1. Single-loop & Multivariable
Model-less Process Control
Single-loop & Multivariable
RPC™ and XMC™ (patented)
Allan Kern, P.E., Consultant
Lin & Associates, Inc.
Phoenix, AZ USA
Owner,
APC Performance, LLC
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2. Model-less Control by APC Performance, LLC
10 Things to Know in 10 Minutes
Key differences
Motivation
Model-less single-loop control (RPC™)
Model-less multivariable control (XMC™)
Credibility
Operational performance & technology
Applications
Path to industry
Costs & Benefits
Next steps & More information
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3. Model-less Control by APC Performance, LLC
Key differences (model-based vs. model- less)
Root Causes
Models change (dynamically)
Incorrect performance criteria
Model-Based
PID and MPC
Model-less
RPC™ & XMC™
Detailed models
Gain direction only
Control
performance criteria
Operational performance criteria
Solutions
Rate-Pred. Control (RPC™)
Preset
moves
Rate Predictive Control (RPC™)
Inherently adaptive, naturally self-tuning, unaffected by gain
Operational performance handle
Single-loop and internal method of XMC™
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4. Model-less Control by APC Performance, LLC
Motivation
Actual history of PID and MPC performance
High maintenance, low reliability
Common structural root causes
Model-less provides an attractive alternative
Reduce/eliminate modeling activities
Reliable operational performance
Simplify practice, reduce cost, increase performance
Serve the application gap
Alternative for legacy MPCs
Solution for problematic single-loops
Return process control to an operational technology
Effectively increase capabilities & resources
Increase control & automation benefits
Unlikely to change
Immediat e
Application needs
Long-term
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5. Model-less Control by APC Performance, LLC
Rate-Predictive Control (RPC™) (Patented)
RPC™
SP or Target change
Preset move rate
Inherently adaptive to changes in process gain
Single-loop control and internal control method of XMC™
& move size
Copyright APC Performance, LLC

6. Model-less Control by APC Performance, LLC
XMC™ Model-less multivariable control (Patented)
Directional Move-Solver
Based on gain directions, constraints and targets
5-Second Period
Based on knowledge, experience and procedures
Pre-Selected Move Rates
Novel method to taper moves predictively
Rate-Predictive Control (RPC™)
Automates traditional proven manual methods
Reliably captures core multivariable control value
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7. Model-less Control by APC Performance, LLC
Credibility
Long-standing problem
Novel patents
Well-documented roadmap
Products and applications
Online 2 years
Emerging Issues
Products and Patents
2004
2016
Solve the MPC Performance Riddle
Common Structural Root Causes
PID & MPC Same Trajectory
Model-less
RPC & XMC Methods
Mirror Historical Methods
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8. Model-less Control by APC Performance, LLC
Operational performance and technology
Operational performance
Preset move rates based on operating knowledge
No overshoot or oscillation (for DCVs and ICVs)
Small-matrix design practice (purpose built)
Intuitive to operating personnel
Mirrors operating priorities, needs and agility
Minimize error Assure process reliability
Operational technology
Manageable & sustainable at the plant operating level
Deploy or modify in days or weeks for little or no cost
DCS-based multivariable control tool
Core competency, mfr. agility, continuous improvement
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9. Model-less Control by APC Performance, LLC
Where are the applications? (scalable technology)
RPC™
XMC™
Legacy MPC Alternative
PID
ARC
Traditional MPC
Matrix
Size
1x1
2x3
10x10
20x50
Application Gap
Complementary product
Increases overall APC resources and capabilities
Copyright APC Performance, LLC

10. Model-less Control by APC Performance, LLC
Costs & Benefits
Model-based
Model-less
Notes
Costs
$100Ks
$0-$10Ks
Note 1
Benefits
Similar or Better
Note 2
Maint. & Support
$0K
Note 3
Technology/business model is self-sufficiency
Reliable performance, more apps, legacy MPCs
Can increase capabilities and resources
Copyright APC Performance, LLC

11. Model-less Control by APC Performance, LLC
Path to industry
RPC™, Rate-Predictive Control
License to makers of single-loop controllers and DCSs
User-selectable control algorithm option
Inherently adaptive, operational perf., dead-time control
XMC™ Model-less Multivariable Control
License to Global Automation Companies
Built-in DCS-based multivariable control tool
Lin & Associates, Inc.
Supply RPC™ and XMC™ to end-users directly
Single-loops, application gap, legacy MPC applications
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12. Model-less Control by APC Performance, LLC
Next Steps
Evaluation application (XMC™ or RPC™)
Atmospheric crude simulation with XMC™
More information or
Published articles (easily found online or website)
Client testimonials (by arrangement)
Full presentation (please request) or
With 1/2-Day Model-less Workshop
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