Patent Document ID: 9134711
Application ID: 12773485
Patent Flag: 1

Claim One:
1. A method for controlling a batch process in a system comprising equipment for processing potato slices into potato chips, the equipment comprising a batch vessel, a burner, and a set of measurement equipment, the method utilizing feed forward control and the steps of the method comprising: creating a set of models for the batch process based on data captured during completion of one or more prior cycles of the batch process, wherein each model in the set of models is a mathematical description of the batch process, and wherein the set of models provide model outputs based upon model inputs; creating a set of batch controllers that generates a set of control outputs having instructions to adjust one or more manipulated variables of a set of process variables to achieve at least one predetermined process condition set point and at least one product property, wherein the set of batch controllers generate the set of control outputs from the model outputs; initiating a subsequent cycle of the batch process; at a first decision point, generating first control outputs with instructions to change one or more variables in a first set of manipulated variables with reference to data acquired at the first decision point, wherein the first set of manipulated variables comprises: a batch weight, an initial gas flow rate to the burner, and a switching time for initiating the high gas flow rate to the burner; controlling, using the first control outputs, only a portion of the subsequent cycle of the batch process after the first decision point to achieve the one or more predetermined process condition set points, wherein the one or more predetermined process condition set points comprises a minimum temperature in an oil bath; at a second decision point, generating second control outputs with instructions to change one or more variables in a second set of manipulated variables with reference to data acquired at the second decision point, wherein the second set of manipulated variables comprises a duration of high gas flow to the burner, a final oil bath temperature, and the final gas flow rate to the burner; controlling, using the second control outputs, only a reminder of the subsequent cycle of the batch process to achieve the at least one product property, wherein the at least one product property comprises a moisture content of the potato chips.