Instrumentation Calculators

Split Range Calculator – Control system

Split Range Calculator - Control system

What is split range control calculator?

Control System output Split Range Control Calculator is a tool used in industrial automation and process control applications to calculate the output signal values for a split range control strategy.

In split range control, the final control element, such as a control valve, is split into two or more sections, each with its own input signal. The control signal for the split range control system is typically represented by a single variable, such as a percentage of the total valve opening, and the output signal is split between the different valve sections. This allows for greater flexibility in controlling a process, as the control valve can be adjusted in smaller increments over a larger range.

The control system output Split Range Control takes in the setpoint value and the process variable value as inputs, and uses a predetermined split range control algorithm to calculate the output signal values for each section of the final control element. 

During programming of control system, the output signal values generated by the calculator can be used to adjust the final control element accordingly. The split range control strategy allows for more precise and efficient control of a process, reducing variability and improving product quality.

The above figure shows how the pressure transmitter, the control system controller, and the three control valves are connected for split-range control in a typical steam header outlet pressure control application.

Significance of the Split range control calculator

A split-range control calculator is a tool used in control system programming to determine the necessary settings for split-range control, which is a method of controlling two process variables with a single controller output.

Split-range control is often used in situations where a process has two control valves that operate in opposite directions. For example, in a heating and cooling system, one valve may control the flow of hot water to a heat exchanger while the other valve controls the flow of cold water to the same exchanger.

Using a split-range control strategy, the controller output signal is split between the two valves, with one valve opening and the other valve closing as the controller output increases. This allows the system to maintain a more stable process variable and avoid overshoot.

The split-range control calculator helps the programmer to determine the appropriate settings for the split-range control, such as the split point (where the output is divided between the two valves) and the gain settings for each valve. By using the calculator, the programmer can ensure that the split-range control strategy is properly configured for the specific process being controlled.

Excel tool for Split Range control Calculation

The below downloadable excel tool can be used for the split range control output calculation during control system programming up to 3 outputs.

Sundareswaran Iyalunaidu

With over 24 years of dedicated experience, I am a seasoned professional specializing in the commissioning, maintenance, and installation of Electrical, Instrumentation and Control systems. My expertise extends across a spectrum of industries, including Power stations, Oil and Gas, Aluminium, Utilities, Steel and Continuous process industries. Tweet me @sundareshinfohe

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