A dynamic model with on-line identification for rotary sugar drying processes

A dynamic modelling methodology, which combines on-line variable estimation and parameter identification with physical laws to form an adaptive model for rotary sugar drying processes, is developed in this paper. In contrast to the conventional rate-based models using empirical transfer coefficients , the heat and mass transfer rates are estimated by using on-line measureme nts in the new model. Furthermore, a set of improved sectional solid transp ort equations with localized parameters is developed in this work to reiden tified on-line using measurement data, the model is able to closely track t he dynamic behaviour of rotary drying processes within a broad range of ope rational conditions. This adaptive model is validated against experimental data obtained from a pilot-scale rotary sugar dryer. The proposed modelling methodology can be easily incorporated into nonlinear model based control schemes to form a unified modelling and control framework.place the global correlation for the computation of solid retention time. Since a number of key model variables and parameters are identified on-line using measurement data, the model is able to closely track the dynamic behaviour of rotary d rying processes within a broad range of operational conditions. This adapti ve model is validated against experimental data obtained from a pilot-scale rotary sugar dryer. The proposed modelling methodology can be easily incor porated into nonlinear model based control schemes to form a unified modell ing and control framework.