In: Computers & Chemical Engineering, Vol. 14, No. 3, pages 281-299. 1990.
Abstract: A large class of process control activities are concerned with discrete-event dynamical systems. A major difficulty in developing analytical results for such systems is the lack of appropriate modeling techniques. Three recently developed classes of techniques are examined: temporal logic and its derivatives, Petri nets and minimax algebra. A novel algorithm for simulation of discrete-event systems based on timed Petri nets is described. The applications include control of databases, a temporal Prolog for process analysis, analysis of a multipurpose batch plant using minimax algebra and discrete-event simulation and analysis using Petri nets.
Keywords: discrete event system; chemical process; temporal logic; minimax algebra; timed net; Prolog.