A comprehensive suite of advanced process control software delivers profit and quality improvement benefits to a wide range of processes including metallurgical and food processing.

SimSci-Esscor, a business unit of Invensys Systems, has announced the launch of version 15 of its Connoisseur software, a comprehensive suite of advanced process control (APC) software. The next generation of the Connoisseur suite model predictive control delivers profit and quality improvement benefits to a wide range of processes in the oil refining, petrochemicals, power, pulp and paper, food processing, mineral and metallurgical processing and chemical industries. Delivering real-time adaptive control and enhanced on-line data handling features, the Connoisseur solution enables plants to optimise manufacturing operations to generate performance improvements that positively affect the bottom line.

'As globally competitive companies face rising manufacturing and energy costs and decreased capital budgets, plants require new solutions that can help them manage their limited resources in a more efficient manner,' said Alastair Fraser, vice president of SimSci-Esscor's simulation business line.

'The advanced technology in the Connoisseur suite provides customers with a comprehensive set of integrated engineering tools that give them new insights into the plant's process control strategies.

Given a clearer understanding of how to optimise manufacturing processes, customers are capable of significantly enhancing quality, increasing throughput and reducing overall energy usage.' In recent studies by SimSci-Esscor's customers, the Connoisseur APC solution has been shown to increase a plant's throughput up to 5 percent, improve process yields as much as 10 percent, and reduce specific energy consumption by 3 to 10 percent.

The new version of the solution includes improved process modelling through enhanced on-line data collection and analysis tools.

These statistical techniques enable engineers to identify cause and effect relationships and analyse data for these interactions.

Using these tools along with operational experience, operators can accurately represent process behaviors to better understand potential problems and identify solutions to control them.

Enhancements to the solution also provide improved real-time adaptive control, giving process control engineers the on-line capability to adjust the systems to the prevailing dynamic process conditions.

By simultaneously controlling a number of process parameters within the plant and orchestrating them to maintain the product within precise specifications, the software solution can maximise process potential.

Version 15 of the Connoisseur suite also features a new non-linear optimising controller that allows engineers to mix linear and non-linear controlled variables within a single framework, a new OPC client and improved functions to calculate steady-state gain from a model set.

Increased model editing capabilities and improvements to Connoisseur's user-friendly interface have also been implemented.

Connoisseur performs flawlessly with DCS- and PLC-based control systems and plant information system databases from all major suppliers.

About SimSci-Esscor - SimSci-Esscor, an operating unit of Invensys, is a leader in the development and deployment of industrial process simulation software and systems for a variety of industries, including oil and gas production, petroleum refining, petrochemical and chemical manufacturing, electrical power generation, mining, pulp and paper, and engineering and construction.

SimSci-Esscor solutions enable clients to minimise capital requirements, optimise facility performance, and maximise returns on investments in producing assets.

SimSci-Esscor supports more than 750 client companies in more than 70 countries.

About Invensys - Invensys is an automation, controls and process solutions group working to create value for customers and investors.

Our products, services, expertise and ongoing support enable intelligent systems to monitor and control processes in many different environments.

The businesses within Invensys help customers in a variety of industries - including hydrocarbons, chemicals, oil and gas, power and utilities, rail, telecommunications, paper, food and beverage, dairy, pharmaceuticals and personal care - to perform with greater efficiency, safety and cost-effectiveness.

Process Systems (IPS) provides products, services and solutions for the automation and optimisation of plant operation in the process industries.

APV specialises in process equipment engineered into systems and asset services for food, beverage, personal care, pharmaceutical and chemical clients.

Eurotherm is a leading supplier of control and measurement instrumentation solutions and services to industrial and process customers.

Rail Systems is a multinational leader in the design, manufacture, supply, installation, commissioning and maintenance of safety-related rail signalling and control systems.

Climate Controls is a major provider of the components, systems and services used across the world to make commercial and residential environments safer, more comfortable and more efficient.

Appliance Controls has the broadest system and component offering for the appliance industry worldwide.

The Invensys Group is headquartered in the UK and listed on the London Stock Exchange.