An RT-Linux based control system of a pilot plant for reaction kinetics and process control studies

The pilot plant under study is designed for determining the kinetics of the heterogeneous non-catalytic reaction of chemical pulping of wood and for t eaching system dynamics and batch process control in an appropriate univers ity course. The natural complexity of the system includes time varying dyna mics and stepwise behavior and this makes it attractive for highlighting so me important features of the real world of process control. Due to its spec ific design, the pilot plant is also very useful for kinetic studies of het erogeneous reactions involving wood, ensuring a high level of the repeatabi lity of results. The pilot plant and its control system have been used in t eaching of chemical kinetics of heterogeneous reactions and are also part o f the experimental program in a process control course. (C) 2000 Elsevier S cience Ltd. All rights reserved.