Adaptive controllers to integrate SPC and EPC

Abstract

Integrating the use of statistical process control (SPC) with engineering process control (EPC) enhances the results of industrial processes. Often it is assumed that disturbances in an industrial process may be immediately found and removed. It is believed that these disturbances can be removed more quickly when one observes the triggered out-of-control signal of SPC schemes. But this detection, removal, and correction of the problems in the process is seldom quick or easy. Integrating industrial standard schemes of SPC and EPC, this study aims to detect and identify a disturbance and begin an adaptive control mode to compensate for the disturbances. Superior process control can be achieved through the application of the proposed integrated SPC and EPC schemes discussed in this paper.