Prozessgrößen

Prozessgrößen, also known as process variables or state variables, are measurable quantities that describe the current state of a system or process. In the context of industrial automation and control engineering, Prozessgrößen are fundamental to understanding, monitoring, and controlling the behavior of various operations.

These variables can be physical quantities such as temperature, pressure, flow rate, level, speed, or voltage. They can also represent chemical concentrations or even abstract concepts like position or status. The precise definition of a Prozessgröße depends on the specific process being analyzed. For instance, in a chemical reactor, key Prozessgrößen might include the temperature inside the reactor, the pressure, the flow rates of reactants and products, and the concentration of specific chemical species.

The measurement of Prozessgrößen is typically achieved through sensors. These sensors convert the physical or chemical state into an electrical signal that can be interpreted by a control system. For example, a thermocouple measures temperature, a pressure transducer measures pressure, and a flow meter measures flow rate.

Control systems use the readings from these sensors to compare the actual state of the process with a desired setpoint. If there is a deviation, the control system can then take corrective actions, often by manipulating actuators, to bring the Prozessgröße back to the desired level. Therefore, the accurate and reliable measurement of Prozessgrößen is critical for efficient and stable process operation. Understanding and managing these variables is at the core of process engineering and automation.