Multiple-model predictive control for component content of CePr/Nd countercurrent extraction process

A new multiple-model predictive control scheme is proposed for the control of the component content in the rare earth extraction process. Multiple local linear models with two-input and two-output of the rare earth countercurrent extraction process are constructed, each of which is established under an operation condition. A component content predictive controller is designed for a local linear model, based on the dynamic compensation of the extraction liquid flow and the scrubbing liquid flow. A switching algorithm based on the minimum accumulative error is formed to select the most appropriate model and controller to meet the productive purity requirements. Simulation results for the CePr/Nd countercurrent extraction process are presented to show the desired performance of the proposed approach.