Integration of Operational Tasks in Chemical Plants- Investigating an Agent-based Approach

The overall, coordinated management of different operational tasks in a chemical plant can improve operational efficiency. Although each of these tasks is responsible for a particular function, they are dependent on each other, which is why an approach wherein all the different tasks can be integrated into a single unified framework is desirable. While integration has important benefits, its realisation presents considerable challenges. Few previous works have addressed this topic and even fewer have investigated recent computing paradigms which may greatly assist in the development of a unifying framework. Multi-agent systems were introduced and investigated in this study as a possible means for achieving integration of operational tasks in chemical plants, with an extensive methodology being devised to formalise the process of system development. The results were positive and demonstrated that the proposed agent-based solution was able to effectively account for the pilot plant setting. It was concluded that, in addition to presently available integration techniques and base technologies, the agent-based approach presents a viable alternative solution. This book is adressed to people in industry who are looking for alternative ways to implement a unified operational task framework. It is also directed towards researchers who have an interest in this area.