Experimental Investigation of Adaptive Control of a Distillation Column

A unified approach to discrete-time explicit model reference adaptive control schemes has been applied to the multivariable control of a pilot scale packed distillation column separating a mixture of methanol and water. The control scheme is based on Landau-Lozano´s approach (1981), and a method of control costing of Clarke and Grawthrop (1975) and an estimation method of nonzero d.c. value are also incorporated. The effects of the model order and time delays are illustrated. The resulting control performance is compared with that achieved with conventional proportional plus integral action.