Model reference optimal steady-state adaptive computer control of plastics extruder processes (1)

The first true hierarchical automatic optimal control scheme for plastics extruder has operated satisfactorily in the laboratory. The process operator is only required to specify desired output rate and die inlet melt temperature set-points. The control variable set-points are continually set by computer in line with an optimal policy pre-programmed from off-line solutions using models for extruder and die behavior.