Controller design for a binary distillation column under disturbances with bounds on magnitudes and derivatives using Zakian´s framework

This paper presents the dynamical linear controller design for a binary distillation column. The design is based on Zakian´s framework, which consists of the principle of matching and the method of inequalities. The performance measures for the column are the maximum deviations of product compositions (controlled variables) from their set points, and the maximum magnitudes of a reflux rate and a reboiler rate (manipulated variables) taken from all time. In the problem formulation, all admissible disturbances are modeled as signals with bounded magnitudes and bounded rates of change. Applying the method of inequalities to the design problem, one can ensure that, provided a solution is found, the system operates satisfactorily in the presence of all admissible disturbances. The simulation results confirm the consistency of the resulting control system with the performance specifications.