How PID Control Works - A Basic PID Introduction

PID control is a common method used in industry to control a process variable at a desired set point. In this video I'm going to go through how PID control works in a way that will help you fully understand.

I discuss the basics with a PID loop example used in level control. I go over what each term of PID means - Proportional, Integral and Derivative functions.

I use some PID simulation software that will help you get a better visualization of what PID control is.

For more Instrumentation and engineering videos check out my channel and other videos.

[Ranking_UK]

Wow I did this at university for a good few months and it never clicked. The way you've explained it is fantastic

[aaronsabu]

Underrated vid, terminology explanation helped me understand like no other videos.

[mickandrews]

Great video, easy to understand and very informative ✌️

[applasamysubbharao]

So far this is much simpler explanation. For beginners this is great. Thank you very much. It would be great if we can have the behavior of the those fitting that might be attached to this process. One thing I find that most of the time the instrument guys believe that just by doing trial an error can solve the problems. Including selecting different positioner or Feed back levers types. Most of the time this poor understandings makes the puzzle, Why my setting don't deliver. Let's say in a simple level control PID. From my experience, most of the time the instruments guy really don't understand the control valve type .. Quick, equal potential or linear. They only see the valve fitted as Gate, Ball, Plug, Butterfly and etc. The whole idea of fine tunings is - Avoid valve parts premature failure. Each flow from pump have their own 'curve' . Valve seats wear and tear most of the time can influence the flow rate across the valve from original intent. Even pump wear and tear will greatly effect available pressure and flow . For those who like to work in field it would very helpful if they can discuss the 'process' engineers at site . I don't be surprised even the process engineers really don't understand what is going on. Simple attitude - Somebody will always fix my problem . If not I call another guy. . Also look into the entire piping, fittings, pumps and etc. Even a partially blocked strainers can create entire drama. Just sharing my experience....

[vladislavkorolkov]

Keep up doing a good work, mate! Nice way to present the material, indeed👍

[williamcollett]

Excellent video Chris, as an apprentice I had some great training from a tradesman named Mick on PID Control loops, we used both electronic and pneumatic controlers which were challenging at times to tune. Do you have any videos on cascade control?

[walboyfredo]

This is great. No one else on YOUTUBE explained this topic as good as you. Burning question do you have the link as you stated in the video?

[shingiraimunezvi]

Excellent... Which software do you use. In practicality

[shaunahn]

Can i ask you what software you downloaded for the PID simulation? i am jsut learning about controlling system and it would be a great help to my study. Thank you heaps in advancee

[GarrettPeters-iq]

Hi I’m a recent graduate with an instrumentation and controls degree. My weakest link was trying to tune PID controllers for a heat exchanger I built in class. If you could perhaps point me in the direction of some simulation software such as the one you used..it would be greatly appreciated. I could really use more practice and experience with different values to better understand the actual tuning process. Thank you.

[seemovielove]

Can you provide link to download the example application? Thanks a lot

[amansaini]

I have one question . The 4-20 ma signal sent by controller . Is this signal just signal or actual electric current that can operate the valve ?

I mean can a electric signal from controller operates a motorized valve or motor . Or they need separate power to operate ??

[deano]

Great video mate! This video should get more exposure, mind if I share on LinkedIN?