Cascade temperature control for bench-scale batch reactor-an application of Predictive Functional Control technique

An advanced control concept, namely Predictive Functional Control (PFC) technique, is applied for temperature control of a bench-scale batch reactor. First principles models for individual process unit are developed. Based on achieved models, significant process variables, which are difficult or impossible to measure online, are estimated from easily measured variables, and cascade PFC control strategy has been projected and implemented in Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). The dynamic of individual process subunits is explicit taken into consideration. Moreover, model uncertainty and various process disturbances are compensated by modification of internal model. The experimental results present an excellent capability of tracking the set point.