A multi-structured controller for a hardboard mill

The aim was to build a plantwide expert process and fiscal control system to: (a) keep the product in trim, and (b) maximise profit. The aim is to keep all the board qualities in trim at all times regardless of the varying wood feedstock quality. To achieve this each stage of the plant must be operating in harmony with the remainder of the plant. A PC based local area network (LAN) has been installed to monitor and record the entire process. Fifty eight plant variables, moving mimic diagrams and history graphics are displayed at various operator terminals. A plant window is provided for the line manager. Parts of the plant are ill-behaved and systems are being built to control dryboard thickness and fibre raffination