AM-93-48 APPLICATION OF A SINGLE MULITIVARIABLE CONTROLLER TO AN FCCU

Description:

A number of significant benefits are realized from the design and operation of a single multivariable controller for a Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit. A single controller has been built for the STAR ENTERPRISE FCCU No.3 in Port Arthur, Texas. The controller includes the Feed Preheat System, the Reactor, the Regenerator, the Main Fractionator, and the Wet Gas Compression. The controller contains 17 manipulated variables, 41 controlled variables, and 1 disturbance variable. The elapse time between project initiation and final commissioning was four months including a one month delay for unit maintenance. After commissioning, it was determined in the post audit that the simple payout for the project was less than one month. The controller has maintained a high stream factor since its commissioning 8 months ago.