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Abdelaziz Toumi, Sebastian Engell
Optimization-based Control of a Reactive Chromatographic Separation Process
In this paper, we investigate the continuous production of High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) in a Reactive Simulated Moving Bed process (RSMB). The RSMB process combines a quasi-continuous chromatographic separation with the enzymatic biochemical conversion of glucose to fructose. The optimal operating regime of the RSMB process is determined based on a rigorous mathematical model of the plant. During the operation of the RSMB process, disturbances occur (e. g. a decrease of the enzymatic activity) which lead to an off-spec product. The control objective is to minimize the eluent consumption while maintaining the product purity. We propose a nonlinear model predictive controller which can deal with the complex hybrid dynamic of the RSMB plant as well as with hard constraints. The parameters of the non-linear process model are periodically estimated by least-squares fitting to online measurements. The control concept was implemented at a pilot scale plant and experimental results are shown. This is worldwide the first implementation of an MPC scheme at an SMB unit.
at – Automatisierungstechnik, Oldenbourg Wissenschaftsverlag
Print ISSN: 0178-2312
Volume: 52, 01/2004
Pages: 013