Application of transputers to the control of a batch distillation rig

The problem of controlling any complex process by its very nature requires a parallel solution for the control system. A transputer based architecture is compatible thus allowing a logical solution to the problem. Furthermore with the increased demands being placed on control systems a parallel process control solution is becoming more attractive. The authors demonstrate the parallel computer control of a batch distillation rig, using an array of transputers, and show the advantages and disadvantages of such a scheme against a realtime multitasking control system. The transputer network consists of a host T800 transputer, mounted in a PC, connected to a system of 11 other T800 transputers. The network transputers are able to communicate with the rig via special interface cards. The code on all the transputers is written in the Occam programming language.