Integration of advanced process control and full-scale dynamic simulation

In the process control industry, multivariable model predictive controllers and dynamic simulators for operator training are usually available in separate packages. It is very hard for the operators and plant engineers to find good tools for them to get trained in multivariable advanced process control. In this paper a system with advanced process control and full-scale dynamic simulation was developed. The advanced process control uses multivariable model predictive control techniques. The model used in the predictive control algorithms is generated from the dynamic simulated process. The advanced process controller can control the simulated plant or control the real operation plant. The combined system provides an excellent environment for training operators in process operation with multivariable advanced process control and for engineers in designing and tuning the advanced process controllers.