ABB and Process Systems Enterprise Announce Innovative Technology and Services Agreement
Since its commercial introduction in 1997, gProms has been taken up by over 100 chemical, food, pharmaceutical and other process manufacturers for design, control and optimization projects. Clients include Bayer, ICI, DuPont, Dow Chemical, BASF, and Mitsubishi Chemical. Many of the existing applications have been in designing process equipment and production steps, particularly in batch processing. The deal with ABB Automation, which will include software licensing as well as services, opens up more control applications, including steady-state and dynamic optimization and parameter characterization.
Solver engines
According to PSE literature, the standout property of gProms ("General PROcess Modeling System") is that it provides a robust method to interface the modeling system with "solver engines"—related programs for thermodynamics, physical properties, even computational fluid dynamics (see diagram). With its modular structure, a gProms process model can fetch necessary process data from these solvers, then produce a high-fidelity simulation of a process for further engineering analysis. "Competing packages require you to build one model for, say, steady-state simulation, then another model for dynamic optimization," notes Mark Matzopoulos, managing director of PSE. "With gProms, you build one model and use it for multiple applications." Further, the underlying software has all the right attributes—object-oriented, modular, open (published) interfaces—to allow it to be used on common operating systems (Windows, Unix, Linux) and to interface to Web protocols. "This flexibility is perfect for the mixed computing environments of large process manufacturers," says Sandro Macchietto, nonexecutive chairman at PSE. "You can run the model on a Unix system, obtain data from a Windows system, and display results on your Palm Pilot."
Model library
According to Steve Sussman, ABB Automation business manager, ABB conducted an exhaustive search of available technology before choosing gProms. This may be a case of the right key finding the right lock. The modularity of the gProms technology will allow ABB to more readily adapt it to the large family of somewhat incompatible control systems that it has acquired over the past decade, including its own Advant Open Control System, Elsag Bailey, Fischer and Porter, Hartman and Braun and others.
In addition, ABB Automation will be bringing its strong focus on vertical market segments in the process industries. ABB has tailored solutions for chemical, pharmaceutical, pulp and paper and other industries. The company will be providing comprehensive services along with the technology, and will work with PSE to build up a "model library" of preconfigured applications, which customers can then plug into their control or engineering systems. ABB Automation is currently styling itself as an "industrial IT" supplier; Sussman says that gProms will allow it to provide the "highest value-added solutions" to the control arena.
New gProms/ABB solutions will begin to roll out in Q4, according to Zafar Kamal, global business manager for advanced systems at ABB Automation. The more advanced applications, such as dynamic optimization, parameter estimation, and planning and scheduling will follow. The technology will be offered in three levels: basic software licensing and services; that plus model libraries incorporating specific ABB process knowledge; and custom-built applications. PSE retains the rights to market gProms for offline design applications
By Nick Basta
For more information:
ABB Automation Group Ltd.
Binzmulhlestrase 93
CH-8050 Zurich, Switzerland
T: 41 (0) 1 319 6222
F: 41 (0) 1 310 1190
Process Systems Enterprise Ltd.
107a Hammersmith Bridge Road
London, W6 9DA
T: +44 (0) 20 8563 0888
F: +44 (0) 20 8563 0999.