to design, create, and test computer programs.
1.2
Problem Statement
The problem statement of the project needs to be identified in order to perform the
project. Through meticulous observation, it is found out that engineering student lack of
a learning kit that can aid them to understand the basic process control system. This
simulation is developing as guidance on how to manipulate the process control system
using the water level and flow control system. The programming is required to operate
the simulation animation using VB6 and to integrate the GUI and animation with their
programming lines.
1.3
Objective
A project must have the objective to ensure the project can achieve the target and Gantt
chart. The main objective of this project is to create the Graphical User Interface (GUI)
with simulations using the Visual Basic software. The other objectives that support it
are:
1. To demonstrate the systems in water flow system; open-loop control system and
closed-loop control system.
2. To control the water flow in the system for the required process control.
1.4
Scope
The scope of the project is to determine the specified project limitation. The scope of
this project is design a basic simulation for water flow control system and Graphical
User Interface (GUI). The simulation is to control the water flow simulation moving
created in visual basic 6. This simulation system allows student understanding about
how to control the water flow control system.
1.5
Summary
This chapter briefly explains about the project that will be conducted. It also states the
motivation the project must be conducted with the problems that crop up with
mentioning also the project limitation.
CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
The literature review is done to gain the information on the project that is being carried.
Firstly the explanation of water flow followed by process control fundamental,
component are related to flow control of fluid, fluid flow fundamental and GUI
monitoring system that allows to control the tank.
2.1
Fluid Flow Control System
Fluid level and flow control system is usually found in the chemical engineering sector.
It is important to them to know and understand how to control flow and level the fluid in
the rig. Fluid flow and level control system is the control fluid in the tank with several
process control algorithms. This project focuses on the concept experimental rig as a
simulation platform. That can be used in the university to show and aid the student to
understand more in the basic control system. There are many experimental rigs exist in
the market which includes a couple tank experimental level and flow control rig.
In fluid flow control system, the water must be controlled continuously and accurately
during treatment. Various methods of water flow control can be used. The valves can be
the set to allow specific flows of water through a treatment plant either an inlet or the
outlet. If the regulating valve is fitted, it will require regular adjustment to ensure that
constant flow maintains.
Flow measurement gives an indication of the efficiency of a process. Water flow rate is
the important measurement in fluid flow. The water flow is the amount of water passing
through a pipe within a given period of time. The flow in pipes under pressure or in open
channels under the force of gravity, the volume of water flowing past any given point in
the pipe or channel per unit time is called the flow rate or discharge (Q). The water flow
rate can calculate using equation velocity multiply cross section vector area to get the
volume of fluid passing given station per unit time (Esposito, A , 2009).
Q=v·A
2.2
Process Control System
Process control is the control of a physical variable within a particular system. By
controlling a particular physical variable, it controls the entire process. Process control
allows manufacturer to obtain a higher level of quality control and to conform to stricter
safety requirement, creating better products and protecting the safety of workers and
consumers. Manufactures need to control the manufacturing environment in order to
produce uniform product. Many chemical reactions are dependent on very specific
reaction conditions. For safety reasons, manufacturers often need to control physical
variable of processes (Singh, S.K, 2012).
The benefit of process control system has increased production level or in other word
productivity, reduces the raw material costs; improve product quality and uniformity of
the manufactured goods and services, increased efficiency, improved profitability,
increased safety in operation environmental condition and comfort and convenience of
operation. There are four levels of process control systems. The level process is shown
in Figure 2.1 below (Singh, S.K, 2012).
Controller tuning
Level 1
Algorithm
Level 2
Control system
structure
Process design
Level 3
Level 4
Figure 2.1: Process control system level (Singh, S.K, 2012).
In level 1, it is controlled tuning to determining the values of controller tuning constants
that give the best control. For level 2 is algorithms, it is deciding the type of controller to
be used in example P, PI, PID or others. The level 3 is a control system structure, it is
determining what to control and manipulate and how to match one controlled variable
with one manipulated variable or in other word pairing. The last level is level 4 for
process design; it is developing a process flow sheet and using the parameters that
produce an easily controllable plant (Singh, S.K, 2012).