Mktg Intro
- 1. CLIFFTENT Inc.: Process Control, Optimization, Scheduling, Performance Dr. Pierre R. Latour, PE Consulting Chemical Engineer CIMFUELS Business Consulting 28 July 1999 CIMFUELS. Computer integrated manufacturing of fuels (CIMFUELS) and chemicals (CIMCHEM) employs online computers for direct, closed-loop control, optimization, scheduling, integration and performance measurement of process plant operation to effect increased manufacturing profits. SOLUTIONS. Since retiring early from Setpoint, Dynamic Matrix Control and Aspen Tech, Pierre Latour and his company, CLIFFTENT, have offered chemical process control engineering and business consulting services. He specializes in proper methods for licensing CIMFUELS technology solutions for HPI operating companies and their suppliers, based on performance, value added, shared risk – shared reward principles (SR2™). PERFORMANCE. Focus on sustained performance reveals the need to measure financial value added or profit. The unique discovery of CLIFFTENT™ allows Dr. Latour to properly determine the financial merit of process control, improved dynamic performance of processes, smoother operation, reduced variance and improved quality control. Benefits are typically twice those estimated by traditional, incomplete methods. PLANT CONSTRAINTS. Proper setting of process and product limits, specs, targets and constraints for use by operators, production planners, LP optimizers, control systems and CIM is fundamental to plant profitability and CIMFUELS success. These are set by people, not computers. If set too tightly/conservatively, process potential is curtailed. If set to widely/liberally, penalties from maintenance, environment and customers ensue. CLIFFTENT™ integrates dependent variable uncertainty (risk management) with a complete profit function of the process model and its connection to surroundings models, to optimize setting of quality targets and plant constraints. INCENTIVE. The true potential for upgrading plant operating methods (like monthly offline LP) to CIMFUELS sustained performance using SR2™ and CLIFFTENT™ technology approaches $1/bbl crude oil for petroleum refining and 0.05 $/pound of ethylene for olefin steam crackers. The process control business must mature from an instrument/computer/data base/model/algorithm/tool/product offering style to an integrated CIM system solution offering style that adds substantial value. The business focus should be to “Identify, Capture and Sustain significant economic benefit for operating companies and solution suppliers from CIMFUELS/CIMCHEM technologies”. ACTION. Pierre Latour began his career at DuPont and joined Shell Oil in 1966. His resume with list of publications is available by email WORD file. He received CONTROL Magazine’s 1999 Engineer of the Year Award, March 1999. CLIFFTENT™ was published in Hydrocarbon Processing, Dec 1996, p 75-80. His consulting services billing rate is $200/hour for time spent on behalf of his selected clients, plus related expenses. 810 HERDSMAN DR, HOUSTON, TEXAS USA 77079-4203; Tel & Fax: 281-679-6709; SR2@msn.com