The use of the fast orthogonal search (FOS) method is presented for model estimation and control of nonlinear chemical processes. FOS provides a nonlinear approximation used in an inner-loop that allows for simpler linear control methods to be used as an outer-loop controller. It is a straightforward, simple-to-use method for linearization of systems based on orthogonal system identification. The control concept is derived from the method of inverse dynamic control (IDC). The novel combination of this with the FOS method of system identification results in a very efficient and effective method of control. The method is demonstrated and tested on two nonlinear chemical process control simulations and the results are shown to compare very favourably to published results on the same problems. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.