Modeling discrete-event dynamical systems for chemical process control—a survey of several new techniques

Abstract

A large class of process control activities are concerned with discrete-event dynamical systems, that is, dynamical systems characterized by the starting and ending of discrete processing activities. A major difficulty in developing analytical results for such systems is the lack of appropriate modeling techniques. Three recently developed classes of techniques are examined in this study. These are temporal logic and its derivatives, Petri nets and Minimax algebra. Each of these techniques appears to have merit for particular applications in chemical process control. A novel algorithm for simulation of discrete-event systems based on timed Petri nets is described in this study. The applications include control of databases, a temporal Prolog for process analysis, analysis of a multipurpose batch plant using Minimax algebra and discrete-event simulation and analysis using Petri nets.