1. CLIFFTENT Inc.: Process Control, Optimization, Scheduling, Performance
Dr. Pierre R. Latour, PE Consulting Chemical Engineer
CIMFUELS Business Consulting 28 July 1999
CIMFUELS.
Computer integrated manufacturing of fuels (CIMFUELS) and chemicals (CIMCHEM) employs online
computers for direct, closed-loop control, optimization, scheduling, integration and performance
measurement of process plant operation to effect increased manufacturing profits.
SOLUTIONS.
Since retiring early from Setpoint, Dynamic Matrix Control and Aspen Tech, Pierre Latour and his
company, CLIFFTENT, have offered chemical process control engineering and business consulting
services. He specializes in proper methods for licensing CIMFUELS technology solutions for HPI
operating companies and their suppliers, based on performance, value added, shared risk – shared reward
principles (SR2™).
PERFORMANCE.
Focus on sustained performance reveals the need to measure financial value added or profit. The unique
discovery of CLIFFTENT™ allows Dr. Latour to properly determine the financial merit of process control,
improved dynamic performance of processes, smoother operation, reduced variance and improved quality
control. Benefits are typically twice those estimated by traditional, incomplete methods.
PLANT CONSTRAINTS.
Proper setting of process and product limits, specs, targets and constraints for use by operators,
production planners, LP optimizers, control systems and CIM is fundamental to plant profitability and
CIMFUELS success. These are set by people, not computers. If set too tightly/conservatively, process
potential is curtailed. If set to widely/liberally, penalties from maintenance, environment and customers
ensue. CLIFFTENT™ integrates dependent variable uncertainty (risk management) with a complete profit
function of the process model and its connection to surroundings models, to optimize setting of quality
targets and plant constraints.
INCENTIVE.
The true potential for upgrading plant operating methods (like monthly offline LP) to CIMFUELS
sustained performance using SR2™ and CLIFFTENT™ technology approaches $1/bbl crude oil for
petroleum refining and 0.05 $/pound of ethylene for olefin steam crackers. The process control business
must mature from an instrument/computer/data base/model/algorithm/tool/product offering style to an
integrated CIM system solution offering style that adds substantial value. The business focus should be to
“Identify, Capture and Sustain significant economic benefit for operating companies and solution suppliers
from CIMFUELS/CIMCHEM technologies”.
ACTION.
Pierre Latour began his career at DuPont and joined Shell Oil in 1966. His resume with list of
publications is available by email WORD file. He received CONTROL Magazine’s 1999 Engineer of the
Year Award, March 1999. CLIFFTENT™ was published in Hydrocarbon Processing, Dec 1996, p 75-80.
His consulting services billing rate is $200/hour for time spent on behalf of his selected clients, plus related
expenses.
810 HERDSMAN DR, HOUSTON, TEXAS USA 77079-4203; Tel & Fax: 281-679-6709; SR2@msn.com