Knowledge-based process diagnosis

Objective. The complexity of modern production processes can be mastered by systems which assist the production engineer in his operational assessments. This assistance should serve to improve the product quality, to optimise the flow of production and to increase plant availability. Such a system has been installed as part of the prc,cess automation undertaken at the hot strip mill of Preussag Stahl AG. Summary. A diagnosis system that suitably edits the necessary information and helps to navigate through data and documents is able to provide qualified assistance during production processes such as e.g. hot rolling. The physical models implemented in the diagnosis assistance system contain the knowledge about the process. In combination with efficient evaluation mechanisms, these models form the basis for extensively automated and goal-driven editing of all the information available about the processes. The findings in the present case demonstrate that the production engineer is effectively supported in his functions by the diagnosis assistance system integrated at the engineer's workstation. Continuous improvements and upgrades of the functionality adapt the system to rising, requirements.