Advanced process control (APC) is a broad term within the control theory. It is composed of different kinds of process control tools, for example, model predictive control (MPC), statistical process control (SPC), Run2Run (R2R), fault detection and classification (FDC), sensor control and feedback systems. APC are often used for solving multivariable control problems or discrete control problem. In engineering and mathematics, control theory deals with the behavior of dynamical systems. ... Process control is an engineering discipline that deals with architectures, mechanisms, and algorithms for controlling the output of a specific process. ... Model Predictive Control, or MPC, is an advanced method of process control that has been in use in the process industries such as chemical plants and oil refineries since the 1980s. ... Statistical process control (SPC) is a method for achieving quality control in manufacturing processes. ... Not to be confused with censure, censer, or censor. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Feedback loop. ...

Normally an APC system is connected to a distributed control system (DCS). The APC application will calculate moves that are send to regulatory controllers. Historically the interfaces between DCS and APC systems were dedicated software interfaces. Nowadays the communication protocol between these system is managed via the industry standard OLE for process control (OPC) protocol. A distributed control system (DCS) refers to a control system usually of a manufacturing system, process or any kind of dynamic system, in which the controller elements are not central in location (like the brain) but are distributed throughout the system with each component sub-system controlled by one or... OLE for Process Control (OPC) is the original name for a standard developed in 1996 by an industrial automation industry task force. ...

APC industries

• APC can be found in the (petro)chemical industries where it makes it possible to control multivariable control problems. Since these controllers contain the dynamic relationships between variables it can predict in the future how variables will behave. Based on these predictitions, actions can be taken now to maintain variables within their limits.
• In the complex semiconductor industry where several hundred steps with multiple re-entrant possibilities occurs, APC plays an important role for control the overall production.

The semiconductor industry is the collection of business firms engaged in the design and fabrication of semiconductor devices. ...

Terminology

Manipulated Variables (MVs) are variables where advanced controllers send setpoints to. Controlled variables (CVs) are variables that normally need to be controlled between limits. Disturbance variables (DVs) are only used as an input to the controller, they cannot be influenced, but when measured contribute to the predictability of the CV.

Commercial products

Popular commercial multivariable control applications include DMCplus from Aspen Technologies, RMPCT from Honeywell, Process Perfecter from Pavilion Technologies and Connoisseur from Invensys, INCA from IPCOS (also for batch application), ProfitNLC from Honeywell, GMAXC from Intelligent Optimization, Expert System ES III™ from Glass Serviceand ControlSoft Inc. but there are many more. Honeywell Heating Specialties Company Stock Certificate dated 1924 signed by Mark C. Honeywell - courtesy of Scripophily. ... Invensys plc is a British engineering company, headquartered in London, England. ...

External links

• Article about Advanced Process Control.
• Press Release. Honeywell Acquires PAS Advanced Process Controls Business
• APMonitor. Advanced process modeling and estimation.