Manipal University Jaipur

Department of Biotechnology & Chemical Engineering

CE 3231 – PROCESS DYNAMICS & CONTROL LAB

III YEAR, 6TH SEMESTER, 2024-25

EXPERIMENT #2
EXPERIMENT TITLE – FIRST ORDER SYSTEM
(STEP CHANGE)

INSTRUCTOR:
Instructor Name – Prof. (Dr.) Anees Y. Khan
Made By – Mragank Rastogi (229101003)

Experiment Carried On: - January 23, 2025

Report Submitted On: - January 30, 2025

PRELAB REPORT (10) ______

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (10) ______
OBJECTIVES/INTRODUCTION/SCOPE/PROCEDURE (30) ______
RESULTS & DISCUSSION (30) ______
CONCLUSIONS (5) ______
REFERENCES (5) ______
APPENDIX
a) Original data, sample calculations, other information (5) ______
GENERAL COMPLETENESS
a) Conciseness and neatness (5) ______
TOTAL (100) ______
 Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY …………………………………………………… 3

1. OBJECTIVE ………………………………………………………………... 4
2. INTRODUCTION ………………………………………………………….. 4
3. THEORY AND EXPERIMENTAL SETUP ……………………………... 4
APPENDIX AND RESULT …………………………………………………... 8
4. DISCUSSION ……………………………………………………………….. 9
5. PRECAUTION ……………………………………………………………. 11
6. CONCLUSION ……………………………………………………………. 11
7. REFERENCES ……………………………………………………………. 11
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This experiment looked at how a thermometer behaves when exposed to a sudden temperature
change, using a controlled setup with a thermo-bath. The temperature rose quickly at first, then
slowed down, and eventually stabilized at 71°C. This pattern matched the expected behavior of a
first-order system, where changes happen smoothly without oscillations.
The behavior observed closely aligned with the theoretical characteristics of a first-order system,
where the response to a step change is smooth and free of oscillations. We calculated the time
constant; i.e. τ =2.45 seconds to understand how quickly the thermometer adjusts to the change.
Minor differences in the readings may have been due to small errors in measurement or
environmental factors.
Overall, the experiment helped us understand how first-order systems respond to changes, which
is important for designing and controlling processes in areas like heating, cooling, and industrial
systems.
1. OBJECTIVE
To study the dynamic response of first order system subjected to a step change.

2. INTRODUCTION
The primary objective of this experiment is to determine whether a thermometer immersed in a
liquid bulk can be modeled as a first-order system. One commonly used instrument for this
purpose is the mercury thermometer, which reacts to changes in its surrounding temperature. In
dynamic systems, understanding how a thermometer responds to temperature variations is crucial
for accurate measurements and control.
A first-order system is characterized by a first-order differential equation governing its input-
output behavior, with only one energy-storing element. By applying an energy balance approach,
the transfer function of the thermometer can be derived, allowing for the evaluation of its
dynamic response to changes in temperature.
To simplify the analysis, certain assumptions are made: -
1. The primary thermal resistance is attributed to the surrounding fluid film
2. The thermal capacity is concentrated in the mercury
3. The expansion or contraction of the glass enclosure is neglected.
Initially, the system is in steady state, and at any time, the thermometer is exposed to a sudden
change in the surrounding temperature, which initiates the dynamic response.

3. THEORY AND EXPERIMENTAL SETUP

In process control and dynamics, understanding the behavior of systems when subjected to
changes in input conditions is crucial. A first-order system is a fundamental type of dynamic
system that follows a first-order differential equation, meaning it has only one energy-storing
element. One of the most common methods used to analyze such systems is the step change,
which allows us to study their transient and steady-state responses. This helps us to explores the
response of a mercury thermometer, a classic example of a first-order system, to a step change in
ambient temperature.
First-Order System Characteristics: -
A first-order system is mathematically represented by a first-order differential equation, which
describes the relationship between the system’s input and output. The general form of such a
system is:
dy
hA ( x − y )−0=mc ….. ….. (1)
dt
Where;
h = Film coefficient for heat transfer (kW/m2℃)
A = Surface area of bulb for heat transfer (m2 ¿
x = Environment temperature
y = Thermometer reading
m = Mass of mercury in bulb (kg)
c = Heat capacity of mercury (kJ/kg℃)
t = Time (sec)
Laplace transform is used to solve the transfer function for this system
For steady state condition,
hA ( x s− y s ) =0 t< 0 ….. ….. (2)

Subtracting eq. 1 and 2, we get;

d ( y − ys )
hA [ ( x−x s ) −( y− y s ) ]=mc ….. ….. (3)
dt
Deviation Variables:
x−x s =X

y− y s=Y

Rewriting equation 3 as:

dY
hA ( X−Y )=mc ….. ….. (4)
dt
mc
Now, =τ ;
hA
dY
X −Y =τ ….. ….. (5)
dt
Taking Laplace of equation 5, we get
X ( s ) −Y ( s )=τsY ( s ) ….. ….. (6)
Rearranging equation 6, we get
Y ( s) 1
= ….. ….. (7)
X (s) τs+1
Where;
τ = Time Constant
X(s) = transform of forcing function or input, in deviation form
Y(s) = transform of response or output, in deviation form

Now, for a step change of magnitude A,

X ( t )= A∗u(t ) ….. ….. (8)

The transform of X ( t ) is;

A
X ( s) = ….. ….. (9)
s
Substituting equation 9 in 7 we get,
A
∗1
s ….. ….. (10)
Y ( s )=
τs +1
Taking Inverse Laplace Transform of equation 10:
−t
Y ( t )=A (1−e τ )

EXPERIMENTAL SETUP: -
This experimental setup is designed to study the dynamic response of a thermometer placed in a
thermo-well when subjected to a sudden temperature change. The setup simulates a first-order
thermal system, allowing for the observation of heat transfer and response characteristics.
Components & Their Functions:
1. Thermo-bath:
o A controlled heating system that supplies hot water at a constant temperature.
o Ensures uniform heat distribution around the thermometer for accurate response
measurement.
2. Thermo-well:
o A protective enclosure that houses the thermometer, preventing direct contact
with the flowing hot water.
o Ensures safe and accurate temperature measurement without interference from
external disturbances.
 3. Hot Water Inlet:
o Introduces hot water into the system to create a sudden temperature change.
o This sudden temperature variation is essential for studying the thermometer's
transient response.
4. Hot Water Outlet:
o Allows continuous flow of water, preventing temperature stratification and
maintaining steady experimental conditions.

FIG 1: - HEATING BATH

Procedure: -
Starting: -
1. Fill the heating bath with water.
2. Turn on the main power to heat the water in the bath until the heater give a beep sound based
on the set timer.
3. After the beep sound, close the heater and instantly put the thermometer inside the bath.
4. Record the rise of temperature of water in that time interval.
5. Record steady state temperature of water.
6. Repeat the procedure for different conditions
Closing: -

1. Once all the readings are taken, switch off the pump and the main power supply.

2. Drain out the tank.

APPENDIX AND RESULT

For Step Change: -

Ambient Temperature = 20℃

TABLE 1: STEP UP
S.No. Time (sec) y (℃) Y (℃)
1 0 20 0
2 0.5 28 8
3 1 36 16
4 1.5 42 22
5 2 48 28
6 2.5 53 33
7 3 57 37
8 3.5 60 40
9 4 63 43
10 4.5 65 45
11 5 67 47
12 5.5 68 48
13 6 69 49
14 6.5 70 50
15 7 70.5 50.5
16 7.5 71 51
17 8 71 51
18 8.5 71 51
19 9 71 51
20 9.5 71 51
21 10 71 51
22 10.5 71 51
23 11 71 51
24 11.5 71 51
25 12 71 51

SAMPLE CALCULATION: - (FOR STEP CHANGE)

Initial Temperature of Thermometer = 20℃

Final Temperature of Thermometer = 71℃

Value of 63.2% of step (t = τ ¿ = 0.632 * (71 – 20) = 32.232

At 32.232, from the graph we got the value of τ =2.45 sec

4. DISCUSSION

For Step Change (Step Up): -

Time vs Deviation
60

50

40
Deviation Y (℃ )

30

20

10

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Time (sec)

FIG 2: - STEP CHANGE RESPONSE CURVE OF Y (DEVIATION) VS TIME

The recorded data and step change response curve clearly demonstrate the characteristic behavior
of a first-order system.
Initially, the temperature deviation increases rapidly, indicating a fast response to the step
change. However, as time progresses, the rate of temperature rise slows down until it reaches a
steady-state value of approximately 51°C. This behavior follows the expected exponential
response of a first-order system.
A key parameter in this analysis is the time constant (τ), which represents the time required for
the system to reach approximately 63.2% of its total deviation. By determining this value from
the response curve τ =2.45 sec , we can assess how quickly the thermometer adapts to
temperature variations.
The steady-state region of the graph indicates that the system has reached equilibrium, meaning
no further significant temperature deviation occurs.

FIG 3: - STEP CHANGE RESPONSE CURVE (SIMULINK)

This graph is drawn on Simulink which is a software of MATLAB with the value of the time
constant (τ) 2.45 seconds.
Both graphs show how a first-order system reacts to a step change. In both cases, the system
starts at zero and rises quickly at first, then slows down as it approaches a steady value. The
second graph reaches a final value of about 50–55 units in around 10–12 seconds, while the first
graph follows a similar pattern, reaching a final value of 1 (normalized).
At the beginning, the system changes rapidly, but as time passes, the rate of change decreases
until it stabilizes. This smooth rise without sudden jumps or oscillations is a typical behavior of
first-order systems. The time it takes for the system to settle is also similar in both graphs,
meaning the system reacts in a predictable way.
Any small differences between the two graphs could be due to experimental factors or slight
variations in data collection. However, overall, both graphs confirm that the system behaves as
expected, following the standard response of a first-order system.
Comparison with Theory: -
The experimental results closely align with the expected theoretical behavior of a first-order
system. The temperature response followed the predicted pattern, with a rapid initial rise
followed by a gradual approach to steady-state. However, minor discrepancies may have
occurred due to practical factors such as slight variations in heat transfer, minor measurement
inaccuracies, or small environmental disturbances.
Possible Errors: -
Several factors may have influenced the experimental results, including:
 Measurement errors: Manually recording temperature readings could result in minor
inaccuracies.
 Flow variations: The heater or thermo-bath might not have maintained a perfectly
consistent temperature or flow rate.
 Environmental effects: External factors such as slight vibrations or ambient temperature
fluctuations may have had a subtle impact on the results.

5. PRECAUTION
1. Ensure the thermometer is properly calibrated before starting the experiment.
2. Avoid external disturbances such as vibrations or sudden air drafts near the setup.
3. Record temperature readings carefully and consistently to minimize manual errors.
4. Ensure the water in the bath is evenly heated and flows steadily to maintain uniform
conditions.
5. Turn off the heating equipment and power supply properly after completing the experiment.

6. CONCLUSION
The experiment successfully demonstrated the dynamic response of a first-order system to a step
change in input temperature. The thermometer's behavior closely followed the theoretical
expectations of a first-order system, with a rapid initial rise in temperature deviation, followed by
stabilization at steady-state conditions.
The time constant calculated from the response curve validated the system’s characteristic
response, proving its relevance in process control and thermal system analysis. Minor
discrepancies were attributed to practical factors, but overall, the experiment confirmed the
theoretical principles.

7. REFERENCES
1. Coughanowr, D. R., & LeBlanc, S. (2017). Process Systems Analysis and Control (3rd ed.).
McGraw-Hill.

2. Seborg, D. E., Edgar, T. F., & Mellichamp, D. A. (2016). Process Dynamics and Control
(4th ed.). Wiley.

3. Lab Manual, Process Dynamics & Control Lab.