Process Parameter Optimization based on LW-PLS in Pharmaceutical Granulation Process∗

A process optimization method based on partial least squares (PLS) has been used in pharmaceutical processes. However, its applicability and performance are limited because PLS cannot cope with nonlinearity and changes in process characteristics. In this research, a new process optimization method based on locally weighted PLS (LW-PLS) is proposed. To solve a nonlinear optimization problem based on LW-PLS, in which any global model is not constructed, self-adaptive differential evolution (jDE) is adopted. The validity of the proposed method is demonstrated through a numerical example and an industrial case study of a pharmaceutical granulation process.