Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and controlling a pump are disclosed. The method defines processing targets, derive a first actuator control signal Yc from the processing targets, and derive actual operating parameters. The method may further include the steps of comparing the actual operating parameters to predefined system and pump limits to determine a second actuator control signal Y?c, comparing the actual operating parameters to predefined fluid limits to determine a third actuator control signal Y?c, comparing the actual operating parameters to predefined normal processing limits to determine a fourth actuator control signal Y??c, and comparing the actual operating parameters to at least one predefined abnormal processing limit to determine a fifth actuator control signal Y??c. The method may further include determining which of the actuator control signals is a most conservative actuator control signal, and driving the pump in accordance with the most conservative actuator control signal.