A framework for process design and control

This paper outlines recent developments of a unified framework for obtaining integrated process and control systems designs, which are economically optimal and able to cope with parametric uncertainty and process disturbances. Process systems are modelled using dynamic mathematical models, variations include both uncertain parameters and time-varying disturbances and control structure selection and controller design is considered as part of the optimization problem. Robust stability criteria are also included within the integrated scheme so as to maintain desired dynamic characteristics. An efficient decomposition algorithm for the solution of the resulting mixed-integer optimal control problem is outlined. The potential of the proposed approach is illustrated with a methanol-water double-effect distillation example.