PID100: PID Tuning and Primary Process Control Course

Course Description

PID100 is an online PID tuning course covering primary process control, feedback loops and the relationship between controller settings and process response. It is intended for control room operators, DCS technicians, instrument engineers and process control engineers.

The course explains the PID equation in time-domain and Laplace-domain forms, then uses PITOPS and SIMCET examples to examine disturbances, noise, filtering and setpoint changes. Industrial examples include tanks, heat exchangers, reactors and distillation columns. The focus is interpreting loop behavior and calculating tuning parameters rather than relying only on trial and error.

Start here for primary-control foundations. Continue to APC200 advanced process control training for coordinated control structures, or DCS450 function-block training for DCS/PLC implementation concepts. Read the PID tuning guide for a conceptual introduction.

What you receive with this course

Study PID tuning and primary process control through engineer-developed, recorded video training grounded in decades of industrial process-control experience. AIAPC's course-development background connects engineering principles with practical plant-control work.

• 365-day course access: work through the recorded lessons at your own pace during your access period.
• Course assessment: take the course quiz, with a 70% passing score.
• Completion certificate: receive an AIAPC course completion certificate after completing the required learning and passing the assessment.
• A clear study plan: review the syllabus, prerequisites and practical requirements below before choosing the course.

Your learning journey

1. Check the fit. Compare the learning outcomes with your current experience and review the software requirements.
2. Study the recorded lessons. Revisit the course videos within your 365-day access period and work through the published topics.
3. Check your understanding. Complete the required course learning and achieve at least 70% in the quiz.
4. Record your completion. Receive your AIAPC completion certificate. This records completion of this course; it is not a professional licence or a vendor accreditation.

For course support, use the contact form or email [email protected]. Scheduled live classes and private team training can be arranged separately.

Where these skills are used

• Chemical processing and refining: Interpret flow, pressure, level and temperature feedback loops around tanks, heat exchangers, reactors and distillation equipment.
• Utilities and process manufacturing: Compare controller response, filtering and disturbance effects when assessing a basic regulatory loop.

Relevant work contexts: Control room operators, instrument technicians, DCS technicians and process or control engineers who work with feedback loops. These examples describe applications of the subject, not a promise of industry-specific exercises, job placement or employment. Employers also assess experience, site procedures and role-specific qualifications. Explore the process-control skills and career guide for broader learning context.

Learning Outcomes

Study how to interpret process dynamics, choose and evaluate PID settings, assess filtering and derivative action, and recognize oscillatory or sluggish control. Exercises introduce step-test procedures, controller modes, tracking, bumpless transfer and cascade-control basics. Simulator practice supports learning; changes to an operating plant still require its testing and authorization procedures.

The course syllabus covers:

• Introduction to Industrial Process Control Process Control Terminology and Definitions
• Manipulated Variables, Controlled Variables, Disturbance/Feedforward Variables Process Control Dynamics and Process Transfer Functions
• Open Loop Dynamics
• PID Equation in Time Domain and Laplace Domain
• PID Examples in Time Domain with Calculation Illustrations Process Control Schematics
• Positional and Velocity Forms of PID Equation PID Simulations using Pitops and Simcet
• Advanced Forms of PID Algorithms Simulating Noise and Process Disturbances Filter Action and Filter Time Constant
• Estimating Correct Filter Time Constant in DCS or PLC
• Hands-On Lab (Practical) Sessions Using Real-Time PID Simulator Software
• Optimal Tuning Theory and Calculations
• Error Criteria for PID Tuning and Quantifying Control Quality Typical PID Tuning Parameters for Various Types of Processes
• Optimal Tuning using Pitops Simulator with Disturbances, Noise and Setpoint Changes Estimating Process Dynamics from DCS Trends and Operator Knowledge Transforming Process Operating Information into Controller Tuning
• DCS Attributes and Features Controller Modes
• PV Tracking
• Importance of Derivative Action, When to Use/Not to Use Derivative Estimating Derivative Tuning Parameter Scientifically
• Procedures for conducting Step Tests in the Plant
• Continue Hands-On Lab (Practical) Sessions Using Simulator Software Cascade Control Basics
• SP/OP Tracking, Bumpless Transfer
• Timed Tests using Training Simulator for Testing

Learning Format and Practical Requirements

This is recorded video training. For software-based exercises, contact AIAPC to confirm installation, compatibility and licensing requirements before enrolling. Live classes and company team training are arranged separately by appointment.

Compare the course catalog and learning paths, or review course completion certificate requirements before choosing your training.

Continue with the practical learning article: PID Gain vs Proportional Band: Units and Examples. Review its worked example alongside the course topics above.