Automatic process control has been a key driver of industrial progress since the Second Industrial Revolution, when machines began replacing human physical labor. Early production methods evolved from traditional manual practices into batch processes and later into continuous systems, offering significant economic and technological advantages. Over time, industries have moved toward larger and more complex plants to benefit from economies of scale and advancements in technology, making efficient and intelligent control systems increasingly essential.
This book, Automatic Process Control, explores the core principles and evolving techniques of the field. It presents fundamental concepts of control and applies them to practical process control problems, helping readers understand real-world applications. The book also covers important developments such as dynamic process characterization, approaches to nonlinear systems, and methods for handling sampled data systems. With a focus on both theory and application, it highlights the role of automatic process control as a modern tool driving the growth and advancement of industrial systems.