This paper addresses
the energy consumption of distillation process
via an actuator, which is a challenging problem in process industries.
Precise control action would enhance energy consumption and improve
the productivity. This paper is an experimental validation of EPC-PI
control algorithm and analysis of distillate purity of a lab-scale
distillation column. The PI control scheme uses closed-loop data of
extended predictive controller (EPC) that has been performed through
off-line simulation. The performance of control method is compared
with different schemes such as Hägglund’s one-third
rule and Skogestad’s overshoot method. The issue of integral
windup in the multivariable process is addressed in the aspect of
optimal energy consumption. The energy consumption calculations are
made with respect to power utility of actuators throughout the process.
The distillate product of post-controller implementation is processed
to qualitative analysis using UV spectroscopy. Performance index is
carried out via integral time absolute error (ITAE) by perturbing
plant parameters up to 30% uncertainty.