Batch-to-batch control of particle size distribution in cobalt oxalate synthesis process based on hybrid model

A hybrid model based batch-to-batch control strategy is proposed for control of particle size distribution (PSD) in cobalt oxalate synthesis process. In order to enhance the model prediction accuracy and generalization capability, a hybrid modeling approach for cobalt oxalate synthesis process in cobalt hydrometallurgy is developed by combining simplified first principle model with PLS model. The simplified first principle model that captures the dominant characteristics of the synthesis process is built to describe PSD evolution. The PLS model is utilized to compensate the unmodeled characteristic of the simplified first principle model and to enhance model generalization capability. Due to the repetitive nature of the process, a batch-to-batch control strategy based on hybrid model is then presented to design the operating policy that drives the process to a target PSD. Applications to a simulated cobalt oxalate synthesis process demonstrate that the proposed approach can improve process performance from batch to batch in the presence of unknown disturbances.

A batch-to-batch control strategy of a cobalt oxalate synthesis process in cobalt hydrometallurgy based on model prediction modification is presented to design the operating policy that drives the process to a target particle size distribution. It utilizes the information of the current and previous batch run to enhance the operation of the next batch.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► A batch-to-batch control strategy for cobalt oxalate synthesis process is proposed.
► A simplified first principle model is built to describe the synthesis process.
► A PLS model is utilized to increase the model prediction accuracy.
► The proposed approach can overcome the problem of model plant mismatches.