A control system is defined as what?

A control system is defined as a combination of a measuring device and a recording device that also has the capability to cause change in the process or system being monitored. This means that a control system not only tracks and records data about a particular process, such as flow rates or chemical levels, but it also involves the ability to adjust or control those parameters based on the data collected.

The significance of this definition lies in the system's proactive ability to maintain or achieve desired operational conditions. For example, in a wastewater treatment facility, if the system detects that certain chemical levels are outside of acceptable limits, it can automatically adjust chemical feeds to bring those levels back within the specified range.

In contrast, a measuring device on its own simply provides data without the ability to initiate any change. Similarly, a recording device is useful for documentation and monitoring over time but does not influence processes actively. A standalone measuring system lacks the integration of recording and control functionality, which is critical for effective operational management in various industries, including wastewater treatment.