Advanced Control Foundation

Tools, Techniques and Applications

MPC Integrated with Optimization

This workshop provides several exercises that may be used to further explore the MPC capability that was address in the Heavy Oil Fractionator application example. The fractionators process simulation is based on the process dynamics defined by Shell but running faster than real-time.

Step 1: Observe the MPC configuration and the step response identified during MPC commissioning.

Step 2: Using MPC with the simulated process, observe changes in the top and intermediate reflux duty to maintain the top end and side end point composition at setpoint.

Step 3: When the top end composition setpoint is changed, observe how the MPC works to achieve this new setpoint.

Step 4: Note the impact that a change in control objective has on the column operation.