Multivariable and multirate self-tuning control: a distillation column case study

Author

Tham, M.T. ; Vagi, F. ; Morris, A.J. ; Wood, R.K.

Author_Institution

Dept. of Chem. & Process Eng., Newcastle upon Tyne Univ., UK

Volume

138

Issue

1

fYear

1991

fDate

1/1/1991 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

9

Lastpage

24

Abstract

The paper is concerned with the evaluation of self-tuning control algorithms for the multivariable control of distillation columns. The results presented are taken from a continuing programme of investigations aimed at improving distillation column control performance. The performance of several multivariable self-tuning strategies is evaluated by online application to a pilot-scale binary distillation column which is subjected to disturbances of ±25% step changes in feed flow rate. The performance of the multivariable algorithms is compared with that achieved using conventional digital multiloop PI/PID control. The results have demonstrated that use of multivariable self-tuning control, in particular multirate-multivariable self-tuning control, can provide better regulatory performance for feed flow rate disturbances than can be achieved using a multiloop PI/PID strategy

Keywords

adaptive control; chemical industry; multivariable control systems; process control; self-adjusting systems; adaptive control; distillation columns; feed flow rate; multirate self-tuning control; multivariable control; process control;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Control Theory and Applications, IEE Proceedings D

Publisher

iet

ISSN

0143-7054

Type

jour

Filename

61667