The practical application of advanced control can have a significant impact on process performance. In many processes it can double profitability. Course delegates will learn not only the importance of process control but also how it is applied. Successful implementation depends also on the awareness of others of the benefits and the efforts involved in installation. The courses are of value not only to those directly involved in implementation but also to process management and other technical support groups who have responsibility for maintaining and improving process profitability. Delegates would include control engineers, process engineers, mechanical engineers, instrument engineers, instrument technicians and plant supervisors.
The courses stress the practical application of basic and advanced control techniques, using the minimum of control theory. They comprise a number of relatively short classroom sessions each followed by more lengthy 'hands-on' work. Delegates work in small groups on a process simulated on a PC.
Whitehouse offers process control training both in-company and, with its partners, as open-access courses. It also licenses its training software for long term use by its clients to meet internal training needs. If required Whitehouse can continue to support the client, providing advice on the implementation of technology and in project execution.
Clients with four or more potential course delegates will probably find it more economic to commission Whitehouse to present a course in-house. This also permits the course content and timing to be tailored to the client's needs. The material available is more extensive than the modules included in open-access courses and new modules are developed regularly.
Selected topics are included in five open-access courses which are presented regularly throughout the world. Clients with only a few personnel to train, and whose needs closely match the course content, will find this the most cost effective approach. It also gives the opportunity to meet people from other companies and industries. The next course is usually within six months.
Modern Control Techniques(3 days) |
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Process Dynamics PID Control Signal Conditioning Level Control Feedforward Control |
Advanced Control Techniques(2 days) |
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Deadtime Compensation Non-linear Control Constraint Control |
Compressor Control(1 day) |
Steam Boiler and Fired Heater Control(1 day) |
Distillation Column Control(3 days) |
PACT comprises Imperial College London and twelve chemicals/process companies. It offers an Integrated Graduate Development Scheme - a suite of sixteen modules covering the whole spectrum of process instrumentation, control and automation. Modules may be taken either on an ad-hoc basis or be counted towards an MSc in Process Automation. Whitehouse contributes a sunbstantial part of the Dynamics and Control of Distillation Columns module.
Most of Whitehouse's clients license the software for long term use. The courses are intensive and the software provides an effective refresher when the delegate wishes to apply the technology. It is also used by many clients to train employees who have not attended the courses. Over 150 sites now use the package in this way.
The course tutor, Myke King, has over 35 years experience in the practical application of process control. His early career was spent with ICI and Esso. For almost 30 years he has been an independent consultant working for many of the world's leading companies. He has taught process control to over 2,000 engineers. Course delegates have the opportunity to discuss, with Myke, application of the technology to their own process. Most are able to return to their plant and make an immediate impact on its performance. Myke can similarly offer advice on how larger projects should be progressed and which vendors and technologies should be considered.