Operator support system for pressure filters

Strong competition in the process industries is forcing the optimization of process operation at each production level, including the operation of process equipment. Overall optimization of process equipment requires an efficient control strategy based on process models and a fault diagnosis system in order to prevent equipment malfunctions. In this paper an integrated operator-support system for a pressure filter is presented. The system structure is modular and consists of classification, modelling, optimization, fault diagnostic, and remote support modules. Finally the test results from a pilot plant and an industrial environment are presented and discussed.