Non-Linear Model-Based Multivariable Control of a Crude Distillation Process

Abstract

In this chapter, a multivariable control problem is solved by formulating the nonlinear constrained optimization strategy for a crude distillation process. The heavy oil fractionator problem proposed by Shell Oil was selected for this work. The presence of hard constraints in the optimization problem makes the overall system non-linear even though the process dynamics are assumed linear. The heavy oil fractionator control problem embodies the key elements of all control problems such as multiple objective criteria, inequality and equality constraints and model uncertainty with first-order differential equations and dead time.