Challenges in the detection, diagnosis and visualisation of controller performance data

Process control performance is a cornerstone of operational excellence in the refining, petrochemical, pulp and paper and the mineral processing industries. The large numbers of assets on these sites - compared to the diminishing number of maintenance and control personnel - has made monitoring and diagnosing control problems a serious challenge. Mainstream control performance assessment and monitoring applications are changing maintenance methodology from predictive to condition-based. The implementation of an advanced control strategy is not an end in itself. Continuous improvement in process performance is ensured by constantly monitoring and assessing the performance of the basic control loops.