ABSTRACT
Large scale industrial processes entail complex dynamics at start-up, shut-down, as wel l as under abnormal or emergency operating conditions. Parts o f these dy namics are typically governed under closed loop control, particularly in normal steady state or quasi steady state conditions. However, when the processes enter into abnormal conditions because o f a fault or disturbance, plant operators play an important role in managing the system's operating states in terms o f bringing it back to a stable mode. Plant start up and shut-down are other examples o f abnor mal states where an operator's presence is required. Complexity o f the plant dy namics under such conditions renders closed-loop or open-loop control infeasible. The operator is called upon to intervene in such cases and take charge o f the plant's operation.
