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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/R65800/01
Title: Optomising Pertochemical and Process Plant Output Using New Performance Assessment and Benchmarking Tools
Principal Investigator: Grimble, Professor MJ
Other Investigators:
Ordys, Professor A
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
ABB Group Advanced Control Technology Club BP
British Energy GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK) Marathon Oil U K Ltd
Omron U K Ltd Performance Improvements Ltd Scottish Hydro Electric Plc
Shell
Department: Electronic and Electrical Engineering
Organisation: University of Strathclyde
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 April 2002 Ends: 31 July 2005 Value (£): 288,933
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Control Engineering Design Processes
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Manufacturing Chemicals
Electronics Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
New techniques for on-line performance assessment of process control loops are to be developed which will build on the results of a recent international project. Using system information and normal operating records the benchmarks may be calculated which will quantify how much improvement is possible.The theoretical setting for the work will be HZ optimisation. One of the new features will be the ability to compute performance benchmarks with respect to an existing restricted structure controller. This will mean that the benchmarks will be achievable on an existing plant configuration. The major technical challenge will be the extension of the results to very large multiloop systems (upto 500 loops). Nonlinearities are also to be considered. A novel feature is to investigate benchmarking at both supervisory and regulating loop levels. Benchmarking of predictive supervisory controls should provide the greatest economic benefits. Prioritorising the importance of control loops will enable the loops, which are really important to overall performance, to be determined.Once a system has been tuned the algorithms may be used to determine future deterioration. This provides a fault monitoring device at little additional cost.Close links with industry, through a consortium of companies, will be maintained and access to real plant data will be provided so that the benchmark software can be assessed in actual industrial situations. The results will enable companies to make informed investment decisions and reduce the cost of products. 0 Beneficiaries
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Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.strath.ac.uk