Direct Digital Control of a Butane Hydrogenolysis chemical Reactor

Abstract

<p> A catalytic tubular reactor has been built and interfaced to a minicomputer located at some distance from the actual process equipment. Software has been written to control and monitor the hydrogenolysis of butane within this reactor. The principal aims of this thesis are to describe the process equipment, to detail the structure of the real-time control and monitor software developed for use on a Supernova minicomputer and to demonstrate that the process may indeed be controlled by direct digital control. Finally, in view of the success of the study, a recommendation to explore the applicability of modern control theory is made, particularly, the formulation of an optimal control and changeover policy and the development of multivariable control. </p>