WHAT WE DO

"Approaching a problem with an open mind is an important aspect of ISC philosophy, as is using the simplest, most cost effective solution."

We are currently a partner of the Eurostar funded SmartCPM project, developing intelligent algorithms for control performance assessment, partnered with ASINCO (Germany) and iba (Germany)

We also have a prototype tool, PROBE, for the Microsoft Windows platform. PROBE enables users to compare the performance of control loops against a number of benchmarks including Minimum Variance (MV) using off-line loop data.

Download Information Sheet

What is Control Benchmarking?

When applied to a process, controls become part of a changing environment. Over a period of time, processes are typically subject to:

• Product changes (new operating points etc.)
• Raw material source changes
• Plant modifications
• Wear and tear of actuators (valves, drives etc.)
• Degradation of measurement sensors
• Plant item (non-actuator) wear and tear

These changes often degrade control and plant financial performance. Ideally, checks by instrument/control personnel identify and address such effects. However, if the root cause is not clearly established, control re-tuning activity can make matters worse. In practice, diagnosis tends to depend on human experience. This is against a background of increasing difficulty in recruiting experienced control personnel.

To remove this dependency, it is necessary to utilise process diagnostic tools. Typically these techniques either require 'expert' users or are relatively crude and ineffective.

The challenge is to compare actual loop tuning against the optimum possible. This is defined as control benchmarking.

Access ISC Benchmarking Resources

INDUSTRIES WE SERVE

Our services are available to a range of industries:

Tell us your needs.