Nasser Mohamed Ramli

By Nasser Mohamed Ramli

The debutanizer column is an important unit operation in petroleum refining industries. The top product is liquefied petroleum gas and the bottom product is light naphtha. This system is difficult to handle. This is because due to its non-linear behavior, multivariable interaction and existence of numerous constraints on its manipulated variable. Neural network techniques have been increasingly used for a wide variety of applications. In this book, equation-based multi-input multi-output (MIMO) neural network has been proposed for multivariable control strategy to control the top and bottom temperatures of the column. The manipulated variables for column are reflux and reboiler flow rates, respectively. This neural network model are based on multivariable equation, instead of the normal black box structure. It has the advantage of being robust in nature while being easier to interpret in terms of its input-output variables. It has been employed for set point changes and disturbance changes. The results show that the neural network equation-based model for direct inverse and internal model approach performs better than the conventional proportional, integral and derivative (PID) controller.

Part of the book: Advanced Applications for Artificial Neural Networks

By Nasser Mohamed Ramli

Dynamic simulations are used to model systems that are in transition from a steady state to dynamic state. The dynamic model is used to evaluate different basic control schemes and later to evaluate and test the control strategy. In this chapter, a steady-state simulation and dynamic simulation for debutanizer column are performed using a plant process simulator, HYSYS™. The objective of this chapter is to study the process variables of each controller at the column by using different tuning relations and identify the best tuning methods for the controllers in order to optimise the performance of the column. Two tuning methods are used in determining the controller settings for each controller. The process variable for each controller are used by using two different tuning methods are being studied. Furthermore, the effect on the process variables of each controller when using the controller settings based on real plant data and calculated using the PID equation is also being analysed. As for conclusion, the different tuning methods could give the different results on the behaviour of the response for each controller and the optimum response for each controller could be determined by considering the behaviour of the response and the value of integral square of the error (ISE) and integral of absolute value of error (IAE). All the research and findings obtained will be used to improve the overall performance of the plant as well as to improve the quality of the product and maximise profitability. The successful outcome of this chapter will be a great helping hand for industrial application.

Part of the book: PID Control for Industrial Processes