Sheet No.

4
(2020-2021)
Tikrit University Master of Science
College of Engineering Advanced Process Control
Chemical Engineering Department Prof. Dr. Duraid F. A.

(Q1) Consider a process that can be described by the transfer function matrix:

 2 1.5 
10 s  1 s  1
G P ( s)   
 1.5 2 
 s 1 10 s  1


Assume that two proportional feedback controllers are to be used. Determine the values of proportional gains that
result in closed- loop stability for both the 1-1/2-2 and 1-2/2-1 configuration.

(Q2) The relative gain array for a refinery distillation column associated with a hydrocracker is given by:

 0.93 0.150 0.080  0.164 

 0.011  0.429 0.286 1.154 

 0.135 3.314  0.270  1.910 
 
 0.215  2.030 0.900 1.919 

The four controlled variables are the composition of top product and bottom product streams (y 1 ,y2 ) and two side
streams (y3 ,y4). The manipulated variables (u1 , u2 ,u3 , u4) are the four flow rates numbered from the top of the
column. Find the recommended pairing using RGA .

(Q3) A conventional multiple loop scheme consisting of two PI controllers is to be used to control the product
compositions (xD) and (xB) of distillation column. The manipulated variables are reflux flow rate (R) and steam flow
rate to the reboiler. Experimental data for a number of steady-state conditions are summarized below. Use this
information to do the following:

a) Calculate the RGA and determine the recommended pairing between controlled and manipulated variables.
b) Dose this pairing seem appropriate from dynamic consideration? justify your answer

Run R S
(ib/min) (ib/min) xD xB
1 125 22 0.97 0.04
2 150 22 0.95 0.05
3 175 22 0.93 0.06
4 150 20 0.94 0.06
5 150 24 0.96 0.04
 Sheet No. 4
(2020-2021)
Tikrit University Master of Science
College of Engineering Advanced Process Control
Chemical Engineering Department Prof. Dr. Duraid F. A.

(Q4) A binary distillation column has three tray temperature measurements (17th, 24th, 30th trays) that can be used
as possible controlled variables. Controlling temperature is equivalent to controlling composition. Step testing gives
the following steady-state input-output relationships ( u1= steam pressure in reboiler; u2 = reflux flow rate):

T 17  1.5u1  0.5u 2 (1)

T 24  2u1  1.7u 2 (2)
T 30  3u1  2.9u 2 (3)

All variables are in deviation variables. Select the (2x2) control system that has the most desirable interaction, as
determined by the RGA (note that there are three possible 2 X2 control configurations). Explain why the combination
of T24 and T30 is the least desirable controlled variable set, based on analyzing equations (2) and (3) and resulting
determinant.