White Papers

Accuracy Submodule
OptiRamp's Accuracy Submodule is the key driver to successful model deployment. Model accuracy (i.e., the accuracy of process identification) becomes the most critical factor for meeting system objectives. 

This white paper presents the OptiRamp concept, the accuracy algorithm, and scalability. Additionally, this white paper provides an example of a successful application of the Accuracy Submodule for deployed models built to provide advanced process control for a geothermal reservoir with 1000+ simulated objects. 

Continuous Emission Modeling System
OptiRamp's Continuous Emission Modeling System (CEMoS) is a suite of tools designed by S&C to work in conjunction with Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) to ensure that regulatory emission requirements set forth by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are met.

This white paper discusses advantages of the system as well as regulatory considerations, the CEMoS architecture, alarming, and system testing for best results.

Leak Detection Module
The OptiRamp Leak Detection Module (LDM) uses a combination of dynamic simulation, material balance models, predictive modeling, and statistical analysis to estimate the probability of leak occurrence and magnitude in a transportation system. LDM evaluates leak detection accuracy and provides audio and visual alarming based on defined thresholds.

This white paper discusses how LDM is aligned with the American Petroleum Institute (API) RP 1130, the leak detection algorithm, alarming, and system testing, which can be used to evaluate leak detection accuracy.

Lean Six Sigma Module
The OptiRamp Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Module verifies process requirements and conducts a formal assessment in real time in order to verify the financial benefits of improvements to a process. In addition to financial verification, the LSS Module analyzes the actual operating mode of production processes from an operations viewpoint and prepares data for reports and presentations.

This white paper describes the variable horizon assessment, which assesses short- and long-term process performance; the key process characteristics; box plots, which visually show the key characteristics; the process capability index, which determines if the process is capable of being in control; the enterprise process control, which describes the range of the module; and concludes with examples of using the LSS Module.

Material Balance Reconciliation Module
OptiRamp’s Material Balance Reconciliation (MBR) provides real-time reconciliation of material and energy balances by identifying measurement errors that could occur due to random noise, equipment failure, or unexpected leaks.

This white paper discusses the logic and associated algorithms that OptiRamp uses for performing dynamic mass and energy reconciliation for both steady state and transitional state processes.

Modeling Module
The OptiRamp Modeling Module (MM) is a part of S&C’s proprietary Advanced Dispatch Control System (ADCS) and produces outputs used by modules such as Real-Time Optimization and Optimized Scheduling. This user-friendly module constructs a model based on configuration parameters that are predefined during the conceptual design stage for simulation and study and that can be adjusted in real time during the production stages of control system implementation.

The MM consists of three submodules: data processing, model construction, and self learning. This white paper describes these submodules, the algorithms that are used for modeling, and static and dynamic models.

Multivariable Predictive Control Module
The OptiRamp Model-Based Multivariable Predictive Control (MVPC) Module controls processes with multiple interdependent input and output signals. MVPC uses a mathematical process model integrated into the plant control structure to proactively maintain set points by issuing predictive control decisions for a fixed set of ambient conditions. The MVPC Module is both a reactive and proactive control method.

This white paper discusses the differences between MVPC control and the standard PID controller, the concept of model predictive control (MPC), and the transfer functions and algorithms used in the module.

Optimized Scheduling Module
The OptiRamp Optimized Scheduling Module uses a balance model to build process operating forecasts in accordance with planned production, forecasting tools to all for various forecast horizons, and optimization techniques to determine the most efficient operating modes of a technological process using current conditions or customized “what if” scenarios. The goal of the Optimized Scheduling Module is to maximize process unit production while minimizing costs.

This white paper describes the balance model, functions used for forecasting, the genetic algorithms used to search for optimal operating unit combinations and optimal forecast parameters, and the alert system, which allows for system and custom alerts for specific events.

Performance Diagnostics Module
The OptiRamp Performance Diagnostics (PD) Module provides “smart” maintenance scheduling that takes equipment state and current operating conditions into account, thereby ensuring sustained optimal performance. The PD Module provides a set of tools used to track, assess, and predict process equipment degradation and to alert users if material changes are detected. Further, this module strives to balance maintenance costs with lost revenue and extra fuel costs.

This white paper describes the performance metric and diagnostics algorithms used to assess equipment degradation and to make maintenance decisions.

Real-Time Optimization Module
The OptiRamp Real-Time Optimization (RTO) Module is a set of steady-state and dynamic models and algorithms that continually analyze and adjust process operating conditions with the purpose of maximizing production, minimizing energy costs, minimizing fuel gas flow, or maximizing profit. These steady-state and dynamic models describe dependencies between process attributes and are represented by mathematical functions that can be used as optimization criteria as well as constraints.

This white paper describes the RTO capabilities, the optimization methods, and the various mathematical functions utilized in the module.

S&C Control Solutions for the Honeywell Experion^® PKS Platform
S&C provides a number of turbomachinery control applications that include—but are not limited to—Surge Prevention, Steam Turbine, Gas Turbine, Capacity, Master, and Power Generation Control. With the Honeywell Experion^® PKS platform, these turbomachinery control solutions may be used with a variety of controllers, such as C200, C300, and C300-20. Additionally, these control solutions have also been developed for different Experion PKS software releases, including R2XX, R3XX, and R4XX.

This white paper describes the mentioned turbomachinery control applications and also provides examples of how some of these solutions were implemented and commissioned for a variety of units. Additionally, it describes how S&C’s proprietary software, OptiRamp, is combined with the turbomachinery control solutions to provide a visualization and dynamic simulation tool.