Maximizing output of a sludge drying plant through multiple parameter optimization

The final processing facility of a typical oil and gas processing plant is the The Sludge Drying Plant (SDP) that produces bio-sludge cake that is sent out for final disposal. Mechanical inconsistency, uneven chemical reactions and other process disturbances contribute to the percentage of dry solid amount. A more realistic and reliable operational rules and algorithm is required, taking into account the controller, known and unknown parameters. To achieve maximum output of the SDP, each parameter is identified, and optimized individually, and treated as subsystems before fine tuning the system as a whole. Optimized controls for the subsystems ensure a maximum weight percent solution (wt%) is squeezed out from available process parameters.