Use of cluster analysis in process control

The paper presents a new method for modelling of complex processes containing unkown qualitative varlables. The method is based on grouping the input-output-palrs of the model into a finite nunlber of clusters each representing different values of unknown qualitative variables. An online clustering algorithm is derived from assumption that each cluster consists of realizations of some normally distributed random vector. An expert control system using the cluster model together WIth sImple static linear models for decision of necessary control actions is outlined. The method has been applied to real data from mineral processes.