This volume contains 40 papers which describe the recent developments in advanced control of chemical processes and related industries. The topics of adaptive control, model-based control and neural networks are covered by 3 survey papers. New adaptive, statistical, model-based control and artificial intelligence techniques and their applications are detailed in several papers. The problem of implementation of control algorithms on a digital computer is also considered.

In addition to the three main themes: chemical reactors, distillation columns, and batch processes this volume also addresses some of the new trends in dynamics and control methodology such as model based predictive control, new methods for identification of dynamic models, nonlinear control theory and the application of neural networks to identification and control. Provides a useful reference source of the major advances in the field.

This publication brings together the latest research findings in the key area of chemical process control; including dynamic modelling and simulation - modelling and model validation for application in linear and nonlinear model-based control: nonlinear model-based predictive control and optimization - to facilitate constrained real-time optimization of chemical processes; statistical control techniques - major developments in the statistical interpretation of measured data to guide future research; knowledge-based v model-based control - the integration of theoretical aspects of control and optimization theory with more recent developments in artificial intelligence and computer science.

As with all of pharmaceutical production, the regulatory environment for the production of therapeutics has been changing as a direct result of the US FDA-initiated Quality by Design (QbD) guidelines and corresponding activities of the International Committee for Harmonization (ICH). Given the rapid growth in the biopharmaceutical area and the comp