Process controls in petroleum processing

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the control systems which support the refining processes. This is not a definitive work on control systems, but paints the applications of control systems in a modern refinery with a broad brush. The material in this chapter starts with a discussion of control system architecture and continues with detailed descriptions of the major types of parameters controlled: flow, temperature, pressure, level, and composition. Additional material is provided on specific, common control situations. There is a brief discussion of control theory and there are procedures provided for sizing control valves. Numerous references are available for further information.