This book fills the gap between basic control configurations (Practical Process Control) and model predictive control (MPC). For those loops whose performance has a direct impact on plant economics or product quality, going beyond simple feedback or cascade can improve control performance, or specifically, reduce the variance about the target. However, the effort required to implement such control technology must be offset by increased economic returns from production operations. The economic aspects of the application of the various advanced control technologies are stressed throughout the book.

Dr. Cecil Smith has over 35 years experience in process control, and his expertise encompasses virtually every control technology being applied in industrial production facilities. His primary focus is on designing a control strategy for a process and then commissioning the controls, that is, the process aspects as opposed to systems aspects.? However, he is proficient with both DCS's, PLC's, PC-based controls, and single-loop microprocessor-based controls, and is capable of resolving both process and system problems.
Dr. Smith has equally extensive experience in teaching continuing education courses for practicing engineers on various aspects of process control and instrumentation.