(360d) Designing, Building and Operating Process Control Systems in Unit Operation Labs

A small design and construction was undertaken to investigate the integration of process control theory with experimental practice into the undergraduate laboratory curricula. A small continuously stirred tank reactor vessel (CSTR), two source tanks each with a feed pump, and level (pressure), temperature, and flow sensors has been developed. With the use a LEGO NXT brick and LabView? data acquisition and control system has been interfaced to provide control of the system. The system is designed for maximum usability with multiple path options for inlet and outlet flow and the vessel is jacketed for additional temperature options. The apparatus is being incorporated into the second lab course in the undergraduate curriculum (second in a sequence of three lab courses). The process of the design and construction, and possible and proposed lab experiments including the materials developed for students and goals of the labs are discussed along with the practical relationship to process control theory and chemical engineering practices. Along with two other process control systems this newest addition have all recently been incorporated formally into the second semester unit operations laboratory course as a month long experimental investigation. The results from both pre and post assessment surveys as well as evaluations of student reporting (written and oral) will be reviewed with the goal of outlining what worked, didn't work and how future improvements might be valuable. Note: The course and this new process control approach will conclude in two weeks. Pre-assessments are complete but this abstract will update to reflect the additional information being compiled and assessed, e.g. specifics will be forthcoming.