Sample interview questions: How do you approach analyzing and troubleshooting issues related to process dynamics and control in petrochemical engineering?
Sample answer:
1. Define the Problem and Gather Data
- Clearly articulate the observed issue, its impact, and the desired outcome.
- Collect relevant data from process sensors, historical records, and operator observations.
- Identify key process variables, disturbances, and control parameters.
2. Analyze Process Dynamics
- Use transfer function models, time-domain analysis, or frequency response techniques to understand the dynamic behavior of the process.
- Determine the stability, response time, and damping characteristics.
- Investigate the impact of process disturbances, such as feed rate changes, temperature variations, or catalyst degradation.
3. Evaluate Control System
- Analyze the existing control strategy, including controllers, setpoints, and feedback loops.
- Assess the performance of the controllers using metrics such as integral time absolute error (ITAE), integral squared error (ISE), and settling time.
- Identify potential sources of instability, such as improper tuning or nonlinearities.
4. Develop Troubleshooting Plan
- Based on the analysis, develop a systematic troubleshooting plan.
- Use simu… Read full answer
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