*Curvaceous Software Newsletter January 2004*

Contents
1. Identifying variables in alarm
2. INTERKAMA exhibition

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1. **Curvaceus Process Modeller's unique alarm detection**

Curvaceous Process Modeller's (CPM's) modelling is based on the BOZ - that is the multi-dimensional envelope of a dataset defining the Best Operating Zone. Every process variable has one dimension therefore the BOZ, which accounts for all of the variables, is a closed surface in N-dimensional space. N is typically between 10 and 100. Each variable has an individual BOZ range - from the lowest to the highest values included anywhere in the BOZ. 

An operating point of the process being modelled is a point in the N-dimensional space whose value of each dimension corresponds to the value of a process variable at that point. Hence showing where or rather how the process is being operated at a particular point in time.

There are two simple cases of operation. 

First, the point may be inside the BOZ and therefore there are no alarms. Secondly, one variable (or more) may have a value outside its BOZ range consequently sounding an alarm or alarms. In this case it is only possible to bring the point back inside the BOZ and therefore stop the alarm by changing the value of that variable.  

The third case is more complex.

The point is outside the BOZ but no variable is outside its BOZ range. CPM then has to decide which variables out of a number of possible candidates are actually in alarm. The principle is to find the minimum number of variables that can consistently be regarded as in alarm. This is equivalent to finding the least number of dimensions (co-ordinate directions) along which to move from the operating point to get into the BOZ. In other words, changing the fewest number of variable values indicating the easiest way to correct the alarm.

The co-ordinates of the N-dimensional space are not arbitrary, because each one corresponds to a measured process variable. This process can be regarded simply as the variables that are not in alarm "voting off" the others. 

This fairly straightforward procedure answers a rather complex question; given the simultaneous values of dozens of process variables, none of which is outside its absolute limits, which ones don't fit with the other for good process operation? 

The process knowledge necessary to make that decision is incorporated in the (N-dimensional) shape of the BOZ. 

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2. **INTERKAMA 2004**

Curvaceous Software is delighted to announce their participation in INTERKAMA 2004. 

Running from Monday 19th April to Saturday 24th, INTERKAMA is the worlds leading trade fair for process automation. It will be staged for the first time as one of eight consecutive exhibitions in the Hannover Fair. Organised by Deutsche Messe AG the showground for this extravaganza is the Hannover Messe Exhibition Ground, Hannover, Germany.

This technology feast is set to entice key international exhibitors and personnel from over sixteen major industries such as Chemicals, Oil and gas, Pharmaceuticals, Food, IT, Iron, Steel and Plastics to name a few. The main display categories in INTERKAMA itself include "Automation and IT solutions", "Field equipment and components", "Control systems" and "Engineering, maintenance, services".

Not only will the exhibition itself provide substantial information and novel ideas, the new INTERKAMA Forum will enhance this by providing the opportunity to gain first-hand interactive information from global experts on the latest technological developments.  

To register your interest please email interkama@curvaceous.com, phone +44 (0) 1753 893090 or fax +44 (0) 1753 893950. For more information regarding Curvaceous Software and Interkama 2004 please visit www.curvaceous.com  or  www.interkama.com respectively.

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If you wish to comment on this or any other newsletter please contact us by phone +44 (0) 1753 893090, fax +44 (0) 1753 893950 or email enquiries@curvaceous.com.