Abstract: A multi-source feedstock distribution system is controlled by an optimization so as to substantially minimize the total cost of the feed while also meeting set points for flow rate and composition to feedstock users supplied by the multi-source feedstock distribution system.

Abstract: In a carbon black manufacturing process in which a carbon black dryer is utilized to produce a product carbon black having a specified dryness, method and apparatus is provided for controlling the flow of fuel to the carbon blackdryer so as to insure that the dryness of the carbon black product will meet predetermined specifications. Feedforward, predictive control of the flow rate of the fuel to the carbon black dryer is utilized to compensate for changes in the flow rate of wet carbon black or for changes in the moisture content of the wet carbon black. In this manner, the dryness of the carbon black product is maintained at a predetermined specification even though process variations may occur.

Abstract: In a carbon black manufacturing process in which an off-specification rerun carbon black is mixed with the carbon black flowing from a carbon black reactor to produce a combined carbon black stream, method and apparatus is provided for controlling the carbon black process so as to insure that the combined carbon black stream will meet predetermined specifications. The feed flow to the carbon black reactor is controlled in response to a comparison of a prediction of the actual surface area of the combined carbon black stream with the desired surface area of the combined carbon black stream so as to provide a combined carbon black stream made up of carbon black particles which have a desired surface area.

Abstract: In a carbon black manufacturing process in which a carbon black dryer is utilized to produce a product carbon black having a specified dryness, method and apparatus is provided for controlling the flow of fuel to the carbon black dryer so as to insure that the dryness of the carbon black product will meet predetermined specifications. Feedforward, predictive control of the flow rate of the fuel to the carbon black dryer is utilized to compensate for changes in the flow rate of wet carbon black or for changes in the moisture content of the wet carbon black. In this manner, the dryness of the carbon black product is maintained at a predetermined specification even though process variations may occur.

Abstract: In a carbon black manufacturing process in which an off-specification rerun carbon black is mixed with the carbon black flowing from a carbon black reactor to produce a combined carbon black stream, method and apparatus is provided for controlling the carbon black process so as to insure that the combined carbon black stream will meet predetermined specifications. The feed flow to the carbon black reactor is controlled in response to a comparison of a prediction of the actual surface area of the combined carbon black stream with the desired surface area of the combined carbon black stream so as to provide a combined carbon black stream made up of carbon black particles which have a desired surface area.

Abstract: The control of the flow rates of multiple fuel streams to furnace burners is accomplished by manipulating the flow rate of each fuel stream in response to a calculation of the heat duty which must be supplied by the respective fuel stream. Where the supply of a preferred fuel is variable, the flow rate of the other less preferred fuel stream is varied in response to changes in available supply of the preferred fuel to insure that sufficient fuel is available to the burners to maintain a required process temperature.