A flexible nonlinear model predictive control scheme for quality/performance handling in nonlinear SMB chromatography

In this paper, a new state feedback scheme is proposed for the control of simulated moving beds with strongly nonlinear isotherms. The proposed scheme offers a unified framework enabling different performance criteria to be improved according to the active production constraints (achieving low cost, improving efficiency, respecting deadlines) that may unpredictably change during the production batch. The proposed scheme is illustrated through several examples showing the robustness of the closed-loop behavior against parameter uncertainties as well as its reactivity to changes in the active auxiliary criterion.