Linear MIMO controller design for an industrial reactive distillation column

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the use of advanced linear controller design methods foran industrial scale reactive distillation column. The open-loop analysis of the process behavior indicates that linear control of the process is promising. Therefore, a control structure selection is made by an analysis of the physical behavior of the system and a RGA-analysis. Afterwards a frequency response approximation technique is used for the design of linear MIMO-controllers. Robustness of the closed loop is observed during the controller design. Finally, the controller is tested on the nonlinear process model. Copyright© 2001 IFAC