PLS discriminant analysis with contribution plots to determine differencesbetween parallel batch reactors in the process industry

PLS discriminant analysis, applied to a PVC polymerisation batch process, i s used to determine performance differences of parallel batch reactors. Wei ght contribution plots of time points and of variables are used to physical ly interpret the modelled differences; the main time points in which deviat ions occur and variables that cause the observed differences are assigned, A simple step-wise procedure is suggested to implement this method in the p rocess industry. It was found that a systematic difference between the poly merisation time of the PVC batch reactors was caused by sensor failure or d ue to drifting thermocouples. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights res erved.