EC: ROMeo 6.4 process optimization software

Software — Data analytics, diagnostics: ROMeo 6.4 from Schneider Electric Software combines the ability to optimize the process side with a solver that finds the optimal set of utility sources to meet optimized process requirements. This is a Control Engineering 2017 Engineers’ Choice Awards Finalist.

October 13, 2016

Margins in the process industries are always scrutinized and environmental policies often play counter to the optimization of the process. Many major refining and petrochemical companies take full advantage of current optimization technology to calculate optimal targets for their process side control systems, which allows them to maximize throughput while meeting constraints, minimize deviation from targets, and reduce energy use. While this technology excels in optimizing plant conditions as they are presently configured, most cannot seek optima that might be found when units are entirely turned-off.

And while utilities (fuel, water, electricity, etc.) are normally demand-driven within a process plant, it is a unique optimization around which units can optimally provide utilities to minimize both cost and waste. This problem often requires an integer on/off decision solver that traditional optimization technology cannot handle.

Schneider Electric’s ROMeo is the world leader in process optimization. Version 6.4 is the first industry-accepted software that combines the ability to optimize the process side with an NLP solution that moves a plant between operating limits, with a MINLP solution that finds the optimal set of utility sources to meet the optimized process requirements.

This unique combination means users can optimize the process and reduce utility and energy use in real time, providing operators with more guidance as to the correct set of utility providers to truly minimize the costs of running the entire process plant. A unified interface offers those with currently deployed RTOs to easily modify their current models to include switchable optimization with no extra software requirements or training.

This three patent-pending MINLP technology:

  • Can increase profitability by up to 18% when compared to traditional NLP energy management
  • Has a ROI of 1 to 2 months through the reduction of utility costs by determining the optimal energy source.

Schneider Electric Software, https://software.schneider-electric.com