Identification of an Industrial Process by Numerical Inversion of the Laplace Transform

A practical application of a novel parameter identification technique for industrial process control systems is presented. The solution algorithm is based on numerical inversion of the Laplace Transform, as proposed by Bellman, et al. Its application with the aid of a minicomputer (or a desk calculator) is fairly easy and fast. Using this method, process gain and time-constants of an electric furnace with on- off control are evaluated. Results of an experimental study are presented to validate the theoretical predictions. This identification technique is suitable for a wide range of industrial processes, and it can be applied to direct digital control systems.