Industrial implementation of a predictive IMC controller

Applying a commercial multivariable model predictive controller (MPC) to a SISO system is inappropriate considering that an inexpensive PID controller may be used instead. Model-based predictive controllers, however, have been known to handle processes with long deadtime much better than PID controllers. For this reason, an unconstrained single-loop predictive controller has been chosen for hydrogen purity control in one of the upgrading processes at Syncrude Canada Ltd. Where deadtime is in the order of 35 minutes. FIR models have been adopted for designing the single-loop predictive controller that is commonly referred to as predictive IMC (internal model control).