Autoclave future trends

In traditional process control, models are often used to predict the deviation of the controlled variable from the desired state, the process error. This assumes that one knows the desired state. In complex batch processes, the desired state of the process is also dependent on history and changing dynamically. Further, most process models have to predict the outcome of an entire cycle to determine if the product will be good, so predictions are not available in real time, even for a slow process like the autoclave cure however, partial models have been used as virtual sensors to expand on the information available from sensors [38]. Saliba et al. used a kinetic model to predict the degree of cure as a function of time and temperature in a mold and used that predicted degree of cure to time pressure application and determine the completion of cure. Others [39] have used the predictions of models together with the measured progress of the process to predict future trends and even project process outcomes. 

---