June 7, 2012 —Rockwell Automation added tools to its Pavilion8 model predictive control software, giving users the ability to create simple to complex process models on their own. Leveraging a powerful modeling engine, Pavilion8 software version 4.0 gathers all data from within a facility – including equations, empirical data and heuristics – to help users develop a robust model of the process. The software continuously assesses current and predicted operational data, compares it to desired results, and computes new control targets to reduce in-process variability and improve process performance. Through integration with the PlantPAx process automation system, Pavilion8 users can build models leveraging a common design and execution environment to reduce overall commissioning time.
The latest version of Pavilion8 software includes three key enhancements to simplify model predictive control and further reduce total cost of ownership – solution builder tools, Web-based dashboards and automatic step testing.
Solution builder tools –
Pavilion8 version 4.0 includes solution builder tools that enable users to build, maintain and adjust many models on their own without the need for outside support. For example, if a dairy processor introduces a product that’s produced at a moisture level outside the normal operating range, they can use the solution builder tools to retrain the model, using the latest process data, and make sure it’s accurate within the new scope of the process. In the past, users would need to work with outside consultants to make adjustments and retrain the model.
Web-based dashboards –
Leveraging the latest Google Web tools, these new dashboards provide a customizable, browser-based user experience. The thin-client application allows anyone with approved access to see what’s happening inside the system through browser-based dashboards. In addition to predefined settings, users can now personalize their views by reconfiguring widgets in a way that makes sense for them to best monitor key performance indicators for their role without expensive, time-consuming support resources.
Automatic step testing –
One of the most time-consuming tasks in any model predictive control project is step testing. The new automatic step-tester makes the process easier, faster and adaptable to changing process conditions, helping users reduce the total time spent identifying dynamic models. In addition, users can take advantage of the automatic step testing tool to easily update and maintain model accuracy as the process changes over time. Automatic step testing is especially beneficial in applications such as chemical refining where process dynamics can be very long.
Pavilion8 software is the company’s leading platform for model predictive control and real-time environmental management, helping companies continuously achieve multiple business objectives, including cost reductions, decreased emissions, consistent quality and production increases. It is the first platform to combine empirical and first principle models into a single composite model. With proven return on investment when applied to a wide range of industries, continuous processes and equipment, Pavilion8 software adapts to changing business needs and is scalable to meet simple linear to the most challenging non-linear processes.
“Our customers are constantly being asked to do more with less,” said Ric Snyder, senior product manager for advanced process control, Rockwell Automation. “Pavilion8 version 4.0 includes new tools that enable users to build, maintain and adjust many models on their own – without the need for outside support. This helps companies squeeze every ounce of production out of existing lines.”
“Rockwell Automation is building on one of the most powerful and scalable model predictive control software engines,” said Peter Reynolds, senior consultant, ARC Advisory Group. “With new user-friendly configuration tools, Pavilion8 greatly simplifies deployment and support of model-based process control, helping manufacturers optimize multiple process units and manage variability.”
About Rockwell Automation
Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and information, makes its customers more productive and the world more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., Rockwell Automation employs over 21,000 people serving customers in more than 80 countries.