Aspen SmartStep Advanced™

Automating best practices in process unit step testing

Aspen SmartStep Advanced allows users to simplify and streamline the task of collecting process data for model construction. It delivers model data with higher information content than manual testing, while significantly reducing the overall engineering effort. Aspen SmartStep Advanced is a core element of AspenTech’s aspenONE Advanced Process Control applications.

Features

  • Captures APC best practices while honoring important constraints
  • Aspen SmartStep Advanced combines a step generation engine with an embedded Aspen DMCplus®-like controller to enforce MV limits while keeping CVs within bounds
    • Generates a constrained step test (e.g., valve limits and column qualities are honored)
    • Larger steps are possible
    • Little or no valve saturation, less slicing
  • Operating point for step testing can be defined and modified by operations
  • Allows any MV to be paired with another MV
    • Both are stepped in a given ratio in order to obtain more informative test data
    • This data allows identification algorithms to determine gain ratios and RGA numbers of nearly co-linear sub-matrices, with more accuracy
    • Can test the process in the “weak direction”
  • Specifies preferred first step direction for test moves

Benefits

  • Multi-test mode will produce a more accurate model compared to a traditional step test
    • The shape of the model curves are better
    • The gains are more accurate
    • Improves the accuracy of identified gain ratios, particularly important for ill-conditioned processes
  • Reduces overall engineering effort
  • Flexible tool that can be used for new APC implementations, or partial / full revamps
  • Reduces or eliminates the need for night-time engineering supervision while still gathering information-rich data round-the-clock
  • Creates an iterative process of test / analyze / commission that evaluates initial assumptions early to minimize risk to the project
  • Results in a robust controller based on a high-fidelity model that ensures maximum reliability and the achievement of maximum economic benefits

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