Control and Optimization of a Triple String Rotary Cement Kiln using Model Predictive Control

Pyro processing is one of the most important stages in cement manufacturing process. Control of pyro-processing is vital in improving the energy efficiency and enhancing the production assuring good quality:. The complex nature of cement kilns with longer time constants, changing raw material characteristics, non-linear dynamics make them very difficult to control, in addition to that inclusion of various alternative fuels in burning makes the process more complex as the fuel characteristics remain inconsistent throughout the kiln operation. This paper describes a novel way of optimizing a triple string calciner kiln in a real plant using model predictive control and a fuzzy based real time optimizer. Compared to the conventional controllers the MPC handles the disturbances better resulting in improved productivity, lesser energy consumption and better quality. (C) 2016, IFAC (International Rderation or Automatic Control) Hosting by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.