State-of-the-Art Review on the Applications of Nonlinear and Artificial Intelligence-Based Controllers in Petrochemical Processes

Petrochemical industries are facing severe challenges in controlling nonlinear processes which are to be analyzed and monitored to develop efficient control models for improved efficiency and productivity. This review focuses on the control theory of petrochemical processes along with linear and nonlinear controllers with their limitations as well as on the application of artificial intelligence (AI)-based controllers in multiple sectors of petrochemical industries. The findings and results from the review prove that the AI control technique is a promising one in the future for uncertain dynamic systems. The paper also covers a review of the vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) process and a recent control study on the plant. Being a nonlinear system, VCM requires advanced control techniques to control the uncertain dynamics of the process. The study shows a gap in the development of control strategies applied to VCM in terms of sustainability, efficiency, and environment-concerned issues. Valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and engineers engaged in process control and automation in the petrochemical industry are provided.