PCSSIM

PCUSIM is a simulation environment for process control. The program is aimed at students learning process control and PID (Three Term) controllers. PID, manual and open loop control (open loop available for flow only) perform experiments under the same initial conditions with different control parameters. 4 control scenarios: flow rate, temperature, batch and fluid level, analyse, rewind, save and print graphs.
 
The simulation comprises a process tank, a sump tank connecting pipes, a heater, and an alternative flow path through a cooler. The simulator can be used to model control of flow rate in pipes, temperature in a tank, fluid level in a tank, or batch control of a specific volume at a specified temperature as per batch processes in the chemical industry.
 
Students can experiment with the different control situations and different control parameters to gain a feel for PID and learn at their own pace. Graphical displays of all information are provided in real time. Graphs can be analysed, rewound, saved and printed. Students can in addition, perform the same experiments many times with the same initial conditions and different control parameters, allowing closer comparison of outcomes.