Project: Streamlined Methods for APC Robust Technology

Over the past decades, Advanced Process Control (APC) has become the technique of choice for on-line stabilization and optimization of, among others, chemical production processes. _x000D__x000D_The installation of an APC system, which requires an initial investment for design and implementation, typically results in a 1-10% improvement in the CO optimization goal, such as increased throughput, improved quality control or reduced total or unit energy consumption, without requiring any investment in additional process hardware. As such an APC system can be seen as a favorable and durable investment._x000D__x000D_Typical steps in the implementation of an APC system consist of setting up the data connection with the plant, performing plant tests, identifying models describing the dynamic behavior of the plant, configuring the APC controller and final commissioning of the configuration on-site._x000D__x000D_Despite the success of APC technology, several weaknesses still exist:_x000D_1. Design and installation of an APC system reCOs to a large extent labor-intensive_x000D_2. Design and installation of an APC system still requires expert knowledge in order to obtain a qualitative end result_x000D_3. APC technologies are challenging to COtain_x000D__x000D_As APC technology (due to its increasingly broad range of applications) is more and more perceived as a mature technology, customer expectations have evolved accordingly. As a result, customers expect swift, streamlined implementation, easy COtenance and hence a low total cost of ownership (TCO). Therefore the above disadvantages are more and more considered bottlenecks for a more widespread use, both in terms of new markets and new user groups._x000D__x000D_On the other hand, with the exception of some very application-specific solutions that have been developed in the last decade, nor IPCOS’, nor competitors’ current-generation APC technologies are ready to satisfactorily address these market demands. This has created a market opportunity, which the SMART project aims to address._x000D__x000D_The aim of the SMART project is to develop the next-generation Model-Predictive Control (MPC) techniques (which lie at the basis of any APC technology), with the following goals:_x000D_1. Increase IPCOS’ market share as a result of the reduced TCO and increased reliability of the offered solution_x000D_2. Enable the successful implementation of APC projects by a broader user group, resulting in an increase of pure-software-sales._x000D__x000D_With this aim a coherent consortium has been crafted, consisting of…_x000D_- IPCOS NV (Belgium, CO research)_x000D_- IPCOS BV (The Netherlands, CO research)_x000D_- TU Eindhoven (The Netherlands, focusing on fundamental control theory )_x000D_- KULeuven (Belgium, focusing on most fundamental control algorithms)_x000D__x000D_Achieving the ambitious goals set forward in this project will not only benefit IPCOS (valoriation goals), the academic Ps (buildup of expertise) but also IPCOS' future customers due to improved APC benefits and reduced TCO of the new technology.

Acronym SMART (Reference Number: 7528)
Duration 01/01/2013 - 31/12/2015
Project Topic This project aims at developing a set of breakthrough Advanced Process Control (APC) technologies aimed at drastically reduced total cost of ownership, by means of more streamlined implementation and automatic COtenance.
Network Eurostars
Call Eurostars Cut-Off 8

Project partner

Number Name Role Country
4 IPCOS BV Partner Netherlands
4 IPCOS NV Coordinator Belgium
4 Katholieke Universiteit Leuven Partner Belgium
4 Technische Universiteit Eindhoven Partner Netherlands