Cooperative problem solving in diagnostic agents for chemical processes

Abstract In this paper we introduce an agent-based framework for the diagnosis of chemical processes, based on spatially distributed diagnosis architecture. Although the suggested multi-agent diagnostic system uses only the information about process topology and control structure, making the most of local information produces global diagnostic solution. A function-behavior model is also suggested to make possible the collaborative problem solving in chemical process fault diagnosis. To demonstrate the benefits of the suggested collaborative problem solving approach, we solve the diagnostic problem of a stirred-tank reactor system with recycle.