Model-based predictive control increases batch reactor production.

The article focuses on a model-based predictive control that increases batch reactor production. The predictive controller for reactors (PCR) is a set of control modules that are designed to face most of the reactor configurations. The important increase of production is a consequence of the better handling of the reactor temperature. Better dynamic control of the temperature in an exothermic chemical reactor allows increasing the injection of reactants. The proposed technique, PCR, is a model-based predictive controller. The methodology relies on a dynamic model of the process to be controlled. The estimated model, describing the relationships between the manipulated variables (actions) and the temperatures to be controlled, makes possible predicting behavior of these temperatures and computing the actions to be applied to the unit. INSET: Predictive controller for reactors model.