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OUR EDGE
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| Our experience has been transformed into software solutions that are being utilized in all sectors of the Production industry.
The BLAST technology as described below is a revolutionary package that combines controls fundamentals, advanced controls methodology, and process understanding to handle engineering problems. Our approach is adaptable to the complexity of the problem. |
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| The "BLAST" Control Technology |
ARTCON has experience and knowledge in all five of the industrial controller categories described above. Market and industry studies indicate that most control software vendors tend to specialize-in and implement a specific category.
In contrast, ARTCON's BLAST technology picks out the most appropriate components from each of the five process control categories (explained above) and then designs a plant-wide control system based on a detailed study of the process and the plant's specific needs.
The BLAST control technology was conceived and formulated by ARTCON. The BLAST technology can be successfully applied to any chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, oil refining and related process. |
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| The "BLAST" Control Components |
The BLAST controller comprises of the following components:
Closed-Loop Dynamics Identification
PiControl's Pitops-TFI (process dynamics identification) software has multivariable closed-loop identification capability. Using past historical data from the plant's historian, Pitops-TFI identifies dynamic relationships between various controlled and manipulated variables. The closed-loop identification capability of Pitops-TFI helps to design
closed-loop controllers and also determine the extent of process non-linearity. |
| Anchor Point Utilization |
| An anchor point can be visualized as the best vector of operating conditions for the optimal running of the process given the prevailing process, equipment and economic constraints. Anchor points are computed based on historian plant data analysis, closed-loop identification, process technology licensor operating directives and also based on the plant's own experience on how to best run the process at any given set of conditions. |
| Online Predictive Models |
Processes often use online analyzers for measuring product stream specifications. Analyzer sample times can vary from 1 minute to as long as 60 minutes. In some cases, laboratory analysis is performed every hour to as slow as every 8 hours.
Depending on the process characteristic, ARTCON builds predictive models for critical controlled variables (CVs) using dynamic non-linear transfer functions, Internal-Model Control (IMC) type predictors, regressed empirical/semi-empirical models and first-principle chemical engineering rigorous models. |
| Integrated Ballistic Master Sequence Control |
The sequence control algorithm relies on the results of closed-loop identification, anchor points and online predictive models. It is programmed with complex nonlinear elements to characterize the process from low to high process extremities.
The ballistic method mimics the best way to run the process by combining the following elements:
· Actions of the best plant operator
· Recommended process operating procedures
prescribed by process licensor
· Online process feedback
· Plant's historical experience.
The sequence control concept is most commonly applied to batch and semi-batch processes but can also add value to non-linear continuous processes, depending on the extent of non-linearity. |
| Primary PID Control Optimization |
PiControl's Pitops-PID software optimizes controller tuning of all DCS-based primary and advanced control loops. Pitops-PID has a built-in nonlinear constrained algorithm that custom-optimizes each slave and master loop based on the process needs.
The custom optimization includes determining optimal control action based on typical process disturbances, noise and servo-control needs, specific to each loop. |
| DCS-resident Advanced Control |
Using Pitops-TFI and Pitops-PID combination helps to build powerful advanced control schemes in the DCS. These help to maximize production rates, minimize utilities/operating costs and tighten control quality. Optimally tuned DCS Advanced Control provides robust, powerful mechanism to control reactors, distillation, compressors, heat exchanges and other common unit operations. |
| Online Adaptive Control |
PiControl has developed a proprietary algorithm called TAD (True Amplitude Detection) to detect incipient oscillations indicative of instability followed by automatic controller tuning adjustments. This
technology results in improved control quality, high controller on-stream factor, reduced need for operator intervention or controller maintenance. |
| TurboMax Online Optimizer |
PiControl has developed a multivariable nonlinear constrained optimization software product called TurboMax. TurboMax can be linked to first-principles models, empirical, semi-empirical or regressed models.
Based on economic data, e.g., raw material costs and product values, TurboMax generates setpoints for downloading to the Sequence Control module or to the DCS Advanced Control schemes. TurboMax can be set to run manually on demand or automatically at a preset time such as every hour or once every shift. |
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