Inferential control of boric acid production system

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Tezin Türü: Yüksek Lisans

Tezin Yürütüldüğü Kurum: Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi, Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü, Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü, Türkiye

Tezin Onay Tarihi: 2007

Öğrenci: ÖZGECAN DERVİŞOĞLU

Danışman: CANAN ÖZGEN

Özet:

Inferential control of boric acid production system using the reaction of colemanite with sulfuric acid in four continuously stirred tank reactors (CSTR) connected in series is aimed. In this control scheme, pH of the product is measured on-line instead of boric acid concentration for control purposes. An empirical correlation between pH and boric acid concentration is developed using the collected data in a batch reacting system in laboratory-scale and this correlation is utilized in the control system for estimator design. The transfer function model of the 4-CSTR system previously obtained is used in the MPC controller design. In the experiments done previously for the modelling of 4-CSTR system, it was observed that the reaction goes complete within the first reactor. Therefore, the control is based on the measurements of pH of the second reactor by manipulating the flow rate of sulfuric acid given to the first reactor, while the flow rate of colemanite fed to the system is considered as disturbance. The designed controller’s performance is tested for set point tracking, disturbance rejection and robustness issues using a simulation program. It is found that, the designed controller is performing satisfactorily, using the inferential control strategy for this complex reacting system.