Q: What is Remote Performance Management (RPM)?A: RPM can be used to update the online models with UOP’s more rigorous internal models that are calibrated to the client’s specification and maintained by UOP and Honeywell expert personnel. Enabled by Honeywell’s secure Process Scout technology, process data is remotely accessed, encrypted and securely transmitted to calculation servers. The data is then validated and reconciled before being processed using customized models hosted and maintained by Honeywell and UOP.
Q: What is Profit Suite Technology?A: Honeywell's Profit Suite products and services capture and manage information for improved operations and profitability. These solutions are delivered through the unified architecture of Honeywell's Experion™ Process Knowledge System (PKS). Profit Suite products employ a unique layered approach to advanced control and optimization—an approach that effectively matches plant needs with the appropriate, scaleable optimization solution. Based upon Honeywell's patented Robust Multivariable Predictive Control Technology (RMPCT), this comprehensive package provides all the tools required for designing, implementing and maintaining model-based predictive control strategies.
Q: What qualities do Honeywell and UOP each bring to this solution?A: Honeywell provides outstanding capabilities in online control, optimization and remote performance monitoring with UOP’s process modeling capabilities. Honeywell has implemented Optimization Solutions on over 500 different process units and provided process automation to more than 50 Aromatics plants. Honeywell has implemented Profit Suite Optimization solutions on more than 30 aromatics units. UOP is the leading supplier of Aromatics process technology having more than 170 BTX aromatics units in operation.
Q: Will the Aromatics Optimization solution only work with Experion?A: No. The Aromatics Optimization Solution can be applied to other Honeywell DCS and third-party DCS platforms. However, it is only with the Experion Process Knowledge System™ that you gain the complete benefit of a solution tightly integrated with: business objectives via production management tools, people effectiveness tools such as combined alarm and event analysis, and asset effectiveness tools monitoring and reporting the performance of all aspects of the solution—from basic control loops to complete multi-unit optimization strategies.
Q: How does Honeywell’s solution handle process non-linearities?A: As the quality and type of feed to each furnace varies, changes in aromatics yields to changes in operating severity can vary considerably. Honeywell’s Dynamic Optimization solution (Profit Optimizer) provides a non-linear optimization solution by using a process model ( such as UOP’s Reformer model) to predict how aromatics yields of reactor effluents change with key process variables such as heater temperature, hydrogen/hydrocarbon ratio, throughput, pressure, etc. The process model is perturbed in order to calculate and update model gains in both Profit Optimizer and Profit Controller.
Q: Does Honeywell provide user support?A: Yes. Honeywell provides complete lifecycle support for Aromatics Optimization solutions from design, implementation and commissioning, including operator and engineer training. Once operational, Honeywell can provide long term solution support including technology refresh and training, application enhancement, remote performance monitoring and reporting, migration to new platforms and a 24-hour Technical Assistance Center for remote support in all regions (Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific and Americas).
Q: How long does it take to implement this solution?A: The initial layers of the solution can be implemented in just a few weeks, and you can begin to realize the benefits right away. The complete optimization solution across a complete aromatics plant, takes approximately 12 months to implement.