PROZESSREGELUNGSSYSTEM FUER DIE HERSTELLUNG VON RUSS

In a carbon black production process, input variables are controlled in dependence on a model of the process. The control system periodically predicts the values of output variables of the process which would result from measured values of input variables. The predicted values are averaged and input variables are adjusted in a sense to bring predicted output values towards reference values. Input variables include feedstock flow rate, feedstock quality, air flow rate, air humidity, air temperature, fuel flow rate, fuel quality, and/or potassium additive solution flow rate. Output variables of the carbon black, such as iodine number and/or DBP (Dibutyl Phthalate Absorption Number) are predicted. The predicted output variables are also laboratory measured from samples of the carbon black produced while the carbon black reactor is operating. The prediction algorithm is then adjusted to improve the accuracy of the prediction of the output variables, and thus produce carbon black of substantially consistent quality.