Stochastic Plantwide Optimizing Control for an Acrylic Acid Plant

Abstract

This work addresses the design of an optimized control system for an acrylic acid plant through the lens of the Stochastic Plant-Wide Optimizing Control (S-PWOC) framework. The S-PWOC employs stochastic optimization methods and advanced computer modeling to optimize plant performance by dynamically adjusting operational parameters under varying uncertainties. A comparison between the proposed S-PWOC model and two conventional approaches, the two-level identification method and the typical plant-wide decentralized control structure, highlights the advantages of S-PWOC despite its higher computational demands. Experimental results demonstrate significant improvements, including a 15% increase in process efficiency, a 10% reduction in energy consumption, enhanced product quality consistency, and greater economic viability. Additionally, S-PWOC proves effective in reducing safety risks and improving control efficiency, making it a robust solution for handling uncertainties in real-world plant operations.