Process Control
HP Control: Inferential models that correlate but do not predict
A friend has asked me to help solve a dilemma. A neural net model developed in his plant had a near perfect fit against lab values but in spite of that the model's prediction ability was poor. I was s..
Perform automated distillations with fast gas chromatography
Using this analytical technique can increase productivity
An online sulfur monitoring system can improve process balance sheets
A Canadian gas processor used this technology to meet environmental regulations
Multivariable predictive control without step testing
Other benefits of this BP project included increased production and reduced energy consumption and emissions
HP Control: Audit your APC applications
I was one of the first control industry whistleblowers, pointing out that half of the advanced process control (APC) applications implemented over the years do not work. We APC engineers have the resp..
HP Control: Jim Ford's views on advanced process control
C. F. Picou Associates, Inc. (CFPA), an affiliate of Maverick Technologies, was founded in 1974 by Dr. Courtney Picou. Originally aiming to provide process engineering consulting to the refining indus..
Controlling hydrocracker reactor temperature
Avoid safety incidents and runaway reactions
Faster plant testing and modeling
Automated technology performs both open-loop and closed-loop testing simultaneously
Set vapor velocity setpoints profitably
Use Clifftent principles to account for operating limit tradeoffs and risk to substantially improve financial performance
Dynamic real-time optimization increases ethylene plant profits
This project resulted in a $12.5 million/yr profit increase and one-month payback
- GTT receives order from Samsung Heavy Industries for the tank design of two new very large ethane carriers 2/11
- Emerson introduces hybrid continuous gas analyzer for improved regulatory compliance and emissions control 2/11
- BASF to further strengthen Global Business Services through global hub setup 2/11
- Morocco signs agreement with ORNX consortium for $4.5-B green ammonia complex 2/11
- Rosneft oil refinery in Germany warns of risks from U.S. sanctions 2/11
- TotalEnergies takes over Zeeland refinery operations, Lukoil still owns 45% 2/11
