The new automated determination of root cause does not rely on process models which enables major operational benefits across most complex process plants.

The U.S. Patent office has issued a patent for Automated Determination of Root Cause to Metso Automation USA, Inc. The patent was developed by Metso's ExperTune team, and is used in their PlantTriage Control Loop Monitoring software. 

The key to assessing a control loop is to locate the original root cause of upsets. The new patented method determines the most likely root cause using a "big data" technique and it eliminates several costly and time-consuming steps in the problem-solving process.

''Our clients see the benefits in energy savings, production increases, and quality improvements. With the proper training and methodology, a single engineer can perform like a large team of engineers,'' says George Buckbee, General Manager, Automation, and the inventor of record.

The new tools are available in the current release of Metso ExperTune PlantTriage software which is an integral part of Metso's Control Performance Business Solution.

Applicable across many various unit operations

The new automated method determines the most likely root cause using a "big data" technique.  First, it gathers real-time data from hundreds or thousands of controllers.  Then, it looks at correlations between controllers, and especially at the effect of time-shifting on correlations. Since root causes come usually appear as the first in a series of similar events, the software is able to identify the most likely root cause from this combination of correlation and time shift.

Because the new technology does not rely on process models, it is very adaptable, and can be applied across many various unit operations. This is especially important in complex process plants where interactions are complex, and accurate dynamic process models may not be available.

Results of the automated analysis are displayed in a Process Interaction Map.  The Process Interaction Map shows the relationship graphically, using bands of color to highlight the strongest correlations.  For oscillatory interactions, the PlantTriage software also includes the Oscillation Details Problem-Solver.

The Advantages of Root Cause Analysis Tools:

  • Locates the root cause of routine variation in a manufacturing process

  • Determines the root cause in quality upsets or alarms, as well as, the variation under normal conditions

  • The end-user needs no prior process knowledge: The cause can be determined without physical description of the process

  • Prioritizes a list of likely root causes, displaying it in an easy-to-understand graphic

About Metso ExperTune PlantTriage

Metso ExperTune PlantTriage software is the foundation for Metso's Control Performance Business Solution. This customized service program pairs award-winning PlantTriage software with experienced control performance specialists, who collect and analyze real-time performance data, identify the root cause of underperforming loops, make and prioritize corrective action recommendations and report progress. These specialists are trained to recognize the economic value of control improvement so they can focus on the most important issues and report on their impact in business terms.

"By providing a global network of service experts and improved process control tools, such as Metso ExperTune PlantTriage, clients can expect results like sustainability and profitability,'' says John Cullen, Vice President Portfolio and Marketing, Automation Services.

Metso announced acquisition of U.S. the software company ExperTune Inc beginning of 2013. The combination of ExperTune's products and Metso's services portfolio has strengthened Metso's capability to offer solutions targeted to improving process and business performance.

Metso's automation solutions are designed to maximize the profitability of our customers' businesses by improving their production performance and their cost, material and energy efficiency. Our extensive range of flow control and process automation solutions and services is supported by a worldwide network of automation experts. The Automation business' biggest customer industries are oil & gas, and pulp and paper. We also have a strong growth focus in mining and construction and power generation. 

www.metso.com, www.twitter.com/metsoautomation

Metso is a leading process performance provider, with customers in the mining, construction, and oil & gas industries. Our focus is on the continuous development of intelligent solutions that improve sustainability and profitability. Metso's shares are listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd. Metso employs around 16,000 professionals in 50 countries. Expect results.

www.metso.com, www.twitter.com/metsogroup

For more information on Metso's ExperTune PlantTriage software:

For more information on Metso's Control Performance Business Solution:

Adam Melton, Business Manager, Performance Solutions, Automation, Metso

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