Mechanistic Modeling and Simulation for Process Data Generation

Abstract

The paper presents a new benchmark simulator for testing advanced fault detection and diagnosis methods as well as control and optimization schemes, among other training and educational applications: BDsim. The context is the biodiesel production through the transesterification reaction of oil by methanol, in continuous mode. This process was accurately modeled and simulated, including a wide variety of upsets that may occur at different levels: process, sensors, and actuators. Each process fault is modeled in a rigorous way to make the simulator a realistic test bed for advanced datadriven algorithms. Furthermore, faulty scenarios not covered by current simulators were incorporated, such as intermittent faults and equipment degradation phenomena. The user has freedom to select the faults to simulate as well as their timing and magnitude. The code is fully compatible with both Matlab and Octave. BDsim is publicly available, registered under the GNU General Public License.

Challenges and Opportunities in Simulations and Computer Experiments in Industrial Statistics: An Industry 4.0 Perspective

“…A new benchmark simulator for emulating realistic faults, under process degradation conditions and normal process variability is proposed in ref. [ 105 ]…”

“…A new benchmark simulator for emulating realistic faults, under process degradation conditions and normal process variability is proposed in ref. [105] In summary, CEs are seen as often replacing physical experiments with nonstochastic simulation models. This is due to their relatively low costs and their increasing reliability.…”

Data-Driven Process Monitoring and Fault Diagnosis: A Comprehensive Survey

“…BDsim is a biodiesel production process simulator that focuses on the continuous transesterification of oil with methanol [609]. It offers a comprehensive range of potential faults at different levels, including process, sensor, and actuator.…”