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Process Control

Fuels Blending Technology and Management

In-Company Training
In today’s highly competitive marketplace, the economic and efficient management of blending operations and automation can give you that critical edge over competitors. Join refinery offsite automation expert Suresh S. Agrawal for an overview of the principles of operation and decision-making involved in the management, operation, control, optimization and scheduling of gasoline, diesel, fuel oil products and crude oil.

Analyzing APC Performance

August
2002
Instrumentation
To reap the most benefit from an advanced process control (APC) system, users need to know how to analyze and monitor the APC's performance.

Integrated Process Synthesis

In-Company Training
As a chemical engineer, before you can make proposed process alterations you must consider the potential investment return. Yet, typically this involves detailed simulations and design work. Join process synthesis and integration experts Diane Hildebrandt and Bilal Patel and learn novel design and analysis techniques you can implement early on to avoid costly revisions to processes while reducing material and energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.

Ease Control Valve Selection

November
2002
Fluids and Solids Handling
Kiran Nair, Liyakat Jaffer, Meredith Chapeaux, Sheetal Patel, Trevor Bishop
With so many types and options available, choosing the right control valve can seem daunting. Selection can be simplified by considering the process fluid, the service requirements, how the various valves function, and seeing how each valve will...

Control System Techniques in Equipment Design and Operations

In-Company Training
A high level of automation and sophistication is required to control process parameters and detect equipment faults in today’s petrochemical plants. Join control system expert A.S. Rangwala and learn automatic control theory methods that enhance efficiency and provide operational safety by ensuring process parameters do not exceed design capability.

Applying Bus Technologies in Process Control

December
2002
Instrumentation
Ed Smigo
Fieldbus technologies have become increasingly popular in process control applications. This article highlights the practical applications and economics of various buses, so that an engineer can choose the best one for his or her process.

The World of Wireless

February
2010
News Feature
Matthew McKeon-Slattery
As wireless technologies have advanced, old limits have been overcome and new challenges have sprung up. Further growth is likely to be driven by specific application and cost-reduction needs. <br>

Control and Optimize Nonlinear Systems

February
2003
Instrumentation
Andrew C. Burden, Pradeep B. Deshpande, Roberto Z. Tantalean
Turbocharging a contrained model predictive controller (CMPC) with fuzzy logic allows CMPCs to be applied over nonlinear systems

Effectively Control Column Pressure

January
2001
Reactions and Separations
Andrew W. Sloley 
Maintaining proper pressure can play a crucial role in the stable operation of a distillation column. Here’s how to select the most appropriate pressure-control scheme.

Matching Your Process Constraints Using Dynamic Simulation

December
2003
Information Technology
Iban Grau, Jose J. Macias-Hernandez, Miquel A. Alos
A rigorous dynamic process simulator can be used to evaluate alternative control strategies for an exothermic reacting process in order to improve its safety and product quality.

Take the Tedium Out of Writing Process Descriptions

February
2001
Instrumentation
Michael J. Gentilcore
Setting up a special function and a shorthand system on a spreadsheet can improve the descriptions needed for implementing a process control system, while minimizing the monotony in writing them.

Use Model-Predictive Control to Improve Distillation Operations

January
2008
Instrumentation
Daniel R. Webb, Robert D. Rounding, Robert J. Conroy, Umesh Mathur
This methodology, based on steady-state and dynamic simulation, can be used to develop the necessary models— and avoid disruptive and costly step testing to the extent feasible.

Easily Assess Complex Safety Loops

March
2001
Instrumentation
Lawrence  Beckman
Many safety instrumented systems rely on dissimilar redundant field devices, and this can complicate required analyses. These equations will enable field personnel to handle such situations readily.

Process Control for Microreactors

August
2001
Instrumentation
Don  Humbert, Lech  Znamirowski, Olgierd A. Palusinski, Sarma Vrudhula
Field-programmable analog arrays coupled with microreactor technology promise to change the way plants are built, as well as the methods by which their processes are designed and controlled.

Choose the Right Gas Sensor

September
2009
Instrumentation
Sandra Barnes
Selecting a sensor for continuous monitoring involves many considerations. This article discusses the types of sensors available, their applicability and limitations, and how to choose an appropriate sensor to protect people and equipment.

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