New criterion for control loop configuration of multivariable processes

This paper presents a new control loop configuration criterion for multivariable processes. For an arbitrary loop, four cases corresponding to different combinations of open and closed states with the remaining loops are investigated. A new interaction measure, which is able to provide comprehensive description of interaction among loops, is proposed to evaluate the loop-by-loop interaction. Consequently, a new loop-pairing criterion based on the new interaction measure and the algorithm for determining loop pairings which results minimum loop interactions in terms of interaction energy are proposed. The main contribution of the work is that it systematically analyzed the loop interaction from all aspects and derived a feasible solution for the problem. Usefulness of the proposed criterion is illustrated using case study.