The objective of this paper is to develop a Direct Model Reference Adaptive Control (DMRAC) algorithm for a MIMO process by extending the MIT rule adopted for a SISO system. The controller thus developed is implemented on Laboratory interacting coupled tank process through simulation. This can be regarded as the relevant process control in petrol and chemical industries. These industries involve controlling the liquid level and the flow rate in the presence of nonlinearity and disturbance which justifies the use of adaptive techniques such as DMRAC control scheme. For this purpose, mathematical models are obtained for each of the input-output combinations using white box approach and the respective controllers are developed. A detailed analysis on the performance of the chosen process with these controllers is carried out. Simulation studies reveal the effectiveness of proposed controller for multivariable process that exhibits nonlinear behaviour.
