An Alternative Control Structure for the Naphtha Distillation Plant Based on Multivariable Model Predictive Control

An alternative end product quality control system is proposed for an industrial plant involving a sequence of distillation columns using a multivariable model predictive control (MPC) approach. The latter was realized using the MATLAB toolbox. A controllability analysis using the steady-state controllability metrics is presented and discussed to make a comparison between the currently applied and alternative control systems. Next, obtained results are verified with a closed-loop performance under the set point change. The tests show the advantage of an alternative control structure. Conclusions are drawn about the feasibility of using the proposed approach to manage the quality of the end products.