Dynamics, controllability, and control of intensified processes

Abstract

The arts of design, optimize, and control of chemical processes should be considered simultaneously [Chem Eng Sci 38:1881–1891, 1983; Chem Eng Process Process Intensif 52:1–15, 2012]. Nevertheless, in the case of process intensification the most common situation is that design is performed as first stage (following mass/energy integration guidelines), secondly processes are optimized (costs, profit, environmental impact), and finally a control scheme is adopted. Additionally, it is necessary to consider that intensification generates new process dynamics (different responses and characteristic times) and reduces, notoriously, the number of manipulate variables available for control. Hence, the original difficult tasks of partial control and stability of both, process and control [Chem Eng J 92:69–79, 2003], becomes more complicated. This chapter is devoted to the analysis of the problems mentioned above, which are inherent to any chemical process although more evident during process intensification. Some special features of the control are identified and some suggestions are given to enface problems that arise after the intensification of some separation and reaction/separation examples.