Process Optimisation and Control

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Apply systems-level thinking to process design and to build mathematical models that describe complex processes.
• Be able to synthesise and optimise chemical processes using advanced chemical engineering modelling tools and process simulation software such as gPROMS or GAMS.

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• In-depth understanding of process modelling and simulations applied to chemical engineering problems.
• Advanced control techniques and their application to real-life chemical processes.

Disciplinary Specific Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• To understand the limitations of process control and to be able to design control techniques for complex systems and systems with uncertain or limited information
• To be able to perform a detailed design of control systems based on process analysis and dynamics.
• To critically evaluate and select control techniques applicable to different industrial processes.

1. Process Modelling

a. Classification of models

b. Building models

c. Model Calibration and Validation

d. Linear Algebraic and Non-Linear Algebraic Modelling

2. Optimisation of Chemical Processes

a. Objective functions

b. Basic concepts of optimisation

c. Unconstrained functions and multivariate optimisation

d. Linear and non-linear programming

e. Global optimisation

3. Applications of optimisation

a. Heat transfer and energy conservation

b. Separation processes

c. Reactor Design and operation

d. Flowsheet optimisation

4. Advanced Control Systems

a. Advanced Control

b. Feedforward Control

c. Cascade Control

d. Time-Delay Compensation

e. Selective and Override Control

f. Adaptive Control

5. Model Predictive Control

g. Basic features

h. Set-point calculations

i. SISO and MIMO models

j. Implementation and Integration

Teaching will be done with a combination of formal lectures, paper-based problem-solving sessions and laboratory sessions, with extensive use of practical sessions in the IT suite. There will be an emphasis on active learning techniques, including workshops and tutorial sessions that focus on exercises and problems.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.