多変数モデル予測制御を活用したパルプ製造工程の最適運転

摘要

Application of Multivariable Predictive Control (MPC) to the process units for optimimal process operation is a well established technique in the process industry such as the petroleum refining and petrochemical industries. MPC has also been applied to the control of the manufacturing process at the paper mills for a long time but not at the pulp mills in Japan. MPC application to the pulp mills has become popular in the North American and Europen pulp and paper industries. The application of MPC to the pulp mill processes will bring great benefits such as the reduction of chemical usage and the increase of process unit capacity. Assignment of experienced engineers supporting operational processes, establishment of support system and training of engineers and operators are essentials for the successful MPC application and operation. Process operation, as a successful result of MPC application, will be stabilized and economically optimized, and will enhance the international competitiveness of the Japanese pulp mill processes.%多変数モデル予測制御を用いたプロセス最適化は，国内外の産業界で実績をあげ収益改善に大きく貢献している.紙パルプ産業においてもペーパーミルへの適用がなされているが,その前段になるパルプ製造工程においては国内ではあまり活用されていない.近年，北米や欧州などでパルプ製造工程への適用が進み，多くの装置で多変数モデル予測制御が活用されて収益改善を実現してきている.これらの国との国際競争力を維持するため，日本国内においてもパルプ製造工程への多変数モデル予測制御の適用と，それによる装置最適運転の実現を再考する時期にあると考えられる.