EVALUATION OF AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING IN THE FLUORIDE VOLATILITY PILOT PLANT
E.C. Moncrief, M. C. Hill · 1963
Automatic data logging and digital-computer techniques were evaluated in the ORNL Fluoride Volatiltty Pilot Plant, The data reduction sequence consisted of encoding plant signals from conventional instrumentation, digitizing the encoded signals with an on-line automatic data logger, and processing the logged data off-line with a digital computer. Data reduction and computational codes were useful in disseminating process data, with photographic curve plots being the most efficient means. Considerable difficulty was experienced with logger output errors, which complicated the data processing and frequently resulted in erroneous results. After continuous operation of the data-processing sequence for 12 months it was concluded that output from a data logger is of limited use without recourse to a computer, loading of raw logger data to the computer and subsequent conversion to a useful form (engineering units) can account for up to 70% of total computer charges, and some backup to automatic data logging, either as continuous or manual recording, may be desirable because logger downtime may be as much as 5%. The use of the data reduction sequence will be continued in the pilot plant. Expanding the sequence to include on-line computation and process control features is not justified because of process limitations. (auth)