Equipment Control & Optimisation
Many items of equipment in the food processing, pharmaceutical and speciality
chemicals industries such as evaporators, dryers and powder milling systems
are now fitted with modern SCADA systems for control and monitoring of performance.
In many cases control is limited to single PID loops controlling local plant
variables and overall control of the unit is carried out by an operator adjusting
setpoints to meet local operating requirements such as product specifications
or target throughput.
KPS can help companies improve operation of such equipment with their patented
IntelliPlant control technology which automates the control and optimisation
of such plant to meet predefined operating objectives.
Optimisation technology
The control and optimisation technology includes the ability to develop statistical
models of equipment behaviour relating plant variables to key variables such
as product quality specifications based on the analysis of historical operating
data. Models are based on KPS data mining technology and can be non-linear
and relate the combined effects of multiple variables on plant performance.
The statistical models are implemented within an optimisation algorithm
to determine the best plant setpoints to achieve a defined objective such as
satisfying quality constraints whilst maximising throughput.
Advantages
The advantages of the IntelliPlant Controller are that it can be implemented
on complex processes with interactions between multiple variables and non-linear
behaviour. The models derived are transparent and are readily updated by feedback
from the plant. The typical benefits include reduced out of specification material,
increased production rates, tighter control of product quality as well as reduced
operator intervention.
|
