A Real-Time Knowledge Based System for the Operation and Control of a Fermentation Plant

In this paper a knowledge based systems approach is proposed for the improved control and operation of a fermentation plant. The system is composed of three elements; a supervisory knowledge base, a scheduling knowledge base and an on-line relational database. The supervisor is responsible for monitoring and controlling individual fermenters and is instructed when to initiate or terminate a fermentation by commands issued by the scheduler, which aims to maximise plant-wide productivity. The database provides a centralised store of information which can be retrieved on-line by both knowledge bases. The design and implementation of the proposed system is discussed with particular reference to operation in a real-time environment.