A Hybrid Model Predictive Control Strategy using Neural Network Based Soft Sensors for Particle Processes

Rasmus Fjordbak Nielsen, Krist V. Gernaey, Seyed Soheil Mansouri*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingArticle in proceedingsResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Particle processes, such as crystallization, flocculation and emulsification constitute a large fraction of the industrial processes for removal of insolubles, product isolation, purification and polishing. The outcome of these processes typically needs to comply with a given set of quality attributes related to particle size, shape and/or yield. With recent technological advances in commercially available on-line/at-line particle analysis sensors, it is now possible to directly measure the particle attributes in real-time. This allows for developing new direct control strategies. In this work, a model predictive control (MPC) strategy is presented based on a hybrid machine-learning assisted particle model. The hybrid model uses mechanistic models for mass and population balances and machine learning for predicting the process kinetics. In the presented approach, the hybrid model is trained in real-time, during process operation. Combined with MPC, this allows for continuous refinement of the process model. Thereby, the calculated control actions are provided robustly. This approach can be employed with limited prior process knowledge, and allows for directly specifying the target product properties to the controller. The presented control strategy is demonstrated on a theoretical case of crystallization to show the potential of the presented methodology.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 30th European Symposium on Computer Aided Process Engineering (ESCAPE30)
EditorsSauro Pierucci, Flavio Manenti, Giulia Bozzano, Davide Manca
PublisherElsevier
Publication date2020
Pages1177-1182
ISBN (Electronic)9780128233771
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020
Event 30th European Symposium on Computer Aided Process Engineering (ESCAPE 30) - Virtual symposium, Milano, Italy
Duration: 31 Aug 20202 Sept 2020

Conference

Conference 30th European Symposium on Computer Aided Process Engineering (ESCAPE 30)
LocationVirtual symposium
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityMilano
Period31/08/202002/09/2020

Keywords

  • Hybrid model
  • Machine learning
  • Soft-sensor
  • On-line particle analysis
  • Model predictive control (MPC)

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