January 2016System Integration & Control Systems Design
Rockwell Automation has released PlantPAx model predictive control (MPC) software, which, for the first time, embeds fully functional MPC technology into Logix controllers to help maximise equipment performance. When used in process applications ranging from consumer to heavy industries, PlantPAx MPC can improve overall control in a single machine or an entire line to help maximise throughput, increase yield, reduce quality variability and improve energy usage.
PlantPAx MPC is included in the latest release of the PlantPAx modern distributed control system.
“By embedding MPC into the control system, PlantPAx MPC simplifies integration and improves ease of use,” said Christo Buys, business manager – control systems, sub-Saharan Africa, Rockwell Automation. “It also delivers several performance advantages over single-loop PID controllers. These include better multivariable coordination, predictable handling of outside disturbances, improved management of long or complex processes and predictive response to process constraints, all resulting in maximising equipment performance while safely operating within process limits.”
Multivariable coordination: PlantPAx MPC delivers better coordination of multivariable actions in complex process applications to maximise controller performance and maintain quality. A single control-system-based MPC module supports up to five separate MPC applications, and each of those applications can support up to 10 controllable variables and 10 manipulated variables.
Predictably handle outside disturbances: The software provides the ability to measure disturbance variables that can’t be controlled, such as ambient humidity. Once detected, the system can predictably respond to these disturbances as needed to keep the process optimised.
Manage long and complex processes: Both operators and control systems can struggle when managing long and complex processes for applications, such as dryers and kilns. PlantPAx MPC uses dynamic explicit modelling to identify and program the specific responses and requirements for these processes.
Predictive response to constraints: PlantPAx MPC dynamically predicts process behaviour against identified constraints and makes proactive adjustments to maintain process performance within identified limits.
Maximise equipment performance: Dynamic and steady-state constraints can be enforced in the software to maximise equipment performance up to its limits. For example, enforcing a flooding constraint in a distillation process can help feed levels at their highest without the risk of flooding.
Enhancing carbon capture drilling efficiency with PowerFlex drives Rockwell Automation
Motion Control & Drives
To meet the growing demand for carbon capture and storage, Drillmec needed to make drilling ingress points for carbon capture faster, safer and more cost efficient.
Read more...PCS Global PCS Global
System Integration & Control Systems Design Project and industry:
PCS Global led a digital infrastructure initiative in a southern African data centre setting, aiming to merge several essential operational systems into one cohesive platform. ...
Read more...Seamless migration from ET 200M to ET 200SP HA for future-ready automation Moore Process Controls
System Integration & Control Systems Design Project and industry:
Moore Process Controls undertook a modernisation initiative spanning the mining, petrochemical, and oil & gas sectors. This project involved upgrading legacy Siemens ET200M I/O ...
Read more...Sustainability as strategy Rockwell Automation
IT in Manufacturing
In today’s business landscape, sustainability has become a powerful driver of business differentiation. Rockwell Automation partners closely with customers to embed sustainable, data-driven solutions into their manufacturing operations.
Read more...Modernising critical water systems without disruption Rockwell Automation
SCADA/HMI
The region of Waterloo needed to upgrade its SCADA and PLC systems across 157 water facilities while ensuring continuous water availability for over 60 000 residents. Their success story, powered by Rockwell Automation technology, shows that modernisation doesn’t have to mean disruption.
Read more...Project & Industry
System Integration & Control Systems Design Project: Upgrading essential automation and SCADA systems at a coal mine. Outcome: A modern, stable automation and SCADA environment with reduced technical debt and easier support, ready for expansion. ...
Read more...Install and commissioning time cut by 50% thanks to digital twin insights Rockwell Automation
IT in Manufacturing
ECM Technologies, a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative and modular low-pressure carburising industrial furnaces, has developed a solution that removes many of the installation and commissioning challenges relating to the development, testing and deployment of large-scale heat treatment plants.
Read more...Major digital transformation project for Isuzu Motors
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Isuzu Motors South Africa, in partnership with NoMuda and S4 Integration, has kicked off a major two-year digital transformation project to modernise its production environment.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version