(24b) Implementation of ADS on a Distillation Column

Advanced Decision Support, or ADS, is a new control paradigm pioneered by Yokogawa, and adopted by Fractionation Research, Inc. (FRI). ADS aims to combine the efficiency of computers or control systems to analyze quickly large amounts of data and the ability of humans to make decisions when presented with the right information. The three main components of ADS are procedural automation, task-based HMI displays, and alarm management.

FRI performs distillation research using hydrocarbon systems in its two commercial scale distillation units that operate from deep vacuum to 500 psia. Two ADS components, procedural automation and HMI graphics, were recently implemented at FRI.

This paper describes the concept of ADS and the implementation of the ADS components in the FRI control room. The tools available for the implementation of the ADS components are presented in this paper. Benefits and challenges in implementing ADS to operate the commercial scale distillation columns of the FRI unit will be discussed.