A Step by Step Approach to Advanced Process Control

Model-based advanced process control strategies are common applications in the hydrocarbon processing industry. A close look at the references available in literature reveals that the overwhelming majority of these projects are concentrated in refineries and in some specific petrochemical plants (e.g., ethylene). This is due to the excellent economic returns demonstrated in an abundance of experience dating back to the eighties. Nevertheless, APC and optimization practices may also greatly benefit relatively smaller plants. Although previous experience may be found on a few sites, process owners don’t have the same perception of a “must-do technology” as with other applications (FCC, crude units, hydrocrackers, etc.).