Distributed expert systems as a new tool in analytical chemistry

This article emphasizes the growing importance of artificial intelligence in the automation of chemical analysis processes. Nevertheless, the authors predict that the use of centralized knowledge-based systems - though not still consolidated - will probably be replaced by distributed expert systems with their multiple advantages(discussed in the article). Distributed expert systems, which are based on the utilization of highly intelligent analytical instrumentation connected by means of communication networks, permit the implementation of highly flexible control systems that are capable of adapting themselves to different situations. At the same time, it is possible to take advantage of the power offered by the new communication technologies in the field of analytical chemistry. Distributed expert systems ave thoroughly described and illustrated with a detailed example of an application to the monitoring and control of an alcoholic fermentation process by means of on-line/in-line chemical analysis; this can be extended to any other process whose chemical parameters undergo variations in the course of time. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.