Analysis and Design of Hierarchical Control Systems: With Special Reference to Steel Plant Operations (Advances in Industrial Engineering)

Of the major current developments in industrial plant computer control systems, many are in the area of developing total plant control systems with a hierarchy of computers. This book describes the implementation of such a system using the steel mill as an example. It thoroughly outlines the functional tasks which must be accomplished at each level of the computer system hierarchy. It specifies all of the process variables which need to be sensed and the control actuators to be adjusted to achieve dynamic control of the mill. The higher level functions required for overall production scheduling and process management are also specified. It also gives detailed specifications for the overall computer system required to carry out the above tasks, including quotations from two major computer control system manufacturers for implementing this system with their products. The book will be invaluable for all process and production control personnel in the steel industry and corresponding companies producing equipment for this use. It will also be useful for those in other industries who could use the steel industry system as an example for a similar development in their own industry.