Studies in plant-wide controllability using the Tennessee Eastman Challenge problem, the case for multivariable control

The design and application of a new control structure for the Tennessee Eastman Challenge Process is presented. This structure is primarily single-input single-output (SISO) but it has been augmented with the concept of extensive variable control to intuitively design multivariable structures for the regulation of the production rate and the product purities. A review of plant-wide control methodologies is provided to lay the basis for a discussion of SISO versus multivariable approaches