A Bayesian approach to the optimal control of continuous industrial processes

SUMMARY An adaptive control algorithm is formulated which provides, in real time, an optimal adjustment to a controller Bet-point in response to changes in the operating characteristics of the process. Such an algorithm is applicable to a variety of industrial processes: for example, those in which the product is either a containerized consumable or a sheet of some type. A Bayesian model is developed for the univariate case and the optimal control policy found. Multivariate extensions are also considered, as is the problem of process overhaul.