In the context of control loops, what can cause failure if not verified?

In control loops, the potential for failure significantly increases if component malfunctions or miscommunications are not verified. Control loops depend on the correct operation and communication of sensors, actuators, controllers, and other integral components to maintain the desired process variables. If there is a malfunction—such as a sensor providing incorrect readings or an actuator failing to respond appropriately—it can lead to incorrect control actions, resulting in process instability, safety hazards, or system inefficiencies.

Furthermore, communication failures between components can disrupt the proper functioning of the control loop. For example, if data from a sensor does not reach the controller due to communication breakdown, the controller may operate under incorrect assumptions, leading to unexpected behavior in the process.

In essence, regular verification and maintenance of these components are crucial to ensuring that the control loop operates effectively and safely. This helps to avoid catastrophic failures that could arise from undetected issues within the system.