| abstract |
A system ( 10 ) for controlling an industrial plant ( 12 ) comprises automatic control equipment ( 14 ) comprising a plurality of measurement sensors ( 16 ) for sensing predetermined variables associated with components of the industrial plant ( 12 ). The sensors ( 16 ) generate measured data relating to operation of the components of the industrial plant ( 12 ). A database ( 20 ) contains operational data, including observational data, regarding the industrial plant ( 12 ). A processor ( 18 ) is in communication with the automatic control equipment ( 14 ) and the database ( 20 ) for receiving the measured data from the sensors ( 16 ) of the automatic control equipment ( 14 ) and the operational data from the database ( 20 ). The processor ( 18 ) manipulates the measured and operational data to provide an evolving description of a process condition of each component over time, along with output information relating to operational control of the industrial plant ( 12 ) and for updating the database ( 20 ). |