This practical guide provides field-tested procedures for tuning PID temperature controllers.
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· Sensor type and range verified
· Heater power matched to process
· Wiring checked (power, signal, output)
· Alarm limits set reasonably
· Ambient temperature recorded
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Switch to manual output mode:
· Apply 25% output → observe temperature rise
· Apply 50% output → observe response
· Apply 75% output → observe response
Confirm system responds normally.
Use reference table or perform critical oscillation test:
| Application | Start Kp | Start Ti | Start Td |
|------------|----------|----------|----------|
| Small mold | 10 | 60s | 10s |
| Medium mold | 6 | 120s | 15s |
| Large mold | 4 | 300s | 20s |
| MTC | 5 | 100s | 12s |
1. Switch to auto mode
2. Set a common temperature setpoint
3. Record response:
· Rise time (to 90% of setpoint)
· Overshoot percentage
· Settling time (within ±1%)
· Steady-state error
| Problem | Adjust |
|---------|--------|
| Too much overshoot | Decrease Kp or increase Ti or increase Td |
| Too slow response | Increase Kp or decrease Ti |
| Oscillation | Decrease Kp or increase Ti |
| Steady-state error | Decrease Ti (more integral) |
| Noise sensitivity | Decrease Td or add filter |
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| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---------|-------|----------|
| Persistent oscillation | Kp too high/Ti too low | Decrease Kp, increase Ti |
| Very slow response | Kp too low/Ti too high | Increase Kp, decrease Ti |
| Large overshoot | Kp too high | Decrease Kp, add Td |
| Temperature drift after heat-up | Power insufficient | Increase heater power |
| Temperature jumps | Sensor interference | Check shielding, add filter |
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Follow this systematic approach for consistent PID tuning results.
**BANBEKE Industrial Heaters**
Website: senxte.com