Run-to-run Control of Membrane Filtration Processes

Membrane ltration processes are often operated cyclically, where one cycle comprises a ltration and a backwashing phase. Due to the complex mechanisms involved, these ltration processes are mostly operated with xed values of the manipulated variables. In this paper, a model-based process control approach is introduced, which is based upon run-to-run control theory. To evaluate the controller, a suitable model of submerged membrane ltration in wastewater applications is developed, which describes the main process phenomena while being computationally inexpensive. The model-based controller is then tested in a simulation environment employing a validated reference model. Excellent results with respect to prediction quality and optimality are obtained. Copyright c ©2006 IFAC