Multivariable Self-Tuning Control Strategy for Distillation Columns

Dual-composition control of distillation columns is a challenging problem which has received widespread attention. Multivariable self-tuning control provides a promising approach since it has the capability of handling nonlinearities, time delays, and control-loop interactions. In this paper, the performance of a multivariable self-tuning controller is evaluated via a simulation study of two distillation columns. The self-tuner can be applied to processes which contain different time delays and sampling rates in each control loop. The effects of major design parameters are illustrated by the simulation results.