DYNAMIC MODELING FOR PROCESS-CONTROL AND OPERABILITY

Control engineers have used dynamic simulations for decades to study p rocess control concepts, investigate loop interactions and design cont rol strategies. This activity has typically been the domain of the exp ert engineer. A typical model of a single distillation column could ta ke six months to build and test. Improved simulation technology couple d with improved computer hardware and software techniques has begun to change the level of expertise needed to build models and run simulati ons. With this new technology we can build the entire refining system for a chemical plant in two weeks. In this paper, I will discuss the n eed and uses for dynamic simulation, outline the current trends in the industry and provide case studies that have resulted in $MM of improv ements in plant operability. I will discuss some of the main issues co ncerning dynamic modeling, which include basic data needs and model co mplexity.