APC Toolkit: Choosing the Right Tool for the Job

The term Advanced Process Control (APC) is generally associated with complex model-based, multivariable control (MVC) applications. However, the word “advanced” simply refers to something that is "beyond the ordinary or introductory". Significant process control improvements can often be achieved by implementing advanced regulatory controls (e.g. cascade, ratio, feed forward controls), utilizing different PID algorithms and features available in modern control systems, and/or incorporating engineering knowledge through the use of linearization techniques such as valve characterization or gain scheduling. Higher level APC solutions, such as MVC, are usually more appropriate for processes with complex interactions, multiple constraints and/or multiple objectives. Most successful APC applications include an optimal combination of some or all of the above. This presentation will review many of the tools and techniques commonly used in APC applications, including some practical examples and recommendations for choosing the right tool(s) for the job.