Method of multivariable predictive control utilizing range control

In a process control system having a controller for providing robust control to a process, the process further having at least one manipulated variable and at least one process variable, a method for providing the robust control of a process, comprising the steps of:

• a) initializing the controller to have predetermined constraints of the manipulated variables and the process variables;
• b) obtaining present values of the manipulated variables and the process variables said process variables corresponding to measurement parameters of the process;
• c) calculating new values of the process variables for a predetermined number of points in the future in order to have the values of the process variables within the predetermined range to obtain an optimal robustness of the resultant controller, the manipulated variables being within predetermined constraints, and the process variables falling within a predetermined range when controller;
• otherwise, keeping process variable constraint violations to a minimum;
• d) from a plurality of solutions, selecting a most robust solution;
• and
• e) controlling the process in accordance with the most robust solution.