Application of Wiener model predictive control (WMPC) to an industrial C2-splitter

Dual composition control of a high-purity distillation column is recognized as an industrially important, yet notoriously difficult control problem. It is proposed, however, that Wiener models, consisting of a linear dynamic element followed in series by a static nonlinear element, are ideal for representing this and several other nonlinear processes. They are relatively simple models requiring little more effort in development than a standard linear step response model, yet offer superior characterization of systems with highly nonlinear gains. Wiener models may be incorporated into MPC schemes in a unique way that effectively removes the nonlinearity from the control problem, preserving many of the favorable properties of linear MPC, especially in the analysis of stability. In this paper, Wiener model predictive control is applied to an industrial C2-splitter at the Orica Olefines plant with promising results. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.