A real-time operation aiding expert system using the symptom tree and the fault-consequence digraph

An efficient diagnostic approach for real-time operation aiding expert system in chemical process plants is discussed. The approach is based on the hybrid of the simplified symptom tree(SST) and the fault consequence digraph(FCD), representation of propagation patterns of fault states. The SST generates fault hypothesis efficiently and the FCD resolve the real fault accurately. Frame based knowledge representation and object-oriented programming make diagnostic system general and efficient. Truth maintenance system enables robust pattern matching and provides enhanced explain facilities. A prototype expert system for supports operation of naphtha furnaces process, called OASYS, has been built and tested to demonstrate this methodology. Utilization of diversified process symbolic data, produced using dynamic normal standards, overcomes the problem of qualitative Boolean reasoning and enhance the applicability.