Function blocks for decentralised analysis of product flow paths

We present an approach for modelling, computing and using information about product flow paths in processing plants. We first present a formalisation of our model of product flow, which is plant-oriented and only considers the possible spatial displacement of the material. The concept of product flow paths, which represents an important aspect of the semantics of a process, is derived from this model. We then present a method for the analysis of product flow paths in a plant which is based on classical search theory, is inspired on algorithms from routing in computer networks and from compilers, and is implemented in a fully decentralised manner by means of function block diagrams. With this, a simple, flexible and robust technique for yielding up-to-date information about product flow paths is achieved, which may be used by applications to provide additional functionalities.