Linear Model Predictive Control for a Reactive Dividing Wall Column

Reactive dividing wall columns (RDWCs) facilitate the combination of at least three unit operations into one apparatus: a chemical reactor and several thermal separation units. This kind of process intensification holds great opportunities, like the reduction of both capital as well as operational costs. Yet, it is accompanied by strong interactions, superimposed effects and complex dynamics. This makes the design of adequate control concepts for the RDWC challenging. The unique properties of the RDWC suggest that this system is very well suited to be operated with model-based multivariable control. In this work, a model predictive controller (MPC) is setup and tested for an enzymatic transesterification reaction and subsequent separation in an RDWC.