Plantwide Control Design for Chemical Processes

Designing control systems for large chemical plants requires a holistic approach that goes beyond individual unit operations. This course provides a foundational understanding of Plantwide Control (PWC), equipping you with the methodology to synthesize reliable and efficient control strategies that manage material flow, energy integration, and operational constraints across the entire process. ### What you'll learn * Understand the hierarchy and objectives of industrial process control systems, from regulatory loops to plant optimization. * Apply systematic methods for PWC design, including defining control degrees of freedom and identifying key manipulated and controlled variables. * Analyze the impact of inventory control and material balance structures on overall plant stability and operation. * Configure effective control structures for integrated processes, including recycle loops and heat exchanger networks. * Practice initial hazard analysis and safety instrumented system (SIS) considerations within the PWC framework. * Learn fundamental concepts of real-time optimization (RTO) and how it interfaces with the base regulatory control layer. The course begins with foundational concepts and terminology, progresses through structured design steps, and concludes with written case studies applying PWC principles to common industrial processes. This course is designed for chemical engineering students or professionals new to process control system design. No prior experience with Plantwide Control is required. Start mastering the crucial skill of designing integrated process control systems today.