TOOLS
TOPAS, a unique,
award winning PC-Windows tool for better
control in shorter time
TOPAS helps to
improve existing or to develop new controllers or control schemes in a most
efficient and effective way. It combines a most comprehensive and powerful toolset,
an integrated simulation environment and a knowledge base.
TOPAS provides
functions for:
PID
tuning / optimization / troubleshooting: the unique Tuner
is maybe the best one available as it uses not just one but 25 methods
Controller
selection: You can compare various PID versions, the Smith Predictor, Model
Based Control, load vs. setpoint tuning etc.
Easy
and fast process parameter estimation - on the basis of open or closed loop
tests or operating data
Performance
analysis: Powerful yet easily understandable statistics help to spot problems
and to locate improvement opportunities
Decisions
aids: Special graphics make it easy to decide if a cascade, a feedforward or
multivariable control is needed.
The
simulation environment allows you to test the results under realistic
conditions, often better than on the real process: level controllers e.g. can
be tested for disturbance handling, their prime task, whereas in the plant only
setpoint tests can be made. You can compare
different controller types and approaches and select the best suited - fast and
easy: try our MBC controller and tune it - without knowing the technology!
TOPAS is more than just a toolset, it provides know-how and expert advice, leading
to better solutions, and easier, faster and more enjoyable work.
It helps especially to
optimize
the performance of existing controllers
bring
under-performing or decommissioned loops back to work fast
address
tasks and use techniques that seemed to be too difficult, and
present
your achievements with hard figures: calculate and show the realized benefits.
Two examples
show how fast effective solutions can be found with TOPAS:
a) Loop
troubleshooting in 10 minutes. Results of a setpoint test were received
by e-mail. In less than 10 minutes the process parameters were identified (left
picture), new PID settings calculated and mailed back. Shortly after
implementation the loop stabilized.
b) Control
scheme development in 10 hours: On a fed-batch reactor, within 10 hours
the necessary tests were carried out, the process parameters identified and a
new MBC temperature control scheme (including a feedforward) was set up.
TOPAS is also an excellent training
aid: It has proven to cut training time and improve the results at the same
time. You
can learn process dynamics, controller selection and tuning, the effect of
different valve characteristics or measurement locations etc., explore the potential
of APC and turn theoretic knowledge into effective, practical use. Demos show
the most important situations and many DCS features allow realistic work.
TOPAS helps newcomers and experts alike to
widen their skills with special
know-how and methods
develop better controls and improve
operations in the shortest time
save time, effort and money and
present the achievements in a convincing way.
Despite its
power, TOPAS is easy and
fun to use and cost less than most packages for PID tuning alone.
For its power and innovative approach TOPAS
has received the Editors’ Choice Award from the Control Engineering magazine. Download a brochure here.
ACT - D.I. Hans H. Eder KEG
Wienerstr. 10,
3443 Elsbach, Austria
Brussels office: Madeliefjeslaan 13, 3080 Tervuren
Phone ++32-(0)2-767-0895, e-mail: office@act-control.com