What kind of process is an example of an integrating system?

An integrating system is characterized by the way its output behaves over time in response to inputs. In the context of control systems, an integrating process leads to a continuous accumulation or integration of the input signal, which ultimately impacts the output.

A tank filling process is a prime example of this type of system. As water is added to the tank, the water level rises continuously over time as long as there is a flow input. This means that the output (water level) integrates the input flow rate; if the inflow continues, the water level continues to rise without reaching a steady state until the tank overflows or the inflow stops. This behavior of continuous accumulation is characteristic of integrating systems.

In contrast, other processes listed like thermal regulation, pressure relief systems, or batch mixing processes do not primarily exhibit this continuous accumulation characteristic. Thermal regulation aims to maintain a constant temperature and will adjust depending on the difference between the setpoint and the actual temperature. Pressure relief systems operate based on set pressure thresholds to let off pressure, functioning mainly to protect equipment rather than integrate flow over time. Batch mixing systems involve discrete quantities being mixed in set amounts and do not continuously integrate inputs like a tank filling process does.