Process engineers are often confronted with optimal control problems,
in which one or more control variables are to be found to minimize a g
iven cost function. Since to begin with the mathematical models of ind
ustrial processes are often very complex, solution of these continuous
dynamic optimal control problems involves a prohibitively long mathem
atical development, followed by huge and tedious programming work. A p
rogram called COMMIN was recently developed to handle this situation.
Its content has been published earlier. This article deals with its ap
plication to the solution of practical control problems, using a compu
ter model of the industrial process to be optimized. Examples are pres
ented giving the fuel optimization for an aluminum sheet continuous an
nealing furnace and an aluminum casting furnace. It is shown that COMM
IN, while requiring from the user no special skills in programming or
in optimization, can be a practical tool that opens the way to new app
lications in optimal process control.