Coupled Tanks System

Coupled Tanks System

33-042

The Coupled Tanks set-up is a model of a chemical plant fragment. Very often tanks are coupled through pipes and the reactant level and flow has to be controlled. The Coupled Tanks experiment is designed so that the system can be configured.

The Coupled Tanks system has 4 translucent tanks each with a pressure sensor to measure the water level. The couplings between the tanks can be modified by the use of seven manual valves to change the dynamics of the system imposing the use of different controllers. Water is delivered to the tanks by two independently controlled, submersed pumps. Step disturbances generation is provided by four manual valves. Drain flow rates can be modified using easy-to-change orifice caps.

The product is supplied with a student manual that provides information about the physical behaviour of the system models and guides the student through the control tasks. Control algorithms are developed, tested on the models and then implemented in a real-time application. The user may build their own models or use the models supplied together with the curriculum. The process variables can be observed on-screen in plots.

The 33-042 Coupled Tanks System may be controlled using NI LabVIEW software and a NI PCI-6251 Interface card.

• Features

  • Fully compatible with LabVIEW and Simulink
  • Self contained unit which can be either floor standing or bench mounted
  • Four tanks each with pressure-sensor water level measurement & easy-to-read visual scale
  • Two independently controlled pumps allow variable flow control
  • Easy to configure coupling between tanks allows for a wide range of control scenarios from basic to advanced level
  • Can be configured as Single Input Single Output (SISO) or Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) system
  • System dynamics can be modified using easy to change orifice caps

   

• Subject Area

  
  
  • Coupled Tanks Modelling
  
  
  • Model Linearization
  
  
  • Coupled Tanks Model Identification
  
  
  • Coupled Tanks Set-Up Control
  
  
  • Plant Control
  
  
  • Tank 1 or Tank 2 Water Level Control
  
  
  • Two Tanks Simultaneous Control
  
  
  • Cross-Coupled Tanks Control
  
  
  • Disturbance Compensation