Flow and temperature control using advanced strategies

Abstract

The main objective of a chemical plant is to convert certain raw materials into desired final products in the most economical way. But during its operation, a plant must also satisfy several requirements in the presence of constantly changing external influences. Some ofthe important requirements include maintaining product specifications, meeting safety criteria, obeying environmental regulations, operating within design constraints, and economic utilization of raw materials and energy (Stephanopoulos, 1984). These requirements suggest the need for continuous monitoring and control of a chemical process. This is achieved by the control system that includes equipment like measuring devices, control valves, controllers, computers, and humans (design and control engineers, plant operators).