This paper describes a methodology proposed for tuning real time evolution (RTE) parameters RTE has been introduced in a previous work [Industrial Engineering and Chemical Research 41 (7) (2002) 1815] as a new approach to on-line model-based optimization. Such strategy differs from classical real time optimization (RTO) in that waiting for steady state is not necessary and also in the use of simple optimization concepts in the solution procedure. Instead, current plant set points are periodically improved around the current operation neighborhood, following an also periodically updated model. Thus, RTE is based on a continuous improvement of the plant operation rather than on the formal optimization of a hypothetical future steady state operation. In spite of using a simpler scheme, the proposed strategy offers a faster response to disturbances, better adaptation to changing conditions and smoother plant operation regardless the complexity of the control layer. However, a successful application of such strategy requires an appropriate parameter tuning, this is: how often set points should be adjusted and which is the size of the neighborhood to be used. Although the optimal values of these parameters strongly depend on the process dynamics and require complex calculations, this work uses a simple benchmark to obtain general guidelines and illustrates the methodology for easily parameter tuning as a function of the process information typically available. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.