Aspen DMCplus®

A powerful, proven multi-variable controller for maintaining processes at their optimal operating point

Aspen DMCplus is the industry-leading, multi-variable model-predictive controller. Aspen DMCplus interfaces can process directly with the DCS or indirectly through process information management systems, and are capable of safely pushing processes to multiple constraints simultaneously. The Aspen DMCplus control system is proven in large-scale environments without compromising the control system service factor. Aspen DMCplus is a core component of AspenTech’s aspenONE™ Advanced Process Control applications.

Features

  • Browser-based operator and engineer user interface: Provides web-based interface for viewing or changing controller configuration, as well as viewing easy-to-read, real-time displays.
  • Seamless integration: Integrates easily with Aspen SmartStep Advanced™ for efficient step testing and Aspen Watch for performance monitoring and troubleshooting.
  • Powerful subspace identification algorithm: Identifies better models with shorter test-data sets. Produces smoother models without compromising accuracy; cleans up dead times; and avoids unsubstantiated inverse responses.
  • Model uncertainty and cross-correlation analysis tool: Assesses model accuracy, determines when sufficient step testing has been achieved, and selects the best model curves.
  • Standard supported sub-controllers: Easily organizes a large controller into groups of related variables for display and for turning variables on and off.
  • Explicit CV ranking: Provides for explicit prioritization of controlled variables, independent of dynamic tuning.
  • Quadratic and linear programs for steady-state target calculation: Helps you specify either LP or QP solution type for each rank group.
  • Dynamic weighting: Weighs variables near their limits more strongly in the controller move calculations.
  • Prediction error filtering: Provides exponential, moving average, or traditional bias updating schemes.
  • Standard configurable transforms with no coding: Helps specify input and output variable transformations with no external calling or database maintenance.
  • Enhanced on-line simulation capability: Uploads a complete on-line snapshot to the GUI-based simulation for performance evaluation.
  • Variable gains: Permits the changing of controller gains on-line, enhancing the ability to deal with highly non-linear systems and systems with mode changes.

Benefits

  • Maintains optimum quality specifications across a range of products and operating conditions.
  • Provides excellent disturbance rejection resulting in lower process variability and a reduction in off-spec material.
  • Maintains tight control and reduces process variance across the entire operating range.
  • Maximizes throughput by operating closer to constraints enabling greater capacity from existing assets.
  • Improves operating stability and constraint handling resulting in less unscheduled plant downtime.
  • Improves plant safety by compensating for process disturbances before they drive the process to unstable regions.
  • Efficiently scales to any size control problem and has been successfully applied to virtually every linear control problem in refining, chemicals, and petrochemicals processing.
  • Lowers cost of ownership via reduced maintenance requirements and simplified workflows for implementation and management.

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