Methods and systems for performing transient processes

A method comprising:

• providing a path and path thresholds for an operational condition as a function of progress of a transient process based on historical data of previously performed transient processes, wherein the transient process is related to a chemical manufacturing process, a chemical distillation process, a refining process, a petroleum distillation process, a petroleum processing method, or a polymer manufacturing process;
• performing the transient process in a reactor using operational parameters;
• measuring the operational condition of the transient process as a function of the progress of the transient process;
• displaying a plot of each of (a) the measured operational parameter, (b) the path, and (c) the path thresholds, each as a function of the progress of the transient process;
• and
• adjusting one or more of the operational parameters during the progress of the transient process to maintain the operational condition within the path thresholds.