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QuickStudy - Leading the field

QuickStudy is just what its name implies. It automatically creates process models quickly and accurately by studying your existing process as it operates. It doesn't need costly step tests, long set-up times or high-level expertise.

Here are some of the reasons QuickStudy is the ultimate in control systems:

• It develops process models that provide superior control in a matter of minutes or hours, not weeks, as other advanced controllers typically require.
• Its unique statistical modeling process allows it to refine models and improve their accuracy almost immediately, while the process continues to run. So QuickStudy can update models on demand to accommodate changing dynamics.
• Unlike other advanced controllers, QuickStudy can perform identification and control functions in closed loop and can handle a broad range of applications from PID replacement to complex, multivariable control.
• It models and controls complex processes with interactive variables, long dead times, integrating characteristics and inverse responses. Process models can be stored and retrieved rapidly, giving operators optimum control in periods of frequent changes in products and/or production rates.
• It creates readable, detailed model reports, which promote better understanding of the process. So you're better able to identify the process parameters which affect product quality and cost and can improve your business results.
• QuickStudy's models also demonstrate how your process changes over time. They document changes in process dynamics and equipment performance that can help you understand your maintenance requirements.

QuickStudy vs PID

QuickStudy's control technology is light-years ahead of traditional PID-based controllers.
Here's a comparison in three key areas:

Predictive Capabilities:
QuickStudy can predict the effects of control changes and feedforward events. That lets your process reach its set points quickly and without oscillation, even with long time delays or variable dynamics.

Adaptive Capabilities
QuickStudy automatically factors in changes in your process and adjusts controls to compensate for them. That eliminates the need for loop tuning inherent to PID systems.

Feedforward, De-Coupling and Multivariable Control
QuickStudy's models can be easily configured in a variety of advanced control strategies, all within the same package.

QuickStudy - How it works

When you add QuickStudy to your existing process control system, you will see a rapid improvement. Your initial input is minimal---simply to identify the relevant process inputs and outputs, as well as the product parameters to be modeled and controlled. Modeling is done on-line using real-time process and product data. Tuning of the control strategy is automatic, and the response curve can be shaped by parameters you select.

One QuickStudy controller contains up to 16 Predictive Controller Set-up (PCS) blocks. Each PCS block is self-contained, including modeling, prediction, control and output generation. One of these blocks is required for each controlled variable and can accept 16 input variables. Each PCS block can execute at the frequency appropriate to its variable.

Model Quickly Takes On Actual Process Dynamics

QuickStudy's modeling algorithm determines the coefficients of the process models using probability density functions. After a few sampling periods, the model begins to represent the actual process dynamics. As the sampling continues, the model becomes more accurate. Typically, 250 to 1,000 sampling periods are required for a new model to become accurate enough to assume control---far less than other systems which often require thousands of samples to build an accurate model. Adaptation of an existing model is normally accomplished in 50 to 100 samples with QuickStudy.

As inputs are scanned, the actual value of all process variables are compared to their predicted values. When a variable doesn't match the predicted behavior, this information is added to the statistical database. The model's parameters are able to adapt to the changes in process conditions and the controller acts, almost instantaneously, to assure that the process remains at setpoint.

The control function is accomplished in two steps. First, the quadratic optimization algorithm determines the required control action based on predicted values of the process variables. Second, the dynamic output generation algorithm computes the trajectory for optimal approach to setpoint. These calculations are updated every cycle.

Automically Triggers Proper Interaction of Variables

In many processes, action taken to control one variable
will affect other variables. QuickStudy incorporates these interactions into its models so that a change in one control action automatically triggers the appropriate changes
in others.

QuickStudy can handle the most complex process dynamics. Its modeling algorithm can handle high order models and can deal effectively with long dead-times, integrating characteristics and inverse responses. And the system's configuration allows the user to design the response curve to meet the unique needs of each process. So response time is adjusted automatically to meet the process's tolerance of overshoots in reaching the setpoint. In addition, QuickStudy is exceptionally stable.

QuickStudy - Here's how it improves your process

• It reduces process variability, improving product quality and consistency
• It minimizes transition times for product change-overs and line start-ups and often allows operators to run a line at higher rates, increasing throughput.
• It provides greater consistency, higher yields and more on-spec material.
• Its tighter control of process can decrease the amount of raw materials and energy used, reducing manufacturing costs.
• It allows a facility to get more high-quality product out of its existing equipment, increasing profits and reducing capital requirements.
• It helps improve plant safety because the reduced process variability results in fewer alarm trips, equipment adjustments and shut-downs.

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