Automatic control in the chemical industry

An attempt is made to summarize the present position of automatic control in the chemical industry. After discussing the advantages to be gained by automatic control, it is shown that at present the chief difficulty in the chemical industry lies in the measuring element. These difficulties are discussed, and typical examples are given. A résumé is given of basic types of control equipment at present in use in the chemical industry. These are, in the main, pneumatic or hydraulically operated; the reasons for this are discussed. The controlled process is briefly considered, and the lines of possible future development are discussed, with particular reference to process analysis and the design of complete electrical control systems capable of working under chemical plant conditions.