Patent ID: 6962164
Filing Date: 2005-11-08
Classification: G01F,G05B,G05D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of configuring a mass flow controller for operation with process operating conditions that differ at least in part from test operating conditions used during production of the mass flow controller, the method comprising acts of: obtaining configuration data during operation of the mass flow controller with the test operating conditions having a test fluid; setting at least one control parameter based on the configuration data to facilitate establishing a dynamic response of the mass flow controller with the test operating conditions; and modifying the at least one control parameter based on the process operating conditions and the configuration data such that the dynamic response of the mass flow controller operating with the process operating conditions does not substantially change; wherein the act of modifying includes an act of determining at least one gain term associated with at least one of a plurality of individual components of the mass flow controller based on the process operating conditions; wherein the plurality of individual components includes a valve, and wherein the act of determining the at least one gain term includes determining at least one gain term from a physical model of the valve; and wherein the act of determining at least one gain term from a physical model of the valve includes determining a valve gain term as a change in fluid flow divided by a corresponding change in valve displacement at a plurality of predetermined flow rates.