Variable Time Delay Estimation for a Debutanizer Column Using Multiple Correlation Analysis

Finite-time delay is a significant issue in the design of soft sensors. Designing soft sensors in the process industry can help mitigating the adverse effects of finite-time delay in monitoring and control. This paper introduces a procedure called Time Variant Multiple Correlation Delay Estimation (TV -MCDE) for estimating time variant delays. The procedure involves the iterative estimation of the multiple correlation between input regressors and the output by using a sliding window. The paper provides details on the selection of the window. Finally, the procedure is validated against a process widely investigated in the literature, namely, a debutanizer column of a refinery.