P. W. Jowitt

Bio: P. W. Jowitt is an academic researcher from Heriot-Watt University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Expert system. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 6 citations.

Expert systems in river basin management

Abstract: The basic features of expert systems are outlined and illustrated, and the potential of such an approach as an aid to decision-making in the field of river basin management is explored. Work undertaken towards the development of an expert system for the operational control of a wastewater treatment plant is described. Further areas of potential application are discussed, including data utilization.

Decision Support System for Crop Planning during Droughts

Abstract: Demand for water is increasing continually, whereas available supplies are more or less constant. Under these circumstances there is an urgent need to introduce efficient techniques in water resources management for optimal utilization of available water. Water management under drought conditions assumes great importance in a tropical region such as India, where one‐third of the cropped area is affected by frequent droughts. This paper deals with the development and application of an expert system for drought management. A linear programming model was used to generate optimal cropping patterns from past drought experiences as also from synthetic drought occurrences. These policies together with the knowledge of the experts were incorporated in an expert system. Using this, one can identify the degree of drought in the current situation and its similarity to the identified drought events and be able to get the corresponding management strategy.

KBES for Process Control of Nitrification in Activated Sludge Process

Abstract: Knowledge‐based system technology has recently been introduced in activated sludge plant operations. A knowledge‐based expert system (KBES) called ASPX (Activated Sludge Process Expert) is developed for nitrification process control of a specific petroleum refinery activated sludge plant. This knowledge‐based system has been created to diagnose and correct problems with the nitrification process using rule‐based knowledge (heuristics), statistics, and a predictive mathematical model. The knowledge base consists of rules for each of six process control parameters. For each parameter the process control strategy is executed by the knowledge compiled in logic trees. Database functions such as data entry, statistical evaluation, and the simulation model for effluent ammonia concentration are also included. A user‐friendly interface enables operators who are not familiar with computers to use all of the program functions with little or no difficulty. The goal of the program is to provide an inexperienced opera...

Knowledge-based expert system applications in waste treatment operation and control

Abstract: Experience has shown that operation of wastewater treatment processes can be difficult. In some plants, poor performance, high costs, and damage to the environment have resulted from operational problems. Progress in control engineering, computer technology, and process sensors has enabled development of computer-based systems for automatic control and operations support in wastewater engineering. In the area of automatic control, important advances have been made; however, because of the unique character of wastewater treatment, techniques other than a straightforward application of control theory are needed to achieve effective control. Preparing computer-based tools to aid in operation is a modelling task, with the primary objective being to represent knowledge about a process and its operation. The traditional approach is to use mathematical methods for this purpose. More recently, tools and techniques from applied artificial intelligence have been used to prepare systems that encapsulate knowledge of diagnostic and control decision tasks. These knowledge-based (expert) systems (KBES) show promise as aids in support of such tasks. Several KBES development projects have been reported with varying degrees of success. There is a high level of interest in KBES, but few full-scale systems have been reported. Most of the documented problems concern initial elicitation/capture of knowledge and final verification/validation of the KBES. Recently, improved KBES have been reported including object-oriented systems, systems using deep knowledge representations for qualitative reasoning, and integrated systems that make use of numeric and symbolic processing.

Development of expert systems for a water filtration plant

Abstract: This paper describes the trial development of two expert systems for a water treatment plant using the CRYSTAL expert system shell on a personal computer The first expert system is aimed at assisting an operator in the sequence of actions to be carried out following activation of one of 11 6 alarms in the control room of the plant The second expert system is intended to aid an operator in making changes to the alum addition following the activation of one of the alarms related to alum Further work needs to be carried out before these systems can be implemented in practice