LAPSE:2026.0515
Published Article
LAPSE:2026.0515
Real-Time Estimation and Optimal Control of Supersaturation in Sugar Crystallization using Model-based Soft Sensor
June 12, 2026
Abstract
Maintaining mother liquor supersaturation at a setpoint within the metastable range is vital for achieving the best production yield in industrial sugar production. However, precise online measurement and control is challenging. In this work, we develop a model-based soft sensor for supersaturation monitoring, and we propose a new feedforward-feedback control structure for batch sugar crystallization. Supersaturation is estimated using standard process measurements, enabling a soft sensor that can be readily adapted to different production units. The soft sensor continuously estimates supersaturation from standard process signals, and the control strategy ensures it remains within the desired operating range, enabling simple and straightforward application to other sugar production units.
Maintaining mother liquor supersaturation at a setpoint within the metastable range is vital for achieving the best production yield in industrial sugar production. However, precise online measurement and control is challenging. In this work, we develop a model-based soft sensor for supersaturation monitoring, and we propose a new feedforward-feedback control structure for batch sugar crystallization. Supersaturation is estimated using standard process measurements, enabling a soft sensor that can be readily adapted to different production units. The soft sensor continuously estimates supersaturation from standard process signals, and the control strategy ensures it remains within the desired operating range, enabling simple and straightforward application to other sugar production units.
Record ID
Keywords
Energy Balance, Feedback Control, Feedforward Control, Mass Balance, Soft Sensor, Supersaturation
Subject
Suggested Citation
Lohani A, Fedor A, Kurucz J, Paulen R. Real-Time Estimation and Optimal Control of Supersaturation in Sugar Crystallization using Model-based Soft Sensor. Systems and Control Transactions 5:2497-2504 (2026) https://doi.org/10.69997/sct.103983
Author Affiliations
Lohani A: Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, 812 37 Bratislava, Slovakia
Fedor A: Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, 812 37 Bratislava, Slovakia
Kurucz J: FUZZY s.r.o., 925 81 Diakovce, Slovakia
Paulen R: Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, 812 37 Bratislava, Slovakia
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Fedor A: Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, 812 37 Bratislava, Slovakia
Kurucz J: FUZZY s.r.o., 925 81 Diakovce, Slovakia
Paulen R: Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, 812 37 Bratislava, Slovakia
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Journal Name
Systems and Control Transactions
Volume
5
First Page
2497
Last Page
2504
Year
2026
Publication Date
2026-06-12
Version Comments
Original Submission
Other Meta
PII: 2497-2504-323-SCT-5-2026, Publication Type: Journal Article
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LAPSE:2026.0515
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https://doi.org/10.69997/sct.103983
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References Cited
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