This paper describes an application of the fuzzy logic control and CBR in the continuous process industry. The techniques are discussed inside the larger branch of knowledge called Artificial Intelligence (AI), which can be related with the decision-making process in companies. Artificial Intelligence is pinpointed as a science that can support decisions in an easier and more precisely way than others methods as models and process indicators management. The steps for the erection of an Expert System, built mainly from human empirical experiences, are also discussed. The paper comes to an end by presenting a decision-making routine in a thermochemical process, in the cement industry, as performed by an Expert System decision-maker, based in CBR and fuzzy logic, and leading to a discussion about results and performance gains, in comparison with human-guided action in the same process.
fuzzy logic in continuous process industry; Artificial Intelligence in industrial engineering; expert systems in industrial engineering; CBR in industrial engineering
