Test a process and generate a model and control

The basic steps to test a process and generate a model are:

  1. Select the module.
    • If PredictPro was launched in context from Control Studio or DeltaV Explorer, the module appears at the top level in the model list.
    • If PredictPro is opened from the Start menu, click FileSelect Block, and then browse for the module.
  2. Put the downstream blocks in the correct mode.
    • Select MPC control in the Operation area to put the downstream blocks in the correct mode (Remote Cascade or Cascade depending upon the connection). (Notice that the actual mode of the function block changes from IMAN to MAN.)
  3. Set up the trends.
    • Select Trend Setup in the Tree View to set up the trends that plot the function block's input and output parameters. Up to six of the block inputs and outputs can be trended at one time in a selected trend. To add a parameter to a trend, select the parameter, and click the add arrow (-->) at the color that you want to use to plot the parameter on the graph. To remove a parameter from a trend, click the remove arrow (<--).
  4. Set up the test.
    • Verify that all loops are properly tuned and that the transmitters and valves that provide the inputs and use the outputs of the block are working correctly. Select Test Setup in the Tree View to define the parameters included in the test and the manipulated parameters that will be tested at one time. Use the Select All for Test button to select all the manipulated parameters. Select an individual parameter and select Modify to define the setup of the Manipulated parameter.
  5. Run the Test.
    • Once the test is set up and the downstream blocks associated with the manipulated parameters included in the test are in their remote mode, select Model in the Tree View, and then click Test to initiate automatic testing of the process. In response, the manipulated parameters will automatically change in a pseudo-random manner over the test time. While testing is active, the actual mode of the function block changes to LO. You can change a manipulated parameter during testing by right-clicking the associated manipulated parameter, and then selecting Set Value. The portion of testing that is complete is indicated by a progression bar. The estimated time remaining to complete the test is shown below the progression bar.
  6. Select the data.
    • If you are running a test, a green area automatically covers the portion of the trend associated with the test beginning and end times.
    • If you are not running a test, drag the green bars over the data that you wish to use to create the model and control.
    • You can also create a model from data stored in a valid MPC data file format. Refer to for more information. To use a data file, select FileAutogenerate From File, and then browse to the desired data file.
  7. Generate a model and control for the MPCPro block.
    1. Click Autogenerate. (See note below.) The model and control is generated from the data and automatically assigned to the block. (Download the controller to put the model online.)
    2. In Expert mode, click Create Model only if you want to create the model from the selected data. The model is not assigned to the block and no control is generated. To create a model and/or control from data stored in a valid MPC data file, select the appropriate option from the File menu.
      Note

      Be sure that the module containing the function block is not open in Control Studio when you click Autogenerate because the block is updated when the model is being generated.

  8. Create a model for the MPCPlus block.
    1. Click Create Model
    2. Assign the model using the Assign context menu command or the Assign button.