Dynamics and control of distributed parameter systems with recycles

Abstract

In this research work we investigated two areas of process systems, one distributed parameter systems and the other recycle systems, which are receiving increasing attention from the academic community and industries. Distributed parameter systems (like the tubular reactors and heat exchangers) and processes with material and energy recycles are very common in chemical industries. Dynamic behavior of such systems is complicated and controller design and tuning has to be done very carefully. Here, an attempt is made to provide guidelines for obtaining dynamic solutions of such systems using numerical techniques such as finite differences and collocation technique. Two new control strategies has been proposed, one for lumped parameter system with recycles (predictor recycle compensator strategy) and the other for distributed parameter systems (modal feedback-feedforward control strategy). A new index called "recycle effect index" has been evaluated which quantifies recycles and also advises upon the need to go for advanced control strategies.