Multivariate statistical process control charts (MSPC charts) are developed
for the industrial batch production process of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC).
With these MSPC charts different types of abnormal batch behavior were det
ected on-line. With batch contribution plots, the probable causes of these
abnormalities were located. Examples are given for two different types of a
bnormalities, i.e., a bias in the batch loading and a control valve problem
during polymerization. These examples show that MSPC charts in combination
with batch contribution plots are a simple and powerful method for fault d
etection and identification of their cause in the operation and control of
batch processes.