Multi-Parametric Model Predictive Control Strategies for a Rotary Tablet Press in Pharmaceutical Industry

The pharmaceutical manufacturing industry has been undergoing a paradigm change from the standard batch pharmaceutical manufacturing towards continuous manufacturing, which is a quicker, more effective approach. Even so, most work in continuous tablet manufacturing has focused on classic model predictive control strategies. Multi-parametric model predictive control strategies are a better fit for assuring a quality-by-control (QbC) approach and progressing towards embracing the Industry 4.0 revolution. In this work an advanced multi-parametric model based predictive control strategy for the control of a continuous manufacturing process for solid dosage forms in the pharmaceutical industry is developed. The model used to develop the advanced control strategies is validated and calibrated using real data from the Pilot Plant. This will lead to better process performances including increased process efficiency, expanded process flexibility, and decreased environmental impact despite the presence of process uncertainties, measurement noise and disturbances.