Variable Selection and Grouping in a Paper Machine Application

This paper describes the possibilities of variable selection in large-scale industrial systems. It introduces knowledge-based, data-based and model-based methods for this purpose. As an example, Case-Based Reasoning application for the evaluation of the web break sensitivity in a paper machine is introduced. The application uses Linguistic Equations approach and basic Fuzzy Logic. The indicator combines the information of on-line measurements with expert knowledge and provides a continuous indication of the break sensitivity. The web break sensitivity defines the current operating situation at the paper mill and gives new information to the operators. Together with information of the most important variables this prediction gives operators enough time to react to the changing operating situation.