摘要 |
An apparatus and method is disclosed for detecting, identifying, and classifying faults occurring in sensors measuring a process. A variety of process models can be used such as first principles models, dynamic multivariable predictive control models, from data using statistical methods such as partial least squares (PLS) or principal component analysis. If faults are identified in one or more sensors, the apparatus and method provide replacement values for the faulty sensors so that any process controllers and process monitoring systems that use these sensors can remain in operation during the fault period. The identification of faulty sensors is achieved through the use of a set of structured residual transforms that are uniquely designed to be insensitive to specific subsets of sensors, while being maximally sensitive to sensors not in the subset. Identified faults are classified into one of the types Complete Failure, Bias, Drift, Precision Loss, or Unknown. |