Process Fault Diagnosis using a Self-Adaptive Neural Network with On-Line Learning Capabilities

Abstract An approach to on-line learning and diagnosis of process fault conditions using a self-adaptive neural network is described. A radial basis function network structure incorporating local activation functions is utilised. Hidden and output nodes are automatically added to the network to accommodate new process faults after detection. Online adaptation is achieved using recursive linear algorithms to train localised network parameters. The adaptive neural network is applied to the detection and diagnosis of incipient faults on a controlled, multi-variable, chemical process simulation. Results illustrate the network operation and demonstrate the capability of the network to successfully learn and diagnose a range of gradual and abrupt process faults with different fault sizes