Smart controls spread beyond refining

Advanced process control and model-based predictive control systems – those that automatically track and manage multiple process parameters in real time to maximise profit – are moving beyond their oil and gas processing and refinery roots. Pavilion Technologies, which started 12 years ago in Austin, Texas, has moved the technology into pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, polymer plastics and paper production – and latterly also low cost combustion monitoring systems for environmental compliance. The firm is now setting up in the UK under the management of Derek Horn, formerly with Honeywell Marine Systems and Kvaerner. Pavilion CEO Ralph Carter is credited with accelerating the company through a ‘Value first’ initiative, in which Pavilion works with customers to solve problems and offer guaranteed ROI. Says Amy George, director of marketing, “The value is normally $100,000 to $1 million in term of energy, raw material and quality improvements. But if the customer isn’t satisfied he can return the equipment.”