What can be considered a common cause of disturbances in a plant?

Equipment failure is often regarded as a common cause of disturbances in a plant because it can lead to unexpected interruptions in processes. When equipment malfunctions, it can halt operations, reduce efficiency, or compromise product quality. Failures may stem from wear and tear, inadequate maintenance, or unforeseen issues within the machinery. These failures can disrupt the entire production flow, trigger safety concerns, and require additional time and resources for repairs, ultimately affecting overall operational stability.

Scheduled maintenance, while crucial for preventing equipment failure, is a planned activity and typically does not represent a disturbance but rather a measure to mitigate disturbances. Environmental changes, such as fluctuations in temperature, humidity, or external factors, may impact operations but are not as directly tied to equipment and process-specific disruptions. Operator error, while it can cause issues, typically relies on human factors and the complexity of the operations. While all these factors can result in disturbances, equipment failure is a primary and often unavoidable cause that directly affects the functionality of a plant.