Control

Function – Controls a process to produce a desired yield and product quality.

Method – The Control module takes ‘cp’ files on feedstocks and products from Monitor, and makes setpoint decisions for the process unit. Either feedforward or feedback modes can be employed.

Use – There are three general ways to use Control.

Overlay existing control systems – In this mode Control is used to add intelligence to the current systems by adding detailed chemical interpretation to the monitored values.

Learned model - In this mode a simple process model, written for Z-BaSIC^TM logic is installed in Control. The model then spends a little time on-line to ‘learn’ the coefficients of the governing equations. Once learned Control takes over for the previous model.

Z-BaSIC^TM -Simulators – The ultimate precision in controlling to yields and product qualities will come through Z-BaSIC^TM simulators. The coefficients of these simulators will be learned as above, but the models will be robust over a wide variety of feeds.

Development Status – There are no Z-BaSIC^TM control systems currently built or demonstrated. The nearest-term system is for blend control, which is expected to be available by October, 2001.

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