10/08/2026
What Is Ratio Control❓
Ratio control is a feedback control strategy used in process industries to maintain a constant proportional relationship between two process variables, usually two flow rates.
Instead of controlling each flow independently, one flow acts as the master (A) and the other as the slave (B). The controller continuously adjusts the slave flow so that the desired ratio is maintained.
⚙️ How Ratio Control Works
1. Master Measurement
The master flow A is measured by a flow transmitter (FT-A).
2. Slave Measurement
The slave flow B is measured by FT-B, and its feedback is sent to the ratio controller.
3. Ratio Calculation
The controller calculates the actual ratio:
Ratio = Master Flow (A) / Slave Flow (B)
For example, if the required ratio is:
A/B = 1.50
the controller continuously compares the measured ratio with the 1.50 setpoint.
4. Output Correction
If the ratio deviates from the setpoint, the controller changes the signal to the slave control valve.
5. Continuous Ratio Maintenance
As the master flow changes or process disturbances occur, the slave flow is automatically adjusted to maintain the required proportional relationship.
🧮 Simple Example
Suppose:
Master flow (A) = 150 m³/h
Desired ratio = 1.50
Then the required slave flow is:
B = A / Ratio
B = 150 / 1.50 = 100 m³/h
So, when the master flow increases to 180 m³/h, the controller will target:
B = 180 / 1.50 = 120 m³/h
This keeps the process ratio constant.
🏭 Common Industrial Applications
Ratio control is widely used for:
Air-to-fuel control in furnaces and boilers
Steam-to-fuel ratio control
Reactant proportioning in chemical processes
Blending and mixing operations
Dilution systems
Solution concentration control
Feed-rate proportioning
Combustion control
✅ Advantages
✔ Maintains accurate proportions between process streams
✔ Automatically compensates for master-flow changes
✔ Improves process stability
✔ Helps maintain consistent product quality
✔ Reduces material variation and waste
✔ Improves combustion and mixing efficiency
✔ Supports automatic real-time process control
🔑 Key Concept
Master Flow changes → Controller calculates required Slave Flow → Slave valve adjusts → Desired ratio is maintained
Ratio control is especially valuable when two materials must be supplied in a fixed proportion, making it a fundamental strategy in process control and industrial automation.