Towards a less conservative model predictive control based on mixed ℋ2/ℋ ∞ control approach

A novel approach to the design of a less conservative model predictive control is proposed, using mixed ?₂/?_∞ design method for time-invariant discrete-time linear systems. The controller has the form of a state-feedback, satisfies input and state constraints and is constructed from the solution of a set of feasibility linear matrix inequalities. The control law takes into account the disturbances naturally and the input constraint is less conservative in the sense that the full control is used. Numerical examples comparing the proposed algorithm with some existing techniques are provided to demonstrate the applicability and the advantage of the proposed algorithm.     

Hydrodynamics of circulating fluidized bed risers: A review

Any vessel in which solids are transported upward by a gas stream and then recycled to the bottom may be classified as a Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB). We describe possible CFB operating regimes in the context of this broad classification and highlight commercial processes that employ CFB technology and potential applications. Process design and development require a fundamental understanding of gas and solids hydrodynamics — solids hold-up, mixing and velocity distribution. We discuss techniques used to measure solids mass flux, which is a critical parameter for both design and control. In the last decade, significant research efforts have been devoted to new experimental techniques to measure both gas and solids spatial and temporal distribution. We list these techniques and detail the different modelling approaches that have emerged based on the new data. Characterization of the data is still incomplete and the available models require further refinement to reliably predict the effect of scale, operating conditions and particle characteristics on hydrodynamics.     

Experimental methods in chemical engineering: Thermogravimetric analysis—TGA

Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is a quantitative analytical technique that monitors the mass of a sample from 1 mg to several g as a furnace ramps temperature to as high as 1600°C under a stable or changing gas flow. The first gravimetric test was in 27 BC when Vitruvius measured limestone's change of mass as it calcined to lime. In modern chemical engineering, researchers apply the technique to derive conversions, kinetics, and mechanisms for any process with a change of mass by isothermal, non-isothermal, and quasi-isothermal methods. The mass drops as the sample decomposes, volatile compounds evaporate, or the oxidation state decreases, while in reactive environments (with O₂, for example), the mass of transition metals may increase. TGA is incapable of detecting phase transitions, polymorphic transformations, or reactions for which mass is invariant. DSC or DTA couple with TGA to help deconvolute a DSC plot by separating physical changes from chemical changes. Evolved gas analysis techniques monitor the gaseous products exiting the TGA furnace on-line as the temperature ramps. A bibliometric map of keywords from articles citing TGA indexed by Web of Science in 2016 and 2017 identified five research clusters: nanoparticles, performance, and films; crystal structures, acid, and oxidation; composites, nanocomposites, and mechanical properties; kinetics, pyrolysis, and temperature; and adsorption, water and wastewater, and aqueous solutions. This review provides an overview of the basic principles of modern TGA.