Real-time knowledge-based systems in fermentation supervisory control

In this chapter the issues involved with the design and implementation of real-time knowledge based systems (RTKBS) are reviewed. These will be demonstrated with reference to a RTKBS approach for the improved supervision and control of fermentation plant. The system is composed of three elements; a supervisory knowledge base, a scheduling knowledge base and an on-line relational database. The supervisor is responsible for monitoring and controlling individual fermenters and is instructed when to initiate or terminate a fermentation by commands issued by the scheduler, which aims to maximise plant-wide productivity. The system also performs sensor validation, fault detection/ fault diagnosis and incorporates relevant expertise and experience drawn from both the process engineering domain and the control engineering domain. The database provides a centralised store of information which can be retrieved on line by both knowledge bases.