Process optimization and control system that plots inter-relationships between variables to meet an objective

Patent 5521814 Issued on May 28, 1996. Estimated Expiration Date:

October 18, 2014. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

3648035

3725653

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Inventors

Assignee

Betz Laboratories, Inc.

Application

No. 324863 filed on 10/18/1994

US Classes:

700/266, Chemical process control or monitoring system422/213, Particulate contact material type and means providing flow of particulate material into or out of reaction chamber with reactants or products700/36, Economic (e.g., cost)700/95, Product assembly or manufacturing705/7, Operations research706/906Process plant

Examiners

Primary: Weinhardt, Robert A.
Assistant: Thomas, Joseph

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Caesar, Rivise, Bernstein, Cohen & Pokotilow, Ltd.

International Class

G06F 017/60

Abstract

A process control system uses a performance model, in conjunction with an economic model, to meet either performance or economic objectives. The system operates either automatically, on-line, in "real time" or manually off-line, in "real time" to optimize the process to meet a selected objective. The performance model uses neural networks to determine the interrelationships of each of a set of independent variables (controllable inputs to the process) to each other and their relationship to a set of dependent variables (outputs of the process). The performance model is used to optimize the process to meet performance objectives. The economic model is used in conjunction with the performance model to meet economic objectives.

Other References

Administrative Financial Management, by J. F. Bradley, 4th Edition, published 1979, The Dryden Press, pp. 90-94
Engineering Economy, 6th Edition, by G. J. Thuesen, et al., published 1984, Prentice Hall, Inc., pp. 508-51