Partial least squares model-based batch-to-batch control of particle size distribution in cobalt oxalate synthesis process

A partial least squares (PLS) model based batch-to-batch control strategy for control of particle size distribution (PSD) in cobalt oxalate synthesis process is proposed. In order to overcome the difficulty in developing first principal model for the process, PLS model is developed from process operational data. However, due to the model plant mismatches, the optimal control policy calculated on the model may not be optimal when applied to the true process. Due to the repetitive nature of the process, a batch-to-batch control strategy using the information of the current and previous batches is possible to design the operating policy that drives the process to a target PSD. Applications to a simulated cobalt oxalate synthesis process demonstrate that the proposed approach can improve process performance from batch to batch in the presence of unknown disturbances.