Advanced process control (APC) software refers to a set of control strategies and algorithms used to help operate industrial processes more efficiently and optimize performance. APC software goes beyond basic control functions to leverage adaptive modeling, data analytics and machine learning for advanced automation and optimization capabilities.

Benefits of APC Software

APC software provides several key benefits to industrial processes:

Increased Capacity and Throughput

By more precisely controlling process variables like temperature, pressure and flow rates, APC software allows plants to operate closer to maximum capacity safely. This increases throughput while maintaining quality standards. For example, an oil refinery used APC to boost capacity by 4% without additional capital spending.

Improved Product Quality

Precise control of critical process variables helps maintain consistent, high-quality products. APC software can quickly detect and correct deviations to keep operations within tight specifications. This reduces rejects, reworks and off-spec product costs. One chemical plant reduced out-of-spec production by 30% using APC strategies.

Reduced Operational Costs

By optimizing operations, Advanced Process Control Software usage can cut energy, raw material and utility costs considerably. For instance, a power plant saved over $3 million annually in fuel costs after installing APC solutions to optimize boiler performance. Many plants see 5-15% reductions in variable costs like fuel and power.

Improved Stability and Safety

Advanced control strategies ensure smooth, stable operation even during upsets, disturbances or changing demand. This mitigates risks of process excursions, safety issues and unplanned shutdowns. APC stabilizes processes and allows safer operation nearer constraints than previously possible.

Predictive Maintenance Capabilities

APC software integrated with Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies can monitor equipment performance and predict potential failures. This enables condition-based and predictive maintenance strategies for improved asset reliability and uptime. Downtime costs are reduced considerably through such predictive maintenance.

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