A simple method to make the quadruple tank system near linear

Quadruple tank liquid level systems are popular in testing multivariable control systems for multivariable processes with positive or negative zeros. The liquid level system is nonlinear and it will help to illustrate the robustness of control systems. However, due to nonlinearity, it can be cumbersome to obtain process parameters for testing linear control systems. Perturbation sizes are limited for valid linearized process models, requiring level sensors with high precision. A simple method where the outlet orifice is replaced to a long tube is proposed here. The effluent flow rate becomes proportional to the liquid level due to the friction loss of long tube and the liquid level system shows near linear dynamics. It is applied to the quadruple tank system for easier experiments.