What does deviation refer to in the context of process control?

In the context of process control, deviation refers to a change or departure from a set point or desired value in the process being monitored. This often involves alterations made to control devices to bring the process back into alignment with the intended operational parameters.

When a process does not maintain its set point, the control system detects this deviation and adjusts the inputs or modify control efforts to correct for the difference. This aligns with the principle of feedback control systems, which aim to minimize any discrepancies between the desired outcomes and the actual performance of the process.

Understanding deviation is crucial for process optimization and maintaining quality control, as it signals when a process is deviating from optimal performance, allowing for timely interventions.