Myth 1 You need an advanced degree to do advanced control. Not so anymore. New software packages that can be used to design a virtual plant automate much of the required expertise and eliminate the need for special interfaces. The user can now focus mostly on the application and the goal.

Myth 2 Dynamic simulations and model-based control are only applicable to continuous processes. Since most of the applications are in the continuous industry, this is a common misconception. While it is true that a steady state simulation is not valid since there is by definition no steady state in batch, dynamic simulation can follow a batch as long as the software can handle zero flows and empty vessels. Model-predictive control (MPC), which looks at trajectories, is suitable for the real-time optimization (RTO) of fed batch processes. The opportunities MPC provides to improve a process's efficiency add up to be about 25 percent for batch compared to 5 percent for continuous operations.

Myth 3 You need consultants to maintain dynamic simulations and model-based control systems. No longer true. The ease of use of new software allows the user to get much more involved, which is critical to ensuring that the plant gets the most value out of the models. Previously, the benefits started to diminish as soon as the consultant left the job site. Now, the user should be able to tune, troubleshoot, and update the models.

Myth 4 You don't need good...