Multivariable real-time control of viscosity curve for a continuous production process of a non-Newtonian fluid

Mei, Roberto

Primo

;Grosso, Massimiliano

Secondo

;Corominas, Francesc;Baratti, Roberto

Penultimo

;Tronci, Stefania

Ultimo

2018-01-01

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Abstract

The application of a multivariable predictive controller to the mixing process for the production of a non-Newtonian fluid is discussed in this work. A data-driven model has been developed to describe the dynamic behaviour of the rheological properties of the fluid as a function of the operating conditions using experimental data collected in a pilot plant. The developed model provides a realistic process representation and it is used to test and verify the multivariable controller, which has been designed to maintain viscosity curves of the non-Newtonian fluid within a given region of the viscosity-vs-shear rate plane in presence of process disturbances occurring in the mixing process.