IMPLEMENTATION OF MPC ON A DEETHANIZER AT KÅRSTØ GAS PLANT

Abstract Model predictive control (MPC) is implemented on several distillation columns at the Karsto gas processing plant, Norway. The paper describes the procedure in the implementation of MPC at a deethanizer using the SEPTIC * MPC tool, including design, estimator development, model development and tuning. For the deethanizer, the variance in the product quality has been reduced with about 50%. The number of flaring episodes has also been reduced. An increase in impurities has not been challenged yet, so the average reflux flow and steam consumption to feed ratios are almost unaltered. * SEPTIC: Statoil Estimation and Prediction Tool for Identification and Control