A programmable controller allocates times obtained by dividing executable time in one operation cycle to a plurality of paths, executes sequence programs of the paths within the respective allocated times, and measures extra time that is a remainder of each of the allocation times when execution of each of the sequence programs ends. Then, the programmable controller determines whether a predetermined sequence program is to be executed in the measured extra time, and instructs the sequence execution unit to execute the predetermined sequence program in the extra time in accordance with a result of the determination.

The invention can include a device and method for distributing a fluid in an industrial facility that comprises a fluid distribution pipe, a discharge pipe, a distribution valve that is positioned on the distribution pipe and controlling the distribution of fluid between an upstream area and a downstream area, a discharge valve positioned on the discharge pipe, and measuring means for measuring, in real time, a characteristic parameter of the distribution of the fluid within one of the pipes. A module is also included for calculating a sliding threshold value of the characteristic parameter and means configured to control the partial gradual opening or closing of the discharge valve depending on the result of the comparison of said sliding threshold value with an instantaneous value of the characteristic parameter, in order to improve reliability of the industrial facility.

The invention can include a device for distributing a fluid in an industrial facility that comprises at least a fluid distribution pipe, a discharge pipe originating from the distribution pipe, a distribution valve that is positioned on the distribution pipe and controlling the distribution of fluid between the upstream area and a downstream dient, a discharge valve positioned on the discharge pipe, and measuring means for measuring, in real time, a characteristic parameter of the distribution of the fluid within one of the pipes. The distribution device can include a module for calculating a sliding threshold value of the characteristic parameter and means configured to control the partial gradual opening or closing of the discharge valve depending on the result of the comparison of said sliding threshold value with an instantaneous value of the characteristic parameter measured by the measuring means, in order to prevent the unwanted opening of the discharge valve and, therefore, the risk of fluid loss and the potential additional cost of the method implemented by the industrial facility. The invention also extends to a method for controlling the distribution of the fluid implemented by the distribution device according to the invention

A programmable controller allocates times obtained by dividing executable time in one operation cycle to a plurality of paths, executes sequence programs of the paths within the respective allocated times, and measures extra time that is a remainder of each of the allocation times when execution of each of the sequence programs ends. Then, the programmable controller determines whether a predetermined sequence program is to be executed in the measured extra time, and instructs the sequence execution unit to execute the predetermined sequence program in the extra time in accordance with a result of the determination.