Multi Variable Control Trainer | Prozessi PX 25
The Multi Variable Control Trainer Prozessi PX 25 teaches multivariable control principles through a quadruple tank system with five transparent tanks. This Multi Variable Control Trainer integrates two variable speed pumps with VFD control, five level transmitters and flow dampers. Fifteen structured experiments cover single-loop level control, ON/OFF and PID control, cascade and blend control, interacting and non-interacting systems, and advanced MIMO control problems. Fully computerized with NI-DAQMX data acquisition and USB integration. Compact standalone structure with non-corrosive wetted parts.
The Multi Variable Control Trainer Prozessi PX 25 is designed for teaching basic and advanced process control principles in complex systems. This Multi Variable Control Trainer is a quadruple tank system featuring five transparent process tanks, two variable speed pumps and electronic level transmitters for comprehensive multivariable control study.
Product Overview
The Multi Variable Control Trainer Prozessi PX 25 provides a complete platform for studying level control and multivariable system dynamics on a single integrated system. Also known as a Quadruple Tank System, the trainer consists of a supply water tank, two variable speed positive displacement pumps for closed loop water circulation, and five transparent process tanks each fitted with level transmitters and flow dampers. Electronic level transmitters monitor all tank levels and transmit 4-20 mA signals to a Multifunction I/O and NI-DAQMX data acquisition module connected to a computer via USB communication. Variable frequency drives control the two pumps, allowing direct manipulation of system inputs through software. All components are mounted on a standalone support structure. The Multi Variable Control Trainer is computerized, compact and self-contained with non-corrosive wetted parts throughout. It enables study of single-variable level control, second-order system dynamics (both interacting and non-interacting tanks), cascade control configurations, three-tank blend control and three-tank MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output) control, plus the full quadruple tank control problem.
Multi Variable Control Trainer Prozessi PX 25 — Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Product | Multi Variable Control Trainer, Quadruple Tank System |
| Model | Prozessi PX 25 |
| Process Tanks | Five transparent tanks with level transmitters |
| Level Transmitters | Electronic, 4-20 mA output (one per tank) |
| Water Supply Tank | SS304 stainless steel |
| Pumps | Two variable speed positive displacement pumps |
| Pump Control | Variable frequency drives |
| Flow Dampers | Installed on each process tank |
| Data Acquisition | NI-DAQMX Multifunction I/O with USB communication |
| Wetted Materials | Non-corrosive throughout |
| Structure | Standalone support frame |
Technical Data
Tank and Level Measurement Components
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Process Tank 1 | Transparent acrylic with level transmitter and flow damper |
| Process Tank 2 | Transparent acrylic with level transmitter and flow damper |
| Process Tank 3 | Transparent acrylic with level transmitter and flow damper |
| Process Tank 4 | Transparent acrylic with level transmitter and flow damper |
| Process Tank 5 | Transparent acrylic with level transmitter and flow damper |
| Level Transmitter Type | Electronic, Two wire, 4-20 mA output |
| Flow Dampers | Variable restriction orifices on each tank |
| Supply Tank | SS304 stainless steel |
Pumping and Control System
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Pump 1 | Variable speed positive displacement pump |
| Pump 2 | Variable speed positive displacement pump |
| Pump Drive 1 | Variable frequency drive (VFD) with USB control |
| Pump Drive 2 | Variable frequency drive (VFD) with USB control |
| Flow Rate Control | Software-commanded variable pump speed |
Data Acquisition and Communication
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| DAQ Module | NI-DAQMX Multifunction I/O |
| Communication Protocol | USB port to computer |
| Level Transmitter Inputs | 5 analog channels (4-20 mA) |
| Pump Control Outputs | 2 analog command channels to VFDs |
| Real-time Operation | Direct computer control via USB |
Key Features
- Multi Variable Control Trainer: quadruple tank system for advanced control study
- Five transparent process tanks for visual observation of level dynamics
- Two variable speed positive displacement pumps with VFD control
- Electronic level transmitters on all five tanks
- Flow dampers on each tank for configurable system dynamics
- Computer-based control via NI-DAQMX and variable frequency drives
- Closed loop water circulation system
- Compact, self-contained standalone structure
- Non-corrosive wetted parts for long service life
- USB communication for direct computer integration
Experiments
- Study of level control with open loop response
- Study of on/off controller for level regulation
- Study of proportional controller
- Study of proportional integral controller
- Study of proportional derivative controller
- Study of proportional integral derivative (PID) controller
- Controller tuning by open loop method
- Controller tuning by closed loop method
- Stability analysis of closed loop systems
- Study of second order interacting tank systems
- Study of second order non-interacting tank systems
- Study of cascade control configurations
- Study of three tank blend control
- Study of three tank MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output) control
- Study of quadruple tank control problem
Construction and Design
The Multi Variable Control Trainer Prozessi PX 25 is built on a standalone support structure housing five transparent acrylic process tanks arranged for multiple control topology configurations. Each tank is equipped with an electronic level transmitter (4-20 mA output) and a flow damper for controlling inter-tank flow rates. A supply tank constructed from SS304 stainless steel feeds water to two variable speed positive displacement pumps. Each pump is driven by its own variable frequency drive (VFD), allowing independent software control of pump speeds through USB communication. Water flows from the pumps to the process tanks following the configured topology. Flow dampers on each tank provide tunable resistance to flow, creating variable system dynamics between tanks. The Multi Variable Control Trainer supports multiple tank connection configurations, enabling study of interacting systems, non-interacting systems, cascade arrangements and MIMO control problems. All level transmitter signals feed to an NI-DAQMX data acquisition module connected to a computer via USB port. The variable frequency drives receive analog command signals from the computer, enabling real-time closed loop control. The entire system is self-contained on the standalone frame with non-corrosive materials in all wetted components.
Software and Control
The Multi Variable Control Trainer is fully computerized, with direct software control of pumps via variable frequency drives and real-time monitoring of all five tank levels through the NI-DAQMX data acquisition system. Students can implement open loop, ON/OFF, P, PI, PD and full PID controllers in software, with automatic or manual controller tuning capabilities. The system supports stability analysis through frequency response measurements and can be reconfigured for multiple tank control topologies through simple software commands.
Scope of Delivery
- Multi Variable Control Trainer Prozessi PX 25 complete assembly
- Standalone support structure with piping
- Supply tank, SS304 stainless steel
- Five transparent acrylic process tanks with graduated scales
- Five electronic level transmitters, 4-20 mA output
- Flow dampers for each process tank
- Two variable speed positive displacement pumps
- Two variable frequency drives for pump control
- NI-DAQMX Multifunction I/O data acquisition module
- USB cable and interconnecting cables
- Power cords and electrical connections
- Control software with documentation
- User manual and experimental procedures
Optional Accessories
- Additional flow dampers for fine tuning
- Data logging and analysis software
- Extended USB cable for remote installation
- Calibration kit for level transmitters
Q1: What is a quadruple tank system in the Multi Variable Control Trainer?
A: A quadruple tank system (5 total tanks) is a benchmark problem in multivariable control used to study systems where changing one pump affects multiple tank levels, requiring coordinated control of two pumps to regulate four process tank levels simultaneously.
Q2: How many independent inputs and outputs does the Multi Variable Control Trainer have?
A: The Multi Variable Control Trainer has two pump inputs (variable frequency drives) and five tank level outputs (level transmitters), allowing study of 2×5 MIMO control problems.
Q3: What is the purpose of flow dampers in the Multi Variable Control Trainer?
A: Flow dampers provide tunable resistance between tanks, allowing students to configure different system topologies (interacting vs. non-interacting) and adjust the dynamics for different control experiments.
Q4: How is the Multi Variable Control Trainer controlled?
A: The system is fully computerized. Students write or load control algorithms in software, which commands the variable frequency drives. Level feedback from all five transmitters is monitored in real-time through USB communication.
Q5: What control problems can be studied on the Multi Variable Control Trainer Prozessi PX 25?
A: Students can study single-tank level control, cascade control, blend control of three tanks, 2×2 and 2×5 MIMO control problems, and the full quadruple tank benchmark problem used in advanced control courses.
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