A HIERARCHICAL APPROACH TO THE DESIGN OF PROCESS-CONTROL SYSTEMS

A hierarchical approach to the design of control system structures is proposed. The approach has significant advantages over existing practi ce. 1. The task of placing all control loops on a complete and detaile d flowsheet is reduced to more manageable proportions. 2. Attention is concentrated on strategically important control loops rather than tho se of secondary importance such as level in holding tanks. 3. Decision s on process and control system structures are taken together, allowin g the latter to influence the former in a manner not possible with the conventional approach.