Q: How does Profi® NLC work?A: Profit NLC uses a rigorous dynamic model as the basis for doing multi-variable predictive control calculations that are designed to determine the best manipulated variable (MV) moves to keep all of the controlled variables (CVs) within their constraints. Profit NLC can be thought of as functioning like Honeywell’s Profit Controller except that a non-linear model is used instead of a linear one.
Q: Is it necessary to perform plant step-tests before implementing Profit NLC?A: No. This is one of the key advantages of Profit NLC. Since Profit NLC uses rigorous, dynamic models, the plant dynamics are already built into the model, and no step-testing is required.
Q: Where do the reactor models come from?A: The reactor models are first-principles, kinetic-based models based on public literature references, and are part of the PDMS (Polymer Dynamic Modeling System) which is part of Profit NLC.
Q: What kinds of polymer processes are supported?A: Profit NLC supports numerous polymer processes including: Basell Spheripol, Dow Unipol, Chevron Phillips Chemicals Bulk Loop, BP Innovene, and Catalytic Autoclave reactor processes. Additional polymer processes can also be supported.
Q: How is Profit NLC licensed?A: Profit NLC is licensed based on a per unit basis.
Q: What is the operator interface for Profit NLC?A: Profit NLC results are displayed on the operator's control console using the standard Profit Suite Operator Station user interface. Additionally graphic displays can be developed for the specific control system on a per-project basis.
Q: How does Profit NLC interface to the control system?A: Profit NLC uses Uniformance PHD as the interface to the control system both for data acquisition and implementation of MV moves. This allows Profit NLC to be used with Experion™ PKS, as well as third-party DCS systems, depending on the availability of a Real-time Data Interface (RDI) between PHD and the third-party DCS.
Q: Can Profit NLC be used for off-line engineering studies?A: Yes. Profit NLC has an extensive off-line environment for performing off-line engineering studies such as catalyst evaluation, control performance studies, and process.
Q: Can Profit NLC results be integrated with other advanced solutions?A: Yes. Profit NLC’s use of the Unified Real-Time infrastructure (URT) provides full OPC compliance allowing Profit NLC information to be easily integrated with other applications such as recipe management, procedural transition management systems, or Honeywell’s Business.Flex® solutions like KPI Manager.