DefinePK

Abstract

The objective of this study is to test the robustness of a Process Analytical Technology (PAT) system design on a potassium dichromate crystallization process in the presence of input uncertainties using uncertainty analysis. To this end a systematic framework for managing uncertainties in PAT system design is used. For uncertainty analysis the Monte Carlo technique is used and implemented on two cases namely closed-loop operation using Proportional-integral (PI) control and Model Predictive Control (MPC). The analysis performed under closed-loop condition using PI control shows that the input uncertainties in the nucleation and crystal growth parameters affect the product-process performances (e.g. crystal size distribution (CSD)). Analysis of the proposed PAT system design (closed-loop using MPC controller), on the other hand, shows that the effect of the input uncertainties on the outputs (product quality) is minimized, and the target specifications are achieved, thus ensuring that the PAT system design is reliable under the considered uncertainty ranges.