Assessment of the Plantwide Control Structure in a Pectin Production Plant

Real application studies constitute a relevant part of academic plantwide control research, as they promote industrial awareness and ideally acceptance. Especially in the area of bio-based processes, few works have been documented. These processes are characterised by large uncertainties, batch-operated units, and time-delayed measurements, which ultimately results in comparably low levels of automation.

This work features the application of a stepwise plantwide control structure synthesis framework to an industrial bio-based production plant. Firstly, this is to give an indication of whether plantwide control is apt for this type of process. Secondly, it highlights specifically where substantial challenges arise during the application.