www.pronamicscontrol.com
Process Control Optimization Course
Topics covered include:

  • Process Variability
  • Process Dynamics
  • Non-Linearities
  • PID Controller Basics
  • Lambda Tuning - First Order Processes
  • Lambda Tuning - Integrating Processes
  • PID Controller Performance
  • Tuning Strategy Development
  • Identifying Control Loop Problems
  • Identifying Process Variability Problems
Printable Copy of the Course Brochure PCOCours.pdf

High process variability compromises the economic performance of pulp and paper processes through reduced production, increased operating costs and off-quality product. A control loop that is well designed, maintained and tuned can play a key role in minimizing process variability. Unfortunately, the control loop often acts to increase process variability due to poor valve dynamics, oscillatory controller tuning, and sensor problems.

The instrumentation technician who is given the responsibility of maintaining control loop health and optimizing controller tuning sometimes has little or no formal training in these activities. Tuning the controller by ‘guesswork’ is a frustrating experience, often resulting in little or no improvement in control loop performance.

The process control optimization course will provide the ‘tools’ to identify and correct process control problems using sound engineering principles.

Course Fees
CDN $ $2,200.00
USD $ $2,000.00

(Canadian clients add 7% GST to fee.)
Fees include a full set of course notes.

Course is limited to 15 participants to provide individual attention and allow our expert instructors to address specific mill issues.
    08:00Process Control Basics
      • Control Terminology
      • Control loop components
      • Process Dynamics
    09:00Simulator Introduction
    10:00Process Dynamics
      • Control loop elements
      • 1st Order response
      • Integrating response
    11:00Lab 1 - First Order Process
          Dynamics
    12:00Lunch Break
    13:00Lab 2 - Integrating Process
          Dynamics
    14:00Non-linearities
      • Control valve backlash and stiction
      • inherent non-linearities
      • impact on control performance
    15:00Lab 3 - Non-Linearities
    16:30Adjourn

    08:00PID Controller Basics
      • PID control action
      • Tuning methods
    09:30Lambda Tuning - 1st Order
      • Lambda tuning
      • calculation of tuning constants
      • selecting Lambda value
      • robustness
    11:00Lab 4 - Tuning 1st Order
    12:00Lunch Break
    14:00Lambda Tuning - Integrating
      • Selecting Lambda
      • calculation of tuning constants
    15:00Lab 5 - Tuning Integrating
    16:30Adjourn
    08:00PID Controller Performance
      • Regulatory control
      • Setpoint tracking
      • Filtering
    10:00Lab 6 - PID Controller
          Performance
    12:00Lunch Break
    13:00Tuning Strategy Development
      • Defining process objectives
      • Interactive loops
      • cascaded loops
    14:30Lab 7 - Tuning Interactive
          Loops
    16:30Adjourn

    08:00Identifying Control Problems
      • Controller tuning issues
      • Loop health issues
      • Loop design issues
    09:00Lab 8 - Identifying Control
          Problems
    12:00Lunch Break
    13:00Identifying Process Variability
      • Auto/manual tests
      • Coupling tests
      • Using analysis tools
    14:00Lab 8 - Process area audit
    16:00Course wrap up
    16:30Adjourn

About the Course...

The 4 day course is split into an introductory loop optimization section and a more advanced control optimization section. In the loop optimization section, the attendees will learn how to conduct open loop bump tests, determine 1st order and integrator process dynamics, evaluate non-linearities, calculate Lambda tuning constants. 40% of this section is a computer based lab, where concepts presented are applied using a realistic simulation of a stock preparation area.

The process and control optimization section builds on the concepts introduced in the loop optimization section. The focus is on optimizing the control system to improve process performance. The major topics include:
  • Development of tuning strategies to improve stability in the key process variables
  • Troubleshooting techniques to identify and correct controller induced variability problems
  • Techniques to assist in the identification/elimination of process and product variability
  • Time series analysis techniques such as the power spectrum
A process and control optimization ‘survey’ is conducted on the stock preparation area simulation to consolidate all of the concepts presented. 50% of the process and control optimization section is spent in the lab.

Who Should Attend...
The course is primarily intended for pulp and paper mill instrumentation mechanics, instrumentation engineers and process engineers. It is also a good introductory course for the process control specialist.

Course Location

Considered one of the world's most inviting cities, Vancouver boasts exquisite landscapes,a mild climate and exciting attractions that impress travellers year-round. Bordered by mountains and surrounded by beaches, the city offers a unique blend of cosmopolitan amenities and natural splendours.

Accomodations
For conveniance, we recommend that registrants stay at the hotel course site. ProNamics has reserved a block of rooms at a competitive rate; indicate on the registration form if you would like us to make your reservation.

About ProNamics...

ProNamics Control Inc. is a pulp and paper process control consulting company. The company conducts process and control optimization field surveys, prepares process simulations to establish best practices and provides a range of training courses related to process control optimization specificaly for the pulp and paper industery.

ProNamics Optimization and Evaluation Field Surveys are designed to maximize the mill’s economic returns. The surveys are focused on improving product uniformity, increasing mill production efficiency and reducing operating costs. www.pronamicscontrol.com.

Instructors Include...

  • Doug Nelson, P.Eng.
    Doug has over 21 years of pulp and paper process control experience. He has authored papers on paper machine dryer control, control valve selection and the uses of process simulation in optimization surveys.


  • George Jablonsky, AScT
    George has 18 years of industry experience in process control, instrumentation and optimization in the pulp and paper industry. He has held positions both in operations and maintenance management.

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