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Batch‐to‐batch control of characteristic points on the PSD in experimental emulsion polymerization
Author(s) -
Dokucu Mustafa T.,
Doyle Francis J.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
aiche journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.958
H-Index - 167
eISSN - 1547-5905
pISSN - 0001-1541
DOI - 10.1002/aic.11618
Subject(s) - curse of dimensionality , controller (irrigation) , process (computing) , emulsion polymerization , distribution (mathematics) , control theory (sociology) , point (geometry) , set (abstract data type) , set point , control (management) , model predictive control , mathematics , biological system , emulsion , process control , algorithm , batch processing , batch reactor , computer science , mathematical optimization , engineering , polymerization , materials science , control engineering , statistics , chemical engineering , chemistry , mathematical analysis , artificial intelligence , composite material , biology , polymer , operating system , biochemistry , geometry , agronomy , programming language , catalysis
An integrated batch‐to‐batch and in‐batch control algorithm to regulate the endpoint particle size distribution (PSD) in an experimental semibatch emulsion copolymerization reactor is presented. Partial least squares (PLS) models of the process are utilized in a model predictive control (MPC) framework to regulate the PSD. The high dimensionality of the PSD is reduced through the use of a new approach, where the heights and positions of the characteristic points on the distribution are used to represent the whole distribution. This approach enables one to shift control priorities on the positions of the modes of a distribution with respect to the heights of the modes as well as efficiently reducing the dimensionality of the problem. The proposed algorithm is first tested on the simulation of the plant and showed success in regulating the PSD both in set point changes and against persistent disturbances. The experimental validation of the algorithm included two case studies where the controller was found to be effective. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008