Mar., 21/Process control engineers know how PID loops work for basic applications. However, PID loops sometimes fail to meet performance requirements. Loops fail for different reasons: long deadtimes, system oscillation that cannot be detuned, applications not reaching setpoint. End users must learn when to use PID loops and when to look beyond them to Advanced Process Control (APC) solutions, as in the following cases.

To compensate for long deadtime, use Internal Model Control (IMC). To maintain tight control while also decreasing costs, use Coordinated Control (CC). To control two interacting process variables by manipulating as many as three different controller outputs, use Modular Multivariable Control (MMC). For extruder barrel temperature control, use Temperature Control Module (TCM).

Whenever a process is in denial, engineers and system integrators must research alternative solutions.

INTUNE (version 4) is offered as an auto-tuning tool or as the complete toolkit.

INTUNE is a unique software tool that:
- Automatically generates PID parameters
- Re-tunes loops for optimal performance
- Monitors multiple PID loops to determine how complete systems are being controlled

Log data, view multiple loop event logs, analyze error distribution curves, model and simulate process loops, and switch loops to INTUNE’s advanced adaptive tuning--all without disturbing your process.

INTUNE is a process engineer’s dream come true:
- Simultaneous tuning, monitoring, and diagnostics of multiple PID loops
- Elaborate reports of error analyses, event logs, tuning results
- PID loop and display configuration schemes allow dynamic configuration updates

Connecting to Allen-Bradley’s PLC-5 or SLC 500, GE Fanuc Series 90, Modicon 984, Siemens TI, or any DCS/PLC, INTUNE works on most applications with complicated configurations (long lags, cascaded loops, interactive systems).