Advanced Batch Control

Erik Muijsenberg, Robert Bodi, Menno Eisenga, Glenn Neff, An Advanced Expert Control System and Batch Imaging Software for an Improved Automatic Melter Operation, 74th Conference on Glass Problems, 118 (2013). 

Control Devices. Control devices have advanced from manual control to sophisticated computet-assisted operation. Radiation pyrometers in conjunction with thermocouples monitor furnace temperatures at several locations (see Temperature measurement). Batch tilting is usually automatically controlled. Combustion air and fuel are metered and controlled for optimum efficiency. For regeneration-type units, furnace reversal also operates on a timed program. Data acquisition and digital display of operating parameters are part of a supervisory control system. The grouping of display information at the control center is typical of modem furnaces. 

Most aroma chemicals are relatively high boiling (80—160°C at 0.4 kPa = 3 mm Hg) Hquids and therefore are subject to purification by vacuum distillation. Because small amounts of decomposition may lead to unacceptable odor contamination, thermal stabiUty of products and by-products is an issue. Important advances have been made in distillation techniques and equipment to allow routine production of 5000 kg or larger batches of various products. In order to make optimal use of equipment and to standardize conditions for distillations and reactions, computer control has been instituted. This is particulady well suited to the multipurpose batch operations encountered in most aroma chemical plants. In some instances, on-line analytical capabihty is being developed to work in conjunction with computer controls. 

Regulatory Control For most batch processes, the discrete logic reqmrements overshadow the continuous control requirements. For many batch processes, the continuous control can be provided by simple loops for flow, pressure, level, and temperature. However, very sophisticated advanced control techniques are occasionally apphed. As temperature control is especially critical in reactors, the simple feedback approach is replaced by model-based strategies that rival if not exceed the sophistication of advanced control loops in continuous plants. 

The average prices of the batch centrifuge are shown in Fig. 18-154. All the models include the drive motor and control. In Fig. 18-154, the inverting filter, horizontal peeler, and the advanced vertical peeler are the premium baskets especially used for specialty chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Control versatility with the use of programmable logic control (PLC), automation, and cake-heel removal are the key features which are responsible for the higher price. The underdriven, top-driven, and pendulum baskets are less expensive with fewer features. 

J.F. van Impe and G. Bastin. Advanced Instrumentation, Data Interpretation, and Control of Biotechnological Processes, chapter Optimal Adaptive Control of Fed-Batch Fermentation Process, pages 401-435. Kluwer Academic Publishers,... 

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