Experimental evaluation of analytical and Smith predictors for distillation column control

Abstract

Abstract Two time delay compensation techniques, the Smith predictor and the analytical predictor, are used for bottom composition control of a pilot scale methanol‐water distillation column. The closed‐loop performance of the two predictor schemes is compared to that for a proportional‐integral controller in experimental and simulation studies. The predictors resulted in improved control for both set point and feed flow disturbances.