Continuous Stir Tank Reactor Plant: A Process Review Perspective

Abstract

In the realm of chemical processes, the Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor (CSTR) stands as a quintessential industrial apparatus, notable for its dynamic characteristics akin to a second-order nonlinear system. The inherent nonlinear and coupled attributes of CSTR have long been a source of design challenges, particularly in achieving robust control across a broad operating range. The demands of industrial operations necessitate not only precise state estimation but also the ability to swiftly counteract disturbances. In response to this imperative, this paper presents an innovative solution in the form of an event-based sliding mode controller. This novel controller has been meticulously crafted to give resilience to the CSTR system, offering a notable advantage by conserving energy resources. Robustness and efficacy have been at the goal of this design, and through extensive numerical simulations, it was possible to substantiate the controller's ability to withstand parameter variations and rapid shifts in system dynamics. The controller's performance is particularly pronounced in its adept handling of the CSTR's flow rate and temperature, two critical parameters that influence the efficiency and safety of chemical processes. This work marks a significant stride towards enhancing the control and optimization of CSTR systems, with implications that extend beyond chemical processes, underscoring the potential for energy savings and heightened operational stability across various industrial domains.