Statistical approach to computer control of cement rotary kilns

A fully computerized cement rotary kiln process control was tested in a real production line and the results are presented in this paper. The controller design was based on the understanding of the process behavior obtained by careful statistical analyses, and it was realized by using a very efficient statistical identification procedure and the orthodox optimal controller design by the statespace method. All phases of analysis, design and adjustment during the practical application are discussed in detail. Technical impact of the success of the control on the overall kiln installation is also discussed. The computational procedure for the identification is described in an Appendix.