Abstract text

A near real-time system and method for continuous online monitoring of a plurality of operations in a continuous chemical process facility is described. The method of monitoring the operations is based on a multivariate statistical model developed using off-line, selected process-specific historical process data. Such a model is used by an online monitoring system to monitor the continual operation of a chemical manufacturing facility or refinery in real-time from a remote location. Such real-time monitoring allows for determination of whether one or more of the plurality of operations are operating within their normal operational parameters. This real-time, continuous monitoring system can further be used to predict impending failures or trouble-spots within the continuous production process, or to minimize catastrophic process failures which may occur in a continuous chemical manufacturing process. Process variables, or “tags”, that are most likely related to predicted process failures can be identified by the model system, such that appropriate control actions can be taken to prevent an actual process failure occurrence, which can lead to costly production down times.