Fact-based decisions are essential to control processes for optimal productivity, margin, and safety. Data availability in metallurgical plants does not necessarily lead to data use. A combination of expert modelling and data management will provide the tools to make optimal decisions.
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Understanding and steering of metallurgical processes
1. Understanding and steering of metallurgical processes
Dr. Sander Arnout InsPyro Inspiration Day 4/12/2015
2. Merge into one operating framework
InsPyros vision on knowledge
Two types of knowledge
2
Essential to run a process
Control often depends on individual
Changes by trial and error
Mechanisms unclear
Experience transfer is difficult
Essential to be in control
Control depends on model
Changes are based on physics
Mechanisms are explicit(ly assumed)
Transferrable
Experience:
knowledge on how
to run a process
Insight: understanding
the science of a
process
3. Process development approach
Stepwise process of increasing knowledge and experience:
1. Idea (opinion)
2. Concept from literature or experience
3. Process model to define expected working area
4. Economic evaluation
5. Lab or pilot scale experiments
6. Validate process model, benchmarking
7. Scale-up or adjustments
Innovation isnt random but a structured approach, learning from failures
Fact-based decision on the road ahead
3
4. Process improvement = development
Lots of innovation happen on existing facilities
Increased energy efficiency
Increase of input from secondary streams
Increased complexity
Lots of potential in using existing processes optimally
Nobody develops a process without a model, yet several processes are
run without an explicit model
Use the same innovation approach:
Learn from process behaviour, history, trends, including mistakes and gut feeling
Build on laws of physics to structure the chaos and avoid relying on opinions
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5. Survey on data use in metallurgy
Level of data management in the organization
5
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
Data collection is minimal
We collect lots of data but don't use it much
We use data for analysis but it requires a lot of effort
Data analysis is easy but it is difficult to draw conclusions
Data and analysis provide input for decisions with some effort
Data and analysis provide input for decisions in a structured and
automated way
6. Survey: data use
6
We lose time combining and cleaning data
Yes
Maybe
No
All kinds of data are stored in the same
format or location
We have good tools for
visualization
Some important data is only
stored on paper
Some important data is not
collected
NO
NO
YES
MAYBE
7. Survey: process
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There is a lot of fluctuation without a clear
cause
Yes
Maybe
No
Process understanding is mainly
in the brain of the people
We stick to known recipes to
avoid problems
The process results can be
predicted
The process is regarded
as a black box
MAYBE
YES
YES
MAYBE
NO
YES
8. Metallurgy & Business Intelligence
ProOpt combines metallurgical insight with data management
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9. ProOpt goal: increase value creation
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World Class optimisation and control system for the
process, melting and mining industry
Info.base: data information system
Secure availability and quality of data when
you need it
Reporting.base:
KPIs, process and economical information
available at your finger tips
Model.base:
Process optimisation based on dynamic
modelling and statistical analysis measure,
monitor and optimise your process
Remote control room:
Updated Experts available online
ProOpt
Remote Control
Room
ProOpt
Model.base
ProOpt
Info.base
ProOpt
Reporting.base
ProOpt
Control System
10. Expected impact of ProOpt system
Engineers spend time on making improvements
not on finding and checking the data
Optimize feed mix to reduce fluctuation in
process and cost per produced unit
Better understanding of process reduces
mistakes makes complex plants manageable
Wide insight in critical factors also by
operators, management, purchasing
Feed forward function reduces critical
happenings
Go beyond insight and optimise value
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Value creation
Numbers Information Analysis Fact based
decisions
Management
Purchasing
R&D and Engineering
Operation
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This presentation was part of the seminar
Data Management and
Fact-Based Decision Making
in Metallurgical Operations
4th of December 2015 Leuven, Belgium
Editor's Notes
#3: Some people have seen this on GDMB meetings
Do you run the process, or does the process run you?
#11: Understanding: knowledge is managed centrally, no discussion what is the correct value
Feed forward: what will happen if you add this material? If you push this button?