Abstract: A method for evaluating system performance can include comparing a test average of instances of variables of test system variables to a baseline average of a baseline variables. Each of the instances of the variable of the test system variables may be shifted by a shift amount for a subset of the variables. A modified test data set may be generated from the shifted test data set. The modified test data set may be transformed with a sparse principal component analysis into test components. The test components may be compared to baseline components using a Hotelling T2 as a test statistic. Performance of the system may be quantified based upon the test statistic.

Abstract: A method for evaluating system performance can include comparing a test average of instances of variables of test system variables to a baseline average of a baseline variables. Each of the instances of the variable of the test system variables may be shifted by a shift amount for a subset of the variables. A modified test data set may be generated from the shifted test data set. The modified test data set may be transformed with a sparse principal component analysis into test components. The test components may be compared to baseline components using a Hotelling T2 as a test statistic. Performance of the system may be quantified based upon the test statistic.

Abstract: A controlled rate feeder system for fine particle solids and a method thereof includes a seat-and-backseat structure, a seat plate assembly, a backseat plate assembly, at least one biasing device, and an actuator assembly. The seat-and-backseat structure has an inlet and an outlet which are connected together by at least one passage. The seat plate assembly is moveable to any position between covering and exposing the inlet. The backseat plate assembly is positioned adjacent to and moveable with the seat plate assembly. At least one biasing device is positioned between the seat plate assembly and the backseat plate assembly which biases the seat plate assembly and the backseat assembly apart. The biasing device also biases the seat plate assembly against an inner surface of the seat-and-backseat structure and the backseat plate assembly against another inner surface of the seat-and-backseat structure. The actuator assembly moves the seat plate assembly to any position between covering and exposing the inlet.