Robust control of a catalytic 2 ethyl-hexenal hydrogenation reactor

Multiphase catalytic hydrogenation reactors exhibit a complex behavior due to heat, mass and kinetic interactions, which are dependent upon the operating conditions, as well as on the trajectory from one state to another. The use of advanced control strategies for this type of processes is suitable due to their nonlinear behavior and extreme sensitivity to load changes and other disturbances. Because detailed nonlinear mathematical models are too complex to be used in controller design, the present approach uses a simple linear model of the process which describes its most important properties in combination with an advanced control algorithm which takes into account the model uncertainties, the disturbances and command signal limitations. A multivariable robust controller is designed to ensure robust stabilization problem of uncertain linear plant and robust performance. From the multiple design strategies the authors have chosen the H∞ robust design method. The designed controller is implemented in Matlab/SIMULINK and tested in simulations achieving successful results.

► We build a nonlinear distributed parameters model of the 2EH hydrogenation process. ► We developed a linearized model with uncertainty of the plant for control purposes. ► We designed a multivariable robust controller for the plant. ► The design and the simulation are implemented in Matlab/SIMULINK.