Abstract: A method is disclosed for optimization of continuous digestion process. Exemplary embodiments can control a delignification process in a continuous pulp digester in an optimal way for different pulp grades taking into account process disturbances and model uncertainties. This can be achieved by customizing a generic mathematical model for a continuous digestion process which runs through a software application on a dedicated electronic device. The model can be updated periodically based on on-line information, and used with a plant optimization component involving multi-objective optimization to evaluate optimal set points for the controllers. A system is also disclosed for optimizing control of a continuous pulp digester.

Abstract: Operation of a cane preparation unit is disclosed which can include providing a working range for at least one operating variable for a plurality of carriers of a cane preparation unit, estimating energy consumed corresponding to a first plurality of set points for the at least one operating variable, selecting one or more first set points corresponding to reducing (e.g., minimizing) energy consumed for the at least one operating variable as use set points, and operating the cane preparation unit at the use set points.

Abstract: Method for on-line prediction of performance of an RO based desalination plant is disclosed. The method includes: (i) a mathematical model of the RO unit; (ii) on-line estimation of membrane physical parameters of the nonlinear mathematical model representing the RO unit; and (iii) analysis of the estimated membrane transport parameter with respect to time. Based on the analysis of these estimated parameters, plant operators can clean the membranes to restore the performance of the RO desalination plant. The method can be implemented in a computer based control system used for data acquisition and control of an RO based desalination plant. The method can help in maintaining the performance of the RO based desalination plants at a desired level and increase membrane life without affecting quality of permeate water produced.

Abstract: A method and a system for optimization of parameters for a recovery boiler in a pulp mill are disclosed. An exemplary method is based on use of a first principle mathematical model to estimate parameters that are otherwise not measurable, to accurately control the performance of the recovery boiler. In addition, a method is disclosed to use estimated parameters of a recovery boiler to control and stabilize the processes downstream of the recovery boiler. A system is also disclosed to carry out a method for control and optimization of performance and operational parameters of a recovery boiler.

Abstract: Operation of a cane preparation unit is disclosed which can include providing a working range for at least one operating variable for a plurality of carriers of a cane preparation unit, estimating energy consumed corresponding to a first plurality of set points for the at least one operating variable, selecting one or more first set points corresponding to reducing (e.g., minimizing) energy consumed for the at least one operating variable as use set points, and operating the cane preparation unit at the use set points.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for optimization of continuous digestion process. Exemplary embodiments can control a delignification process in a continuous pulp digester in an optimal way for different pulp grades taking into account process disturbances and model uncertainties. This can be achieved by customizing a generic mathematical model for a continuous digestion process which runs through a software application on a dedicated electronic device. The model can be updated periodically based on on-line information, and used with a plant optimization component involving multiobjective optimization to evaluate optimal set points for the controllers. A system is also disclosed for optimizing control of a continuous pulp digester.

Abstract: A method and a system for optimization of parameters for a recovery boiler in a pulp mill are disclosed. An exemplary method is based on use of a first principle mathematical model to estimate parameters that are otherwise not measurable, to accurately control the performance of the recovery boiler. In addition, a method is disclosed to use estimated parameters of a recovery boiler to control and stabilize the processes downstream of the recovery boiler. A system is also disclosed to carry out a method for control and optimization of performance and operational parameters of a recovery boiler.

Abstract: Method for on-line prediction of performance of an RO based desalination plant is disclosed. The method includes: (i) a mathematical model of the RO unit; (ii) on-line estimation of membrane physical parameters of the nonlinear mathematical model representing the RO unit; and (iii) analysis of the estimated membrane transport parameter with respect to time. Based on the analysis of these estimated parameters, plant operators can clean the membranes to restore the performance of the RO desalination plant. The method can be implemented in a computer based control system used for data acquisition and control of an RO based desalination plant. The method can help in maintaining the performance of the RO based desalination plants at a desired level and increase membrane life without affecting quality of permeate water produced.

Abstract: A method for on-line optimization of fed-batch fermentation unit containing bacteria and nutrients is disclosed. Parameters of the fermenter model used in optimization calculations are estimated periodically to reduce the mismatch between the plant and the calculated values. The updated fermenter model is used to calculate the optimum sugar feed rate to maximize the product yield. The method/fermenter model is implemented as a software program in a PC that can be interfaced to plant control systems for on-line deployment in an actual plant environment. An on-line optimization system is useful to the plant operating personnel, to maximize the product yield from the fed-batch fermenter unit. In another aspect, a plant control system to control a fed-batch fermentation based on the described method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for on-line prediction of performance of a fermentation unit, such as prediction of performance parameters like concentration of product, biomass, or sugar in the broth of a batch/fed-batch fermentation unit containing bacteria and nutrients. A computer model predicts a future product concentration based on current plant data. While a batch is in progress, model parameters are adjusted on-line based on plant data to reduce a mismatch between the plant data and model data. A method/fermenter model can be implemented as a software program in a PC that can be interfaced to a plant control system for on-line deployment in an actual plant environment. An on-line performance monitoring system can be used by plant operating personnel, to know the performance of the batch in advance for implementing corrective measures in advance to improve/maintain performance at desired level.