Rockwell Automation has added new tools to its Pavilion8 model predictive control software, giving users the ability to create simple to complex process models on their own. Leveraging a powerful modeling engine, Pavilion8 software version 4.0 gathers all data from within a facility – including equations, empirical data and heuristics – to help users develop a robust model of the process. The software continuously assesses current and predicted operational data, compares it to desired results, and computes new control targets to reduce in-process variability and improve process performance.

“Our customers are constantly being asked to do more with less,” said Ric Snyder, senior product manager for advanced process control, Rockwell Automation. “Pavilion8 version 4.0 includes new tools that enable users to build, maintain and adjust many models on their own – without the need for outside support. This helps companies squeeze every ounce of production out of existing lines.”

Through integration with the PlantPAx process automation system, Pavilion8 users can build models leveraging a common design and execution environment to reduce overall commissioning time. The latest version of Pavilion8 software includes three key enhancements to simplify model predictive control and further reduce total cost of ownership – solution builder tools, Web-based dashboards and automatic step testing.

Invensys Operations Management, a global provider of technology systems, software solutions and consulting services to the manufacturing and infrastructure operations industries, has signed a multi-year licensing agreement with Valero Energy Corporation, allowing use of Invensys Operations Management’s patented ACA.HF Advanced Alkylation Measurement Solution. In the first phase, Valero will implement the solution at seven refineries globally. The Invensys solution monitors and measures hydrofluoric acid levels in real time by analyzing differential responses from online sensors, helping to improve the safety, reliability and environmental performance of the refinery and creating new opportunities to reduce operating costs.

Commonly used in petroleum processing, hydrofluoric acid is a highly toxic catalyst that must be carefully managed and controlled. Accurately analyzing how much HF is re-circulating within the process contributes significantly to increasing the efficiency of the refinery because it can improve crude stock yield and associated costs. Early approaches to HF monitoring involved taking manual samples and analyzing them in a laboratory. This approach however, even when carefully executed, potentially exposed lab workers to severe toxins, and its accuracy was limited. And while more recent techniques can produce more accurate readings, their adaptation for real-time online monitoring is complex and costly.

Invensys Operations Management’s advanced measurement solution, however, brings new levels of simplicity, cost effectiveness and employee safety to that task. By using real-time online sensors instead of people, it significantly reduces the possibility of accidental exposure, thereby diminishing the risk to employees and curtailing the potential for environmental hazards. And because it replaces conventional manual laboratory sampling and other types of analysis, it can drastically improve the efficiency of the operation while lowering costs.

ARC Advisory Group, the leading global research and advisory firm for manufacturing, industry, and infrastructure, announces the release of MIRA - Market Intelligence and Rapid Analysis. This on-line, cloud-based, hosted solution provides easy-to-use tools to enable ARC clients to quickly access and analyze the company’s entire base of automation and enterprise market research right from their desktops. Both global and regional-level market intelligence is now available.

ARC Global Outlook Research Studies have typically been available in hard copy and electronic PDF formats. In development for several years, MIRA brings ARC research into a powerful analytic environment that offers a flexible query capability combined with standard charts and tables for results. ARC improved upon the well-proven Microsoft Excel environment using Microsoft’s latest PowerPivot analytics tools and delivers this service to clients through cloud-based Microsoft Remote Services.

Houston, Texas — May 7, 2012 — KBR (NYSE:KBR) announced today Kincaid Generation LLC, a subsidiary of Dominion Resources, Inc, awarded the KBR Power & Industrial Group a contract to provide engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services for a dry sorbent injection (DSI) system to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions at its Kincaid Power Station.

The project, located in Kincaid, IL, will include sodium bicarbonate (SBC) rail unloading facilities, SBC truck unloading facilities, Nol-Tec Systems “Sorb-N-Ject” technology DSI system, and onsite SBC milling and storage. The project is scheduled for completion in late 2013.

“KBR is pleased to be a part of the Dominion Kincaid project team,” said Jim Stewart, president, KBR Power & Industrial Group. “KBR is committed to delivering safe and quality projects to our clients and we welcome this opportunity to deliver this important project for Dominion and its Kincaid facility.”