Heuristic Algorithm Based Controller Optimization for a Real Time pH Neutralization Process System

The nonlinearity and time varying characteristics of pH neutralization is a highly challenging control in the chemical process industries. In this paper, a real time pH neutralization process is studied by using Bacterial Foraging optimization (BFO) based PI controller. The real time pH neutralization process is represented in First Order plus Dead Time (FOPDT) Model. The controller parameters such as p K the model using BFO optimization technique and its results are validated against Ziegler and Nichols (ZN) Method and Genetic Algorithm based optimization techniques. The performance of the processes are carried out in the simulation environment and also implemented on LabVIEW based real time pH process. The results indicate that the Bacterial Foraging optimization (BFO) Algorithm based PI controller has faster settling time, better set point tracking and high disturbance rejection for the pH neutralization process. Keywords: pH, PI Controller, Optimization, Ziegler and Nichols (ZN) Method, Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Bacterial Foraging Algorithm optimization (BFO).