| Optimal input trajectories, which can be easily implemented by operations personnel, have been developed for various feed ore grade transitions for the primary separation vessel of an oilsand process.; Input trajectories were generated for the gravity separation vessel using conventional dynamic optimization techniques. The trajectories generated where overly complicated and not implementable, as open-loop control strategies are used. Therefore a method is proposed that restricts the input trajectories to a set of step and ramp functions. The method provides computational benefits, with reduced aggressiveness and complexity in the control, while introducing loss in performance in the desired objective. Differences between the restricted and unrestricted solutions for the gravity separation vessel model, were found to be insignificant, suggesting that operator intervention alone provides sufficient control to maximize bitumen recovery.; This work proposes the framework necessary to develop optimal operator guidelines for the control of an oilsands gravity separation vessel. |
