SUM-21-22 What’s Next for Advanced Process Control? Part 1

Description:

This panel discussion will consider the present state of APC and the various paths forward. A pressing question for operating companies is whether to have many simple APCs or a few very complex ones. The issues of APC maintenance, uptime and realized benefits will be considered in detail. A case study will be used to start the discussion across nonlinear APC, multi-unit APC and the newer Deep Learning methods. Takeaways 1) The limitations of current multivariable control as implemented in refinery control systems 2) The costs and lifetime maintenance requirements of more advanced feedback systems (over current APC) 3) The manpower requirement and career development issues involved with highly specialized personnel in a refinery versus outsourcing everything