System and method for utilizing a hybrid model

A method, comprising:

• receiving an input value from a plant or process;
• determining, via program instructions executed by a processor, an integrity of a non-linear model comprising an empirical representation of the plant or process;
• using the non-linear model to provide a first output value when the integrity is above a first threshold;
• and
• using a linearized first principles model comprising an analytic representation of the plant or process to provide a second output value when the integrity is below the first threshold.

A non-transitory memory medium comprising program instructions executable by a processor to:

• receive an input value from a plant or process;
• determine an integrity of a non-linear model comprising an empirical representation of the plant or process;
• use the non-linear model to provide a first output value when the integrity is above a first threshold;
• and
• use a linearized first principles model comprising an analytic representation of the plant or process to provide a second output value when the integrity is below the first threshold.