Optimization of the geometry of the shaped body and of the manufacturing tool

Abstract

A computer-implemented method (110) for designing at least one shaped body (112), a computer-implemented method (138) for designing a manufacturing process for manufacturing at least one shaped body (112), a design system (152) for designing at least one shaped body (112), and a manufacturing-design system for designing a manufacturing process for manufacturing at least one shaped body (112). The computer-implemented method (110) for designing at least one shaped body (112) comprises: a) retrieving, by using at least one interface (154), at least one set of target criteria for the shaped body (112); b) defining, by using at least one geometry definition unit (156), at least one seed geometry for the shaped body (112); c) generating, by using at least one parameter generation unit (158), a set of parameters comprising at least one geometry parameter of the seed geometry; d) simulating, by using at least one simulation unit (160), the shaped body by varying values of the set of parameters and by comparing simulated criteria for these values with the set of target criteria, thereby generating at least one adapted set of parameters for which the target criteria are fulfilled at least within a predetermined tolerance; and e) determining, by using at least one guided candidate geometry definition unit (162), at least one guided candidate geometry of the at least one shaped body (112) from the adapted set of parameters.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a computer-implemented method for designing at least one shaped body, a computer-implemented method for designing at least one forming tool, a computer-implemented method for designing a manufacturing process for manufacturing at least one shaped body, a computer program for designing at least one shaped body, a computer program for designing at least one die, a design system for designing at least one shaped body, a die design system for designing at least one forming tool, and a manufacturing design system for designing a manufacturing process for manufacturing at least one shaped body. The methods, computer programs, and systems according to the invention can be specifically used to design shaped bodies, such as, for example, catalyst geometries or the geometry of catalyst forming tools. However, further and / or other applications are possible. Background Technology

[0002] The design of components and parts is a central aspect of the development process performed in both small- and large-scale manufacturing and / or production industries. Specifically, in the chemical industry, the design of the shape of steam reforming catalysts is a routinely performed process, typically aimed at improving catalyst performance. Therefore, the design of the shape of steam reforming catalysts is often complex and sophisticated. Thus, in “Optimum dimensions of shaped steam reforming catalysts”, published by Kagyrmanova et al. in Chemical Engineering Journal 134 (2007) 228-234, the theoretical optimization of shaped catalyst dimensions with technically imposed constraints on the operating conditions of a typical methanol reformer is described. Furthermore, in Soltan Mohammadzadeh and Zamaniyan's "Catalyst shape as a design parameter – optimal shape for methane-steam reforming catalyst," published in Trans IChemE, Volume 80, Part A, May 2002, a mathematical model for simulating a catalytic wall methane steam reformer has been developed. Further, in Hilbert R et al.'s "Multi-objective shape optimization of a heat exchanger using parallel genetic algorithms," published in the International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer 49(2006) 2567-1577, a design optimization of the blade shape of a heat exchanger using a genetic algorithm is disclosed. The process of finding the geometry that best maximizes heat exchange while minimizing pressure loss is described. Furthermore, in the paper "Multi-objective optimization of microchannel reactor for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis using computational fluid dynamics and genetic algorithm" published by Na Jonggeol et al. in Chemical Engineering 313(2017)1521-1534, a method for simultaneously maximizing C 5+A multi-objective optimization method for productivity and minimizing temperature rise in a Fischer-Tropsch microchannel reactor. This method is applied to catalyst packing zone partitioning, which is divided and filled with different dilution ratios to ensure uniform distribution of reaction heat.

[0003] Furthermore, shape optimization is typically performed across multiple development processes. As an example, US 2016 / 0004793 A1 describes a method for analyzing shape optimization, comprising: setting the portion to be optimized within a movable portion as a design space; generating an optimized block model composed of three-dimensional elements within the set design space and subjecting it to optimization analysis; connecting the generated optimized block model to a structural model; setting material properties for the optimized block model; setting optimization analysis conditions to find the optimal shape of the optimized block model; setting multibody dynamics analysis conditions to perform multibody dynamics analysis on the structural model with the connected optimized block models; and performing multibody dynamics analysis on the optimized block model based on the set optimization analysis conditions to find the optimal shape of the optimized block model.

[0004] US 2007 / 0050068 A1 describes an optimization method for optimizing the shape of a component, comprising the following steps: setting information including the shape of each part of the component as multiple parameters; extracting the relationship between the multiple parameters and component deformation; changing the value of at least one of the multiple parameters to reduce component deformation; and adjusting the volume of the component.

[0005] US 2003 / 0083763 A1 describes a method and apparatus that enable any unskilled operator to efficiently and consistently determine optimal packaging specifications for vehicle parts, etc. In this method, various factors that may damage the article are pre-defined as protective characteristics. For a specific article, at least one of these protective characteristics is determined based on its surface material, its longest dimension, and its weight. Based on the determined protective characteristics, at least one of packaging materials classified by characteristics is selected for packaging the article. Then, a packaging form is determined according to the determined packaging materials and the article characteristics, and the packaging sequence of the determined packaging forms is determined according to a pre-defined packaging priority for such packaging forms.

[0006] Furthermore, US 7,477,955 B2 describes an objective that enables the provision of an optimal shape design method in which the optimal shape of cushioning material used in cushioned packaging can be easily and adequately designed, as well as an optimal shape design system using the optimal shape design method.

[0007] US 8,938,974 B1 describes a method for determining the optimal inlet geometry of a liquid rocket engine vortex injector, including obtaining throttleable horizontal phase values, volumetric flow rate, chamber pressure, liquid propellant density, inlet injector pressure, desired target injection angles between the inlet and chamber for multiple engine stages, and desired optimal incremental pressure values. The method calculates the tangential inlet area for each throttleable stage. The method also uses the correlation between the tangential inlet area and the incremental pressure values ​​to calculate the spring displacement and variable inlet geometry of the liquid rocket engine vortex injector.

[0008] Furthermore, DE 103 42 147 B4 describes a process for automatically calculating the deformation compensation geometry for a forming tool. This process includes determining an initial geometry and changing it based on deviations from a threshold. The initial geometry is approximated by surface elements, and a joint point is determined for each element. A difference vector and an average vector are calculated for each initial point, and the joint point is moved about the average vector. The surface elements are triangles.

[0009] However, the ever-evolving manufacturing possibilities necessitate changes in the development process of manufacturing. Therefore, multiple technical challenges exist in both component design and manufacturing. Typically, at each stage of the development process, particularly in designing and creating the geometry of components and parts, input from technical experts in fields such as mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, or physics is required, for example, for building and interpreting models, simulations, and calculations. In particular, design methodologies and systems require the performance of complex and computationally intensive calculations. Often, design methodologies and systems involve iterative processes, where calculations, models, and simulations need to be iteratively adapted. Therefore, the execution of such methods is often very time-consuming, expensive, and complex.

[0010] Problems to be solved

[0011] Therefore, it is desirable to provide apparatus and methods for addressing the aforementioned technical challenges in designing components and parts (such as molded bodies and molds) or manufacturing processes for manufacturing such components. Specifically, methods, computer programs, and systems for improving the process of designing at least one molded body or forming tool (e.g., mold) and its corresponding manufacturing process should be proposed, compared with methods, computer programs, and systems known in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0012] This problem is solved by the methods, computer programs, and systems described in the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments that can be implemented in isolation or in any arbitrary combination are listed in the dependent claims.

[0013] As used below, the terms “have,” “include,” or “contain,” or any grammatical variations thereof, are used in a non-exclusive manner. Thus, these terms can refer to a situation where an entity described herein has no other features besides those introduced by these terms, or to a situation where one or more other features exist. For example, the statements “A has B,” “A includes B,” and “A contains B” can refer to a situation where A has no other elements besides B (i.e., A consists solely and exclusively of B), or to a situation where entity A has one or more other elements besides B (e.g., element C, elements C and D, or even other elements).

[0014] Furthermore, it should be noted that the terms "at least one," "one or more," or similar expressions indicating that a feature or element may exist once or more will generally be used only once when the corresponding feature or element is introduced. In the following text, in most cases, when referring to the corresponding feature or element, the expression "at least one" or "one or more" will not be repeated, but the fact that the corresponding feature or element may exist once or more will be acknowledged.

[0015] Furthermore, as used below, the terms "preferredly," "more preferably," "particularly," "more particularly," "specifically," "more specifically," or similar terms may be used in combination with optional features without limiting other possibilities. Therefore, features introduced by these terms are optional features and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the invention can be practiced using alternative features. Similarly, features introduced by phrases such as "in embodiments of the invention" are intended to be optional features, without limiting alternative embodiments of the invention, without limiting the scope of the invention, and without limiting the possibility of combining features introduced in this manner with other optional or non-optional features of the invention.

[0016] In a first aspect of the invention, a computer-implemented method for designing at least one molded body is disclosed. This computer-implemented method may also be referred to as a method, design method, or design approach. The computer-implemented method includes the following steps, which may be performed in a given order. However, different orders are also possible. Further, one or more steps, or even all steps, may be performed once or repeatedly. Further, the method steps may be performed in a timely overlapping manner or even in parallel. The method may also include additional method steps not listed.

[0017] A computer-implemented method for designing at least one molded object includes the following steps:

[0018] a) Retrieve at least one set of target criteria for the shaped body;

[0019] b) Define at least one seed geometry for the shaped body;

[0020] c) Generate a parameter set, the parameter set including at least one geometric parameter of the seed geometry;

[0021] d) By changing the values ​​of a set of parameters and simulating a molded body by comparing the simulated standards for those values ​​with a target set of standards, at least one adapted set of parameters is generated, for which the target standards are satisfied at least within a predetermined tolerance; and

[0022] e) Determine at least one guiding candidate geometry for at least one shaped body based on the adjusted set of parameters.

[0023] The method for designing at least one shaped body can be used to design at least one catalyst, specifically a catalyst pellet, such as the geometry of at least one catalyst and / or catalyst pellet. In particular, for example, alternatively or additionally, the method for designing at least one shaped body can be used to design at least one adsorbent, specifically an adsorbent pellet, such as the geometry of at least one adsorbent and / or adsorbent pellet. Additionally or alternatively, the method for designing at least one shaped body can be used to design at least one particle and / or at least one extrudate, such as at least one tablet and / or agglomerate. The method for designing at least one shaped body can be used to design at least one shaped body that is at least partially produced and / or manufactured in a granulation process and / or a tableting process and / or an extrusion process. As a further example, the shaped body can be at least partially produced and / or manufactured in an aggregation process, an additive or subtractive manufacturing process, a spray drying process, a coating process, an impregnation process, or a 3D printing process. Other manufacturing processes are possible, such as catalyst manufacturing processes, as described by Schüth et al. in the second complete revision and expansion of the "Handbook of Heterogeneous Catalysis", Volume 1, pp. 680-698. Specifically, as an example, the shaped body can be used for separation processes other than adsorption, such as distillation, gas washing and / or gas stripping.

[0024] As used herein, the term "computer-implemented" is a broad term and should be given its common and conventional meaning to those skilled in the art, without limitation its specific or customary meaning. Specifically, the term may refer to, but is not limited to, a process wholly or partially implemented using a data processing device (such as a data processing device including at least one processor). Therefore, the term "computer" can generally refer to a device or combination of devices or a network of devices having at least one data processing device (such as at least one processor). Furthermore, a computer may include one or more further components, such as at least one of a data storage device, an electronic interface, or a human-machine interface.

[0025] As used herein, the term "processor" is a broad term and should be given its common and conventional meaning to those skilled in the art, and not limited to its specific or custom meaning. Specifically, the term may refer to, but is not limited to, any logic circuit configured to perform basic operations of a computer or system, and / or generally refers to a device configured to perform computational or logical operations. In particular, a processor may be configured to process basic instructions that drive a computer or system. As an example, a processor may include at least one arithmetic logic unit (ALU), at least one floating-point unit (FPU), such as a math coprocessor or a number coprocessor, multiple registers, registers specifically configured to supply operands to the ALU and store the results of operations, and memory, such as L1 and L2 cache memories. In particular, a processor may be a multi-core processor. Specifically, a processor may be or may include a central processing unit (CPU). Additionally or alternatively, a processor may be or may include one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and / or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.

[0026] As used herein, the term "design" is a broad term and should be given its common and conventional meaning to those skilled in the art, without limitation any particular or custom meaning. Specifically, the term may refer to, but is not limited to, the process of planning and / or specifying an object or process. As an example, the design process may include developing and / or defining at least one characteristic of an object or process.

[0027] As used herein, the term "design at least one molded body" is a broad term and should be given its common and conventional meaning to those skilled in the art, without limitation its specific or customary meaning. Specifically, the term may refer to, but is not limited to, the process of planning and / or specifying at least one molded body. In particular, the design of at least one molded body may specifically be or may include developing and / or defining at least one characteristic of the molded body, such as, for example, geometry and / or shape of the molded body.

[0028] As used herein, the term "formed body" is a broad term and should be given its common and conventional meaning to those skilled in the art, without limitation a particular or customary meaning. Specifically, the term may refer to, but is not limited to, any part or component having a predefined form or shape. In particular, a formed body may be or may include at least one mass-produced component or part, for example, configured for mass production, such as in multiple quantities. Specifically, formed bodies may be produced or manufactured at a rate of 20 to 20,000,000 pieces per hour, preferably 100 to 1,000,000 pieces per hour, more preferably 1,000 to 400,000 pieces per hour. In particular, formed bodies may be produced or manufactured at a rate of 1 to 100,000 kg per hour, preferably 5 to 50,000 kg per hour, more preferably 50 to 20,000 kg per hour. Thus, by way of example, formed bodies may be configured to be produced or manufactured by one or more of an extrusion process and a tableting process, such as by using an extruder or a tableting machine.

[0029] Specifically, the molded body can be configured to be produced and / or manufactured by at least one extrusion process and tableting process. However, parallel production, such as producing and / or manufacturing the molded body in parallel by more than one extrusion and / or tableting process, is possible. In particular, the manufacturing quantity mentioned above for the molded body can be effective for a single extrusion process and / or a single tableting process, specifically for a single production unit, such as one extruder for the extrusion process or one press for the tableting process. Thus, as an example, the manufacturing quantity can be multiplied according to the number of production units used for production, such as according to the number of extruders and / or presses used in parallel during the extrusion and / or tableting processes.

[0030] As an example, a molded body can be or may include molded bodies and / or molded parts, such as objects and / or components generated using at least one forming process (e.g., a molding process). Therefore, a molded body can be or may include at least one molded mass, such as molding material, molded into a predefined form or shape. In particular, a molded body can be a molded body and / or part molded using at least one forming and / or molding process (e.g., an extrusion process and / or a sheeting process).

[0031] As used herein, the term "retrieval" is a broad term and should be given its common and conventional meaning to those skilled in the art, without limitation its specific or customary meaning. Specifically, the term can refer to, but is not limited to, the process of generating and / or obtaining data from any data source (such as from a data storage device, from a network, or from a further computer or computer system) by a system (specifically a computer system). Specifically, retrieval can occur through at least one computer interface, such as via a port such as a serial or parallel port. Retrieval may include multiple sub-steps, such as obtaining one or more primary pieces of information and generating secondary information using the primary information, for example by applying one or more algorithms to the primary information, for example, by using a processor. Further, retrieval may include obtaining data from one or more of at least one measurement, at least one calculation, literature, at least one manual, knowledge, experience, and at least one reference simulation. In particular, the retrieval in step a) may be or may include providing the target set of standards to at least one processor of a computer, such as a processor of a computer performing a computer-implemented method thereon. Therefore, the retrieval in step a) may be or may include providing the target set of standards to a processor, such as by using, for example, at least one interface of a computer.

[0032] As used herein, the term "target standard" is a broad term and should be given its common and conventional meaning to those skilled in the art, without limitation any particular or customary meaning. Specifically, the term may refer to, but is not limited to, a feature or specification targeted and / or aimed at when designing any object or element. In particular, a target standard may be or may include at least one reference feature and / or characteristic compared to a feature of the object and / or element. As an example, a target standard may be compared to at least one simulation standard of a molded body. Specifically, a target standard may be a feature or specification for an application to the object or element, such as for an application to a molded body. Thus, as an example, a target standard may be or may include at least one feature, such as a reference feature, according to which parameters (e.g., at least one geometric parameter including a seed geometry) are adapted. In particular, multiple target standards may be referred to as a set of target standards.

[0033] As used herein, the term "seed geometry" is a broad term and should be given its common and conventional meaning to those skilled in the art, without limitation any particular or custom meaning. Specifically, the term may refer to, but is not limited to, any primary and / or initial two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional form or shape. In particular, a seed geometry can be, or may include, a three-dimensional basic type of a shaped body. Thus, when designing at least one shaped body, the seed geometry can, for example, be the initial geometry used for the shaped body. As an example, the seed geometry can be a shaped body of a predefined basic type. In particular, the seed geometry can be a two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional structure that can be described using geometric forms, such as, for example, a cylinder, a pyramid, etc. Additionally or alternatively, other computer and / or mathematical methods can be used to describe the seed geometry, such as one or more of at least one equation, at least one vector, and at least one matrix. Additionally or alternatively, the seed geometry can be a combination of two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional structures and / or geometric forms, such as, for example, a pyramid with a cylindrical hole, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the seed geometry may be a predefined and / or pre-existing geometry, such as a previously defined geometry, for example, the geometry of a previous generation of shaped bodies. For example, the seed geometry may be or may include a computer-generated geometry, such as a geometry automatically generated by a computer, for example, by using at least one algorithm specifically designed to generate geometry.

[0034] Therefore, in other words, when designing a molded body, a seed geometry can refer to the initial geometry used for the molded body, such as the starting point of the molded body geometry. Specifically, a seed geometry can refer to a geometry that serves as the starting geometry in a method for designing at least one molded body, such as the initial geometry used for the molded body during the design process. Thus, a seed geometry can specifically refer to an initial geometry, such as the geometry at the beginning or starting point of a method. Specifically, a seed geometry can be the initial geometry of the molded body at the beginning and / or start of a design method, such as at the initial point of simulation and / or optimization, for example, at the initial point of step d) of the method. In particular, a seed geometry can refer to the starting point in the described computer-implemented method, which can subsequently be changed, for example, during simulation and / or optimization, to achieve one or more suitable results, such as at least one lead candidate geometry, as further outlined below.

[0035] As used herein, the term "defining a seed geometry" can refer to generating, selecting, and determining one or more seed geometries. Defining a seed geometry may include generating a seed geometry depending on and / or given at least one target criterion. A seed geometry may be a predefined seed geometry stored in a computer's data storage device. The data storage device may include at least one table or at least one lookup table that includes multiple different seed geometries. Defining a seed geometry may include selecting one of the seed geometries, such as depending on at least one target criterion.

[0036] In particular, step b) of defining at least one seed geometry for the shaped body may also include one or more sub-steps, such as a sub-step of providing the seed geometry to at least one processor of a computer, such as a sub-step of a computer executing a computer-implemented method thereon. Thus, the definition in step b) may include providing the seed geometry to a processor, such as by using at least one geometry definition unit, for example, a computer.

[0037] As used herein, the term "parameter" is a broad term and should be given its common and conventional meaning to those skilled in the art, without limitation any particular or customary meaning. Specifically, the term can refer to, but is not limited to, any variable representing at least one physical property of an object or system, wherein the value of the variable determines at least one characteristic or behavior of the object or system. In particular, a parameter can represent at least one property of a seed geometry, specifically for at least one property of the seed geometry of a shaped body, such as a measured, calculated, estimated, or tabulated property. Thus, a set of parameters can specifically be or may include at least one geometric parameter of a seed geometry, such as a parameter relating to the geometry and / or shape of the seed geometry. The parameter can be at least one variable selected from the group consisting of: geometric parameters, such as length, thickness, horizontal and / or vertical spread, lateral crushing strength, and overall crushing strength; material parameters, such as Young's modulus, hardness, elasticity, shear strength, tensile strength, heat capacity, and / or thermal conductivity; and chemical parameters, such as reaction rate, chemical conversion rate, reaction yield, and / or reaction selectivity. Specifically, the parameters can be one or more of the following: bulk density, packed density, weight, surface area, pore structure, wear rate, flow index, diffusion coefficient, etc., as described, for example, in Schüth et al., "Handbook of Heterogeneous Catalysis," Second Complete Revised and Expanded Edition, Volume 1, pp. 676-698. As used herein, the term "generating parameter set" refers to determining multiple parameters based on the seed geometry.

[0038] In particular, step c) of generating a parameter set including at least one geometric parameter of a seed geometry may also include one or more sub-steps, such as a sub-step of providing the parameter set to at least one processor of a computer, such as a sub-step of a computer performing a computer-implemented method thereon. Therefore, the generation in step c) may also include providing the parameter set to a processor, such as by using at least one parameter generation unit of a computer, for example.

[0039] Specifically, when simulating the formed body in step d), the set of parameters of the seed geometry, such as a set of variables that determine at least one feature or behavior of the seed geometry for the formed body, can be adapted or modified, for example, according to target criteria. As used herein, the term “simulation” is a broad term and should be given its common and customary meaning to those skilled in the art, and not limited to a particular or customized meaning. Specifically, the term can refer to, but is not limited to, the process of applying at least one simulation tool (such as an algorithm and / or a neural network) to any object (such as an input value or initial value) for the purpose of determining at least one desired value and / or feature of the object.

[0040] Therefore, in other words, simulation can be or may refer to an optimization process. In particular, a simulation process that applies at least one simulation tool to an arbitrary object (e.g., repeatedly and / or iteratively applying one or more simulation tools to an arbitrary object as outlined above or described in further detail below) can be synonymously referred to as an optimization process, such as the optimization of at least one input value.

[0041] Specifically, as used herein, the term "simulated forming body" can refer to the process of applying at least one simulation tool to a generated set of parameters for the purpose of determining at least one adapted set of parameters of a forming body. In particular, simulating a forming body may include iteratively changing the values ​​of the parameter set and determining at least one simulation criterion for the forming body for each value of at least one parameter. Further, at least one simulation criterion may be compared with at least one target criterion in the target criterion set to determine the values ​​of the parameter set that satisfy the target criterion set at least within a predetermined tolerance. As an example, the purpose of simulating a forming body may specifically be or may include generating at least one adapted set of parameters, such as identifying at least one form or shape of the forming body whose target criterion is satisfied.

[0042] As used herein, the term "changing the value of a parameter set" can refer to the process of changing the value of at least one parameter in the parameter set, which can be specifically performed iteratively. In particular, the value of a parameter set can be changed by following one or more of the following: a preset and / or predetermined pattern, a preset and / or predetermined algorithm, a preset and / or predetermined set of mathematical rules, a preset and / or predetermined method, or a preset and / or predetermined protocol. Alternatively, the value of the parameter set can vary randomly.

[0043] Specifically, simulating the formed body, particularly in step d), as outlined above, can be or may include an iterative process, specifically an optimization process. Thus, as an example, when simulating the formed body, specifically in step d), the set of parameters of the seed geometry, such as the values ​​of a set of variables determining at least one characteristic or behavior of the seed geometry for the formed body, can be changed and / or varied, for example, randomly and / or by following one or more predetermined patterns. When simulating the formed body in step d), these changed parameters, such as changed and / or varied parameter values, can then be analyzed, for example, subsequently to determine whether the formed body meets a target criterion set for these changed parameters, for example, falling within predetermined tolerances of the target criterion. Furthermore, as outlined above, this process can be performed iteratively, such as in cases where the target criterion is not met, for example, in cases generally known in optimization processes. As an example, if the formed body of a geometry with changed and / or varied parameters (e.g., changed and / or varied values ​​of the parameter set) does not meet the target criterion set, the parameters (e.g., the values ​​of the parameter set) can be changed and / or varied again. Therefore, as outlined above, for example in the previous paragraph, when simulating the molded body in step d), the values ​​of the parameter set can be iteratively changed, for example until the values ​​of the parameter set specifically make the molded body satisfy the target standard set at least within a predetermined tolerance.

[0044] As used herein, the term "simulation standard" can refer to at least one value and / or characteristic expected of a simulated object, particularly a simulated molded body having a specific set of parameters. Thus, when the geometry of the molded body is equal to the simulated geometry, the simulation standard, specifically the simulation standard of the molded body, can be, for example, or may include at least one value and / or characteristic of the expected molded body, such as the geometry described by the values ​​of the set of parameters used in the simulation, for example, as described by the simulated values.

[0045] As used herein, the term "adapted parameter set" can refer to at least one set of values ​​describing the molded body, such as the geometry of the molded body, for which a target standard is met at least within a predetermined tolerance. Therefore, the adapted parameter set can specifically be or may include at least one result of simulating the molded body. Specifically, in step d), the parameter set can be adapted by comparing the simulation standards (such as simulation characteristics or specifications) used for varying values ​​of the parameter set with a target standard set. Thus, an adapted parameter set can be generated where the target standard is met at least within a predetermined tolerance.

[0046] In other words, the adapted parameter set can specifically refer to the adapted parameter value set. Therefore, the adapted parameter set, such as the adapted parameter value set, can specifically refer to, for example, the adapted parameter value set that meets the target standard at least within a predetermined tolerance.

[0047] As used herein, the term "satisfy" is a broad term and should be given its common and conventional meaning to those skilled in the art, and is not limited to a specific or customary meaning. Specifically, the term may refer to, but is not limited to, achieving any objective, such as conforming to at least one predefined or preset criterion. Therefore, the term "satisfy at least within a predetermined tolerance" may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, any state in which a predefined objective is achieved by conforming to at least one predefined or preset criterion, wherein the predetermined tolerance may be applied when determining the achievement.

[0048] The term "target criterion satisfied at least within a predetermined tolerance" refers to the fact that the target criterion is fully satisfied, where deviations within the predetermined tolerance are possible. Specifically, the adapted set of parameters generated in step d) can define the geometry of the formed body that satisfies or achieves the target criterion, where an optimal value can be missed as long as the difference or deviation is less than the predetermined tolerance. As an example, a target criterion can be considered satisfied as long as optimal or maximum satisfaction can be achieved. Specifically, a target criterion is satisfied as long as at least one maximum or minimum value of the target criterion is achieved, such as a global maximum or global minimum. Therefore, a target criterion can be considered satisfied or achieved as long as the minimum difference and / or minimum deviation is achieved. Additionally or alternatively, a target criterion is satisfied at least within the predetermined tolerance as long as the difference or variation between the simulated criterion and the target criterion is less than or equal to the predetermined tolerance. Specifically, a target criterion is considered satisfied as long as the simulated criterion and the target criterion differ from each other by no more than 50%, preferably no more than 20%, and more preferably no more than 10%.

[0049] As used herein, the term "geometry" is a broad term and should be given its common and conventional meaning to those skilled in the art, without limitation any particular or customary meaning. Specifically, the term may refer to, but is not limited to, the two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional form or shape of any object. Geometry can be specifically described and / or defined mathematically, for example, by mathematical functions. Additionally or alternatively, geometry can be described using at least one data format commonly used by computers, such as computer methods for describing geometry, including one or more of the following: point clouds, at least one vector, at least one matrix, constructive solid geometry (CSG) representations, and hybrid methods.

[0050] As used herein, the term "guide candidate geometry" is a broad term and should be given its common and conventional meaning to those skilled in the art, without limitation a specific or custom meaning. Specifically, the term may refer to, but is not limited to, the form or shape of at least one molded body that meets a target criterion at least within a predetermined tolerance. Therefore, it may be specifically possible to determine multiple guide candidate geometries, all of which meet the target criterion at least within a predetermined tolerance. In particular, at least one guide candidate geometry can be determined based on a fitted set of parameters generated as in step d). As an example, a guide candidate geometry can be determined from a fitted set of parameters by converting the values ​​of the fitted set of parameters into a mathematical description, such as a mathematical function, that describes the geometry of the molded body that meets the target criterion. In particular, a guide candidate geometry can be, or may include, a negative geometry of the starting geometry used in designing at least one mold, for example, for manufacturing the molded body.

[0051] Specifically, the guiding candidate geometry can be or may refer to a geometry as a result of a design method, such as the result of simulation and / or optimization. Specifically, the guiding candidate geometry can be the simulation result of step d) of the method. Therefore, when the design method is executed, the guiding candidate geometry can be the resulting geometry used for the formed body, such as the result of the design method. Specifically, the guiding candidate geometry can refer to the output of the described computer implementation method. Specifically, the guiding candidate geometry can be a two-dimensional and / or tree-dimensional structure whose basic shape can be similar to the seed geometry. Specifically, with respect to the seed geometry, the basic shape of the guiding candidate geometry can remain unmodified, such that, for example, a cylinder remains a cylinder, a pyramid remains a pyramid, a cube remains a cube, etc. Therefore, as an example, where the target criteria have already been met for the seed geometry, the guiding candidate geometry may be only slightly different from or even equal to the seed geometry.

[0052] The target criteria set in step a) can be retrieved via at least one interface, specifically, via at least one network interface. As used herein, the term "interface" is a broad term and should be given its common and conventional meaning to those skilled in the art, without limitation its specific or customary meaning. The term can specifically refer to, but is not limited to, items or elements that form the boundaries configured for transmitting information. In particular, an interface can be configured to transmit information from a computing device (e.g., a computer), such as sending or outputting information, for example, to another device. Additionally or alternatively, an interface can be configured to transmit information to a computing device, such as to a computer, such as to receive information. An interface (e.g., a network interface) can specifically provide means for transmitting or exchanging information, particularly online, such as via internal or external connections, such as via the Internet. In particular, an interface can provide data transmission connectivity, such as Bluetooth, NFC, inductive coupling, etc. As an example, an interface or port can be or can include one or more of a network or Internet port, a USB port, and a drive. In particular, a network interface can be or can include one or more of a software interface, a scripting interface, and a database interface.

[0053] Furthermore, at least one guiding candidate geometry of the formed body can be output via at least one interface. As used herein, the term "output" is a broad term and should be given its common and conventional meaning to those skilled in the art, and is not limited to a particular or customary meaning. Specifically, the term may refer to, but is not limited to, the process of making information available to another system, data storage device, person, or entity. As an example, output may occur via one or more interfaces, such as a computer interface, network interface, or human-machine interface. As an example, output may occur in one or more of a computer-readable format, a visual format, or an audible format.

[0054] The target criterion may specifically include at least one constraint selected from the group consisting of: geometric constraints, such as production machine tolerances, minimum wall thickness, compressibility constraints, extrudability constraints, maximum and / or minimum diameter constraints, maximum and / or minimum height constraints, specifically geometric constraints referring to the dimensions of existing forming machines or existing application reactors, such as sufficient die filling height, tableting pressure, sufficient rotational speed, sufficient throughput, long-term stability of tableting parameters, sufficient ejection force, maximum torque, extrusion pressure, and extrusion throughput; weight constraints, specifically weight constraints referring to the maximum weight within the application reactor where the formed body can be applied; surface area constraints, such as maximum surface area per unit weight, maximum Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area; density constraints; mechanical strength constraints, including compression crushing strength, tensile strength, shear strength, flexural strength, torsional strength, shear strength, wear, abrasion, elasticity, and torsional strength; pressure drop constraints; heat transfer constraints; mass transfer constraints; productivity constraints; forming process constraints; and economic constraints, such as production costs, selling prices, profit margins, and production line productivity. In particular, the target criteria may include, for example, at least one constraint arising from the forming process or due to forming limitations of the forming process.

[0055] In particular, the set of target criteria may include at least one mechanical strength constraint and / or at least one pressure drop constraint, or may even consist of at least one mechanical strength constraint and / or at least one pressure drop constraint.

[0056] In particular, at least one target criterion in the set of target criteria may include at least one condition satisfied by the molded body. Therefore, the molded body may, for example, need to satisfy at least one condition of at least one target criterion in order for the target criterion to be considered satisfied.

[0057] Furthermore, as an example, a condition can be a condition satisfied by a measurable characteristic of the molded body. Therefore, a molded body can specifically include at least one measurable characteristic, wherein, in order for the molded body to be considered to meet a target criterion, at least one measurable characteristic of the molded body may, for example, require the satisfaction of at least one condition of at least one target criterion. As used herein, the term "measurable characteristic" is a broad term and should be given its common and customary meaning to those skilled in the art, and is not limited to a particular or customary meaning. The term can specifically refer to, but is not limited to, any qualitatively or quantitatively determinable feature or specification of an object or element. Therefore, a measurable characteristic of a molded body can particularly refer to a qualitatively or quantitatively determinable feature of the molded body.

[0058] Specifically, the measurable properties can be selected from the group including: geometric parameters of the molded body; weight of the molded body; surface area of ​​the molded body; density of the molded body; pore structure of the molded body; mechanical strength of the molded body; pressure drop parameters; heat transfer parameters; mass transfer parameters; productivity parameters; elastic properties of the material of the molded body, specifically Young's modulus of the material of the molded body; shape properties, such as lateral crushing strength, overall crushing strength, tensile strength; chemical conversion parameters, such as reaction rate, chemical conversion, reaction yield, reaction selectivity; and transport parameters, such as flow index.

[0059] Specifically, if the conditions are met, the testing and / or verification may specifically include comparing the measurable characteristic with at least one numerical value. In particular, the testing and / or verification for which the conditions are met may, for example, include comparing the measurable characteristic with at least one of the following: a single numerical value, specifically a threshold; multiple numerical values, specifically a range; a target value.

[0060] For example, the condition can be a condition satisfied by the qualitative characteristics of the molded body. Specifically, as an example, the condition can be a condition satisfied by the qualitative characteristics of the molded body or multiple molded bodies, such as multiple molded bodies in a defined or undefined component.

[0061] The target criteria may include at least one suitability of the molded body for at least one predetermined application purpose. Specifically, as an example, the target criteria may include at least one suitability of the molded body selected from the group consisting of: suitability for application in a predetermined reactor, suitability for application under a predetermined pressure, suitability for application at a predetermined temperature, suitability for application with respect to at least one predetermined reactant, suitability for application in a predetermined reaction, suitability for application under at least one predetermined flow condition, suitability for application at at least one predetermined mass flow rate, suitability for application in at least one predetermined heat flow, and suitability for application under at least one predetermined mechanical stress.

[0062] The retrieval may include preprocessing, specifically preprocessing of at least one target criterion from the target criterion set. As an example, step a), particularly the preprocessing, may also include weighting the target criteria. Specifically, when retrieving at least one set of target criteria for the molded body in step a), the target criteria may be further weighted, such as sorted or given the same or different priorities. For example, where individual target criteria from the target criterion set may be considered more or less important than other target criteria, these individual target criteria may be given higher or lower priorities. Thus, target criteria from the target criterion set may be weighted individually. However, alternatively, each target criterion from the target criterion set may be considered equally important. Therefore, each target criterion from the target criterion set may be weighted equally.

[0063] Step a) may also include retrieving at least one information about the material to be used in the molded body. Therefore, when retrieving at least one set of target criteria from the molded body in step a), additionally, at least one material to be used in the molded body can be retrieved. Specifically, at least one material property of the at least one material to be formed by the forming tool can be retrieved. For example, the material property may be or may include one or more of the following: rheological parameters, such as the rheology of a catalyst slurry for extrusion, compressibility and compactibility profiles such as those for tableting, density such as the density of the powder to be tableted, such as a pill mixture, etc.

[0064] The adapted set of parameters in step d) can be generated, for example, by applying at least one operation (e.g., mathematical and / or logical methods) selected from the group consisting of: nonlinear algorithms; stochastic algorithms; genetic algorithms; artificial intelligence algorithms; gradient-based algorithms; multi-criteria optimization functions, specifically at least one of weighted sum functions or ε-constraint functions; sequential quadratic programming; feasible direction methods; quasi-Newton methods; Newton's method.

[0065] Specifically, as an example, an optimized set of parameters can be generated by performing an optimization method (such as, for example, a multi-standard method optimization method). Specifically, constraints and / or boundary conditions can be used in the optimization method, such as in a multi-standard method. Specifically, at least one constraint can be or can include at least one mathematical function, such as a mathematical function for constraint optimization. Thus, as an example, height being less than diameter can be considered a constraint. Further, at least one boundary condition can be specifically understood as an allowable range, such as a range for the parameter space to be searched. Thus, the range between minimum height and maximum height can be considered a boundary condition. Specifically, at least one boundary condition can be or can include at least one boundary condition from a target criterion, for example, from a target value and / or due to limitations imposed by a production process, such as the production process of the formed body. Specifically, in the optimization method, such as in a multi-standard method optimization method, at least one minimum and at least one maximum value for the response function can be preset, for example, as boundary conditions, for pressure drop and / or mechanical strength. As an example, in a multi-standard approach, the parameter set, specifically including a set of parameters of at least one geometric parameter, can be changed or varied once, repeatedly, or in an iterative pattern, such as to determine at least one adapted parameter set.

[0066] As an example, step d) may also include simulating the shaped body by changing the values ​​of the adjusted set of parameters.

[0067] The shaped body can specifically be an element selected from the group consisting of: packed bed materials, such as those used in scrubbing towers or scrubbers; tower packing, such as scrubbing tower packing; catalysts, more specifically catalyst pellets, catalyst extrusions, catalyst particles; adsorbents, more particularly adsorbent pellets, adsorbent extrusions, adsorbent particles; and filters. In particular, by way of example, the shaped body can be or may include at least one or more elements of a packed bed, such as those used in scrubbing towers or scrubbers, wherein the shaped body can specifically be configured to provide a maximum surface area for fluids, such as the maximum contact area between the gas to be cleaned and the scrubbing liquid. Further, by way of example, the shaped body can be used in distillation processes. Specifically, the shaped body can be applied, for example, to moving and / or fluidized and / or entrained bed reactors, such as in any possible packing of solid phases, such as solid phases in contact with a fluid phase, for example, solid phases in contact with one or more of a liquid phase, a gas phase, and a supercritical phase.

[0068] In another aspect of the invention, a computer-implemented method for designing at least one forming tool is disclosed. This method may also be referred to as a method, forming tool design method, mold design method, or die design method. The method includes the following steps, which may be performed in a given order. However, different orders are also possible. Further, one or more steps, or even all steps, may be performed once or repeatedly. Further, the method steps may be performed in an overlapping manner or even in parallel. The method may also include additional method steps not listed.

[0069] A computer-implemented method for designing at least one forming tool includes the following steps:

[0070] i) Retrieve at least one set of target criteria for the mold;

[0071] ii) Define at least one initial geometry for the mold;

[0072] iii) Generate a set of forming parameters, which includes at least one shape geometry parameter of the initial geometry;

[0073] iv) By changing the values ​​of the forming parameter set and comparing the simulated forming characteristics for these values ​​with a set of forming target criteria, a forming process using a forming tool is simulated to generate at least one forming geometry with a tuned set of forming parameters, wherein the forming target criteria are satisfied at least within predetermined tolerances for the tuned set of forming parameters; and

[0074] v) Determine at least one geometry of at least one forming tool based on the adapted set of forming parameters.

[0075] The method for designing at least one forming tool can be used to design at least one forming tool, such as at least one mold, for use in granulation and / or tableting processes, such as in spray drying and / or extrusion processes. In particular, the method for designing at least one forming tool can be used to design at least one forming tool, such as a mold, for use in any forming or manufacturing process, wherein various forming methods, such as granulation and agglomeration, can be used. In particular, the forming tool and / or mold can be used, for example, in molding processes and / or additive manufacturing processes. Therefore, in particular, the forming tool and / or mold can also be referred to as a mold, specifically configured for use in a molding process.

[0076] As an example, forming tools, such as molds, can be manufactured, for example, during molding and / or machining and / or additive manufacturing.

[0077] Specifically, the forming tool may be or may include at least a portion of one or more of a tableting tool and an extrusion die. In particular, the forming tool may be or may include an extrusion die, such as a die used in the extrusion process. Specifically, the forming tool may be or may include a tableting tool, such as a tool used in the tableting process, for example, at least one die.

[0078] In particular, as used herein, the term "compression process" is a broad term and should be given its common and conventional meaning to those skilled in the art, without limitation its specific or customary meaning. Specifically, the term can refer to, but is not limited to, a manufacturing process in which an object or part is produced by applying pressure to at least one material using a compression tool to create the object or part. In particular, a compression process can be configured to transfer the negative form and / or geometry of the compression tool onto the pressurized material. Thus, a compression process can be or can include a compaction process in which an object or part is formed from a material by applying pressure to it (e.g., by compacting the material). In particular, a compression process can be or can include a molding process, using a mold, such as a die, as the entity given the form.

[0079] As used herein, the term "additive manufacturing" is a broad term and should be given its common and conventional meaning to those skilled in the art, without limitation its specific or customary meaning. Specifically, the term can refer to, but is not limited to, the manufacturing process of producing an object or part by progressively adding at least one material. In particular, additive manufacturing can include building objects and / or parts by constructing layers, such as by adding material in a first horizontal plane and then subsequently adding material in a second horizontal plane, and so on. Specifically, additive manufacturing can be or can include one or more of the following: selective laser melting (SLM), stereolithography (SLA), fused deposition modeling (FDM), and direct energy deposition (DED). In detail, additive manufacturing can include building parts layer-wise. Additive manufacturing may allow the use of various materials, such as different plastics, metals, or ceramics, alone or in combination.

[0080] As used herein, the term "design at least one forming tool" is a broad term and should be given its common and conventional meaning to those skilled in the art, without limitation its specific or customary meaning. Specifically, the term may refer to, but is not limited to, the process of planning and / or specifying at least one forming tool (e.g., at least one mold). In particular, the design of at least one forming tool may specifically be or may include developing and / or defining at least one characteristic of the forming tool, such as, for example, the geometry and / or shape of the forming tool.

[0081] As used herein, the term "forming tool" is a broad term and should be given its common and conventional meaning to those skilled in the art, without limitation any particular or customary meaning. Specifically, the term can refer to, but is not limited to, tools given in any form. A forming tool may, for example, include forms or molds, such as those given as matrices or frames. Specifically, a forming tool can be used in a forming process for manufacturing a shaped body. A forming tool can specifically be a tool given in any forming or manufacturing process suitable for manufacturing a shaped body.

[0082] As an example, a forming tool may be or may include one or more of a tableting tool (specifically, a tableting tool that includes a die) and an extrusion die. A forming tool may specifically be or may include a die. Therefore, in this document, the term "die" may specifically refer to at least a portion of a forming tool. Additionally or alternatively, the terms "forming tool" and "die" may be used interchangeably herein.

[0083] As used herein, the term "forming target standard" is a broad term and should be given its common and conventional meaning to those skilled in the art, without limitation a specific or customary meaning. Specifically, the term may refer to, but is not limited to, a feature or specification targeted when designing any formed object or element. In particular, a forming target standard may be, or may include, at least one reference feature or characteristic compared to a feature (e.g., a simulation standard) of the formed object or element. Specifically, a forming target standard may be a characteristic or specification for an application to the formed object or element, such as for an application to a forming tool or mold, for example, for using a forming tool to form or manufacture a shaped body. Thus, by way of example, a forming target standard may be, or may include, at least one feature, such as a reference feature, according to which forming parameters (e.g., at least one shape geometry parameter including the initial geometry) are adapted. In particular, multiple forming target standards may be referred to as a set of forming target standards.

[0084] Specifically, retrieving at least one set of forming target criteria for the mold in step i) may or may include providing the set of forming target criteria to at least one processor of a computer, such as a processor of a computer executing a computer-implemented method thereon. Therefore, the retrieval in step i) may or may include providing the set of forming target criteria to a processor, such as by using at least one interface, for example, a computer interface.

[0085] As used herein, the term "starting geometry" is a broad term and should be given its common and conventional meaning to those skilled in the art, without limitation any particular or custom meaning. Specifically, the term may refer to, but is not limited to, any primary and / or initial two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional form or shape. In particular, the starting geometry may be or may include a forming tool and / or mold of a two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional basic type. Specifically, when designing at least one forming tool, the starting geometry for the forming tool may, for example, be the initial geometry of the forming tool and / or mold. As an example, the starting geometry for the forming tool may be a predefined basic type of forming tool and / or mold, such as a previously determined geometry, and / or the geometry of a previous generation of forming tools and / or molds. Specifically, the starting geometry for the forming tool and / or mold may be or may include the original form or shape of the forming tool and / or mold. For example, the starting geometry may be or may include a computer-generated geometry, such as a geometry automatically generated by a computer, for example, by using at least one algorithm specifically designed for generating geometry. Additionally or alternatively, the starting geometry may be generated from a previously defined starting geometry, such as based on experience.

[0086] As used herein, the term "defining the starting geometry" can refer to generating, selecting, and determining one or more starting geometries. Defining the starting geometry may include generating the starting geometry based on and / or given at least one forming target criterion. The starting geometry may be a predefined starting geometry stored in a computer's data storage device. The data storage device may include at least one table or at least one lookup table that includes a plurality of different starting geometries. Defining the starting geometry may include selecting one of the starting geometries, for example, based on at least one forming target criterion.

[0087] In particular, step ii) of defining at least one initial geometry for the mold may also include one or more sub-steps, such as a sub-step of providing the initial geometry to at least one processor of a computer, such as a processor of a computer performing a computer-implemented method thereon. Thus, the definition in step ii) may include providing the initial geometry to the processor, such as by using at least one geometry definition unit, such as a geometry definition unit of a computer.

[0088] As used herein, the term "forming parameter" is a broad term and should be given its common and conventional meaning to those skilled in the art, without limitation a specific or customary meaning. Specifically, the term can refer to, but is not limited to, any variable representing at least one physical property of a formed object or system, wherein the value of the variable determines at least one property and / or behavior of the formed object and / or system. Specifically, a parameter can represent at least one property of an initial geometry, specifically for the initial geometry of a forming tool. Therefore, the set of forming parameters can specifically be or may include at least one geometric parameter of the initial geometry, such as a parameter relating to the geometry or shape of the initial geometry used for the forming tool. Specifically, when simulating the forming process using the forming tool in step iv), this set of forming parameters of the initial geometry, such as the set of variables determining at least one property and / or behavior of the initial geometry used for the forming tool, can be adapted or modified, for example, according to forming target criteria. In particular, a forming parameter can represent at least one property and / or behavior of a forming tool when the forming tool is used to form at least one object. Therefore, this set of forming parameters can specifically be or may include at least one shape geometry parameter of the initial geometry. Forming parameters can be at least one variable selected from the group consisting of: geometric parameters, such as length, thickness, horizontal extension and / or vertical extension, specifically notch and / or hole and / or negative geometry, such as the geometry of the die or substrate of the forming tool; material parameters of the forming tool, such as Young's modulus, hardness, elasticity, shear strength, tensile strength, heat capacity and / or thermal conductivity; material parameters of the object formed using the forming tool, such as hardness, elasticity, shear strength, tensile strength, viscosity, heat capacity and / or thermal conductivity; process parameters, such as pressure, specifically tableting pressure, and / or speed, such as extrusion speed. Further, as an example, forming parameters can be or can include surface quality, such as roughness and / or smoothness; forming machine parameters, such as the boundary conditions of the forming machine, such as the maximum diameter of the extrusion die, for example, the maximum diameter being limited by the size of the extruder. As used herein, the term "generating a set of forming parameters" refers to determining multiple forming parameters from an initial geometry.

[0089] In particular, step iii) of generating a set of forming parameters including at least one shape geometry parameter of the initial geometry may also include one or more sub-steps, such as a sub-step of providing the set of forming parameters to at least one processor of a computer, such as a sub-step of a computer executing a computer-implemented method thereon. Thus, the generation in step iii) may also include providing the set of forming parameters to a processor, such as by using at least one forming parameter generation unit, for example, a forming parameter generation unit of a computer.

[0090] Specifically, as used herein, the term "simulating a forming process using a forming tool" can refer to the process of applying at least one simulation tool to a forming tool and / or mold for the purpose of determining at least one adapted set of forming parameters. In particular, simulating a forming process using a forming tool may include iteratively changing the values ​​of the set of forming parameters and determining at least one simulated forming characteristic of the forming tool for each value of the at least one forming parameter. Further, the at least one simulated forming characteristic may be compared with at least one forming target criterion in the set of forming target criteria to determine the values ​​of the set of forming parameters that satisfy the set of forming target criteria at least within predetermined tolerances. As an example, the purpose of simulating a forming process using a forming tool may specifically be or may include generating at least one adapted set of forming parameters, for example, identifying at least one form or shape for the forming tool, for which forming target criteria are satisfied.

[0091] In particular, as outlined above, simulation can or may refer to an optimization process. Therefore, the term "simulating a forming process using forming tools" can specifically refer to or may include a process of optimizing the forming process.

[0092] As used herein, the term "changing the value of a set of forming parameters" can refer to the process of changing the value of at least one forming parameter of the set of forming parameters, which can be specifically performed iteratively. In particular, the value of the set of forming parameters can be changed by following preset and / or predetermined patterns or protocols. Alternatively, the value of the set of forming parameters can vary randomly.

[0093] Specifically, simulating the forming process, particularly in step iv), as outlined above, can be or may include an iterative process, specifically an optimization process. Thus, as an example, when simulating a forming process using a forming tool, specifically in step iv), the set of forming parameters for the initial geometry, such as the values ​​of a set of variables determining at least one characteristic or behavior of the initial geometry for the forming tool, can be changed and / or altered, for example, randomly and / or by following one or more predetermined patterns. These altered parameters, such as the changed and / or varied values ​​of forming parameters, can then be analyzed, for example, subsequently, to determine whether the forming tool meets a set of target criteria for these altered forming parameters, for example, falling within predetermined tolerances of the target criteria. Furthermore, as outlined above, this process can be performed iteratively, such as in cases where the forming target criteria are not met, for example, in situations generally known during optimization processes. As an example, if a forming tool with a geometry having changed and / or varied forming parameters (e.g., changed and / or varied values ​​of the forming parameter set) does not meet the forming target criterion set, the forming parameters (e.g., the values ​​of the forming parameter set) can be changed and / or varied again. Therefore, as outlined above, for example, in the preceding paragraph, when simulating the forming process using the forming tool in step iv), the changes in the values ​​of the forming parameter set can be specifically performed iteratively, e.g., until the forming parameter set, specifically the values ​​of that forming parameter set, such that the forming process using the forming tool meets the forming target criterion set at least within a predetermined tolerance.

[0094] As used herein, the term "simulated forming characteristics" can refer to at least one value and characteristic expected by the simulated object and / or process. Therefore, simulated forming characteristics (specifically, simulated forming characteristics of the forming tool) can be, for example, or include at least one value and / or characteristic of the forming tool expected when it is used during the forming process. In particular, when the geometry of the forming tool used during the forming process is equal to the simulated geometry of the forming tool and the simulated forming process, the simulated forming characteristics of the forming tool can include at least one expected value of the forming tool when it is used during the forming process. Specifically, when the geometry described by values ​​of the set of forming parameters used in the simulation is equal to the simulated geometry, the simulated forming characteristics can be, for example, or include at least one expected value of the forming tool.

[0095] As used herein, the term "adapted set of forming parameters" can refer to at least one set of values ​​describing a forming tool, such as the geometry of the forming tool, for which forming target criteria are met at least within predetermined tolerances. Therefore, an adapted set of forming parameters can specifically be, or may include, at least one result of simulating a forming process using the forming tool. Specifically, in step iv), the set of forming parameters can be adapted by comparing simulated forming characteristics (such as simulated features or specifications) for varying values ​​of the set of forming parameters with a set of forming target criteria. Thus, an adapted set of forming parameters can be generated, wherein the forming target criteria are met at least within predetermined tolerances.

[0096] In other words, the adapted set of forming parameters can specifically refer to the adapted set of forming parameter values. Therefore, the adapted set of forming parameters, such as the adapted set of forming parameter values, can specifically refer to, for example, the adapted set of forming parameter values ​​that meet the forming target criteria at least within a predetermined tolerance.

[0097] Specifically, in step iv), the forming parameter set can be adapted by comparing the simulation criteria (such as simulation features or specifications) used to change the values ​​of the forming parameter set with the forming target criterion set. Thus, an adapted forming parameter set can be generated, for which the forming target criterion is satisfied at least within a predetermined tolerance. The term "forming target criterion satisfied at least within a predetermined tolerance" refers to the fact that the forming target criterion is fully satisfied, where deviations are possible within the predetermined tolerance. In detail, the adapted forming parameter set generated in step iv) can define the geometry of the forming tool that can satisfy or achieve the forming target criterion, where an optimal value can be missed as long as the difference or deviation is less than the predetermined tolerance. As an example, a forming target criterion can be considered satisfied as long as optimal or maximum satisfaction can be achieved. Specifically, a target criterion is satisfied as long as at least one maximum or minimum value of the target criterion is achieved, such as a global maximum or global minimum value. Therefore, a forming target criterion can be considered satisfied or achieved as long as minimum difference and / or minimum deviation is achieved. Additionally or alternatively, the forming target standard can be satisfied at least within the predetermined tolerance, provided that the difference between the simulation standard and the forming target standard is less than or equal to the predetermined tolerance. Specifically, the forming target standard can be considered satisfied as long as the difference between the simulation standard and the forming target standard does not exceed 50%, preferably not more than 20%, and more preferably not more than 10%.

[0098] The initial geometry may specifically be a negative geometry of at least one guiding candidate geometry designed using a computer-implemented method for designing at least one molded body, as described above or further described below. Therefore, for possible definitions of the terms used herein, reference may be made to the description of the computer-implemented method for designing at least one molded body as disclosed in the first aspect of the invention.

[0099] The forming objective criterion may specifically include at least one suitability of a forming tool for forming at least one predetermined object. Therefore, at least one forming objective criterion in this set of forming objective criteria may be, or may include, at least one suitability of a forming tool for forming at least one predetermined object. The predetermined object may, for example, be, or may include, a molded body designed using a computer-implemented method for designing at least one molded body, as described above or further described below. Thus, by way of example, at least one forming objective criterion may be, or may include, the suitability of a forming tool for forming a molded body.

[0100] The set of forming target criteria in step i) can be retrieved, for example, via at least one interface, specifically via at least one network interface. Additionally or alternatively, at least one geometry of the forming tool can be output via at least one interface.

[0101] The forming target criterion may specifically include at least one constraint selected from the group consisting of: surface property constraints; geometric constraints, specifically the geometric constraints of the object being formed using a forming tool; pressure constraints; shear force constraints; compressive force constraints; ejection force constraints; mold filling constraints; productivity constraints; economic constraints, such as price and / or profit margin; force distribution constraints; velocity distribution constraints; mechanical stability constraints; strength constraints, such as tensile strength constraints; hole size constraints; weight constraints; wear performance constraints; production machine constraints, such as the size of the production machine; and production constraints, such as limitations due to the design of the production technology.

[0102] Furthermore, at least one forming target criterion in the set of forming target criteria may, for example, include at least one condition satisfied by the forming tool. Therefore, the forming tool may, for example, need to satisfy at least one condition of at least one forming target criterion in order for the forming target criterion to be considered satisfied.

[0103] As an example, a condition can be a condition satisfied by a measurable characteristic of the forming tool. Therefore, a forming tool can specifically include at least one measurable characteristic, wherein in order for the forming tool to be considered to meet a forming target criterion, at least one measurable characteristic of the forming tool may, for example, require satisfying at least one condition of at least one forming target criterion. In particular, at least one measurable characteristic of the forming tool can specifically refer to a qualitatively or quantitatively determinable characteristic of the forming tool. Specifically, the condition can be a condition satisfied by the performance of the forming tool, specifically one or more of the following: whether the forming tool is suitable for manufacturing shaped bodies, e.g., whether it is suitable for providing and / or withstanding predefined shear stresses and / or pressure drops across the forming tool (e.g., across a mold), and / or ejection forces, specifically the ejection forces of a tableting tool; process life; productivity, e.g., minimum productivity measured in kilograms per hour [kg / h], output, such as maximum output, e.g., the minimum number of production scraps.

[0104] Measurable characteristics of a forming tool can be specifically selected from the group consisting of: surface parameters of the forming tool; geometric parameters of the forming tool; geometric parameters of the object formed by using the forming tool; pressure parameters; shear force; compressive force; ejection force; productivity parameters; material properties of the object formed by using the forming tool, specifically viscosity, powder bulk density, compressibility, compactability, such as the ability to be compacted, e.g., compressibility-compactability curve, cohesion; flowability, e.g., the ability to flow in two directions; particle size distribution; crushing strength of primary particles, pore structure.

[0105] Specifically, if the conditions are met, the testing and / or verification may, for example, include comparing the measurable characteristic with at least one numerical value. In particular, testing and / or verification of the met conditions may include comparing the measurable characteristic with at least one of the following: a single numerical value, specifically a threshold; multiple numerical values, specifically a range; a target value.

[0106] As an example, step i) may also include weighting the target criteria. In particular, when retrieving at least one set of forming target criteria for the forming tool in step i), the forming target criteria may be further weighted, such as by sorting or assigning the same or different priorities.

[0107] Step i) may also include retrieving at least one material, for example, that is being formed by a forming tool. Thus, in particular, in addition to retrieving at least one set of forming target criteria for the forming tool, step i) may also include retrieving at least one material to be formed by the forming tool, such as, for example, the material of a shaped body.

[0108] Step iv) may also include simulating the forming process using a set of adapted forming parameters.

[0109] The adapted set of shaping parameters in step i) can be generated by applying at least one operation selected from the group consisting of: nonlinear algorithms; stochastic algorithms; genetic algorithms; artificial intelligence algorithms; gradient-based algorithms; multi-criteria optimization functions, specifically at least one of weighted sum functions or ε-constraint functions; sequential quadratic programming; feasible direction methods; quasi-Newton methods; Newton's method.

[0110] The computer-implemented method for designing at least one forming tool may, for example, further include:

[0111] vi) Prototype at least one forming tool based on at least one geometry of the forming tool determined in step v).

[0112] As used herein, the term "prototyping" is a broad term and should be given its common and conventional meaning to those skilled in the art, without limitation its specific or customary meaning. Specifically, the term can refer to, but is not limited to, the process of manufacturing a full-size and functional model or form of any component or object. In particular, a prototype can be a first model of a component or object and can be used to test and / or verify at least one characteristic or specification of the component or object. Specifically, prototypes can be manufactured prior to mass production or batch production processes. For example, a prototype can be produced or manufactured as part of a development phase of a component or object, such as at least one molding tool. Therefore, prototyping of at least one molding tool can specifically be performed prior to the commencement of mass production or manufacturing of the molding tool.

[0113] In step vi), at least one process may be used, wherein the process may be a prototyping process and may be selected from the group consisting of: rapid prototyping processes, specifically additive manufacturing processes, more specifically, one or more of 3D printing processes or layered manufacturing processes; conventional prototyping processes, such as subtractive prototyping processes; and spark etching processes. However, additionally or alternatively, any other prototyping process may be used in step vi) to prototypify at least one forming tool.

[0114] The computer-implemented method for designing at least one forming tool may, for example, further include:

[0115] vii) Verify the prototyping tool by comparing at least one characteristic of the prototyping tool with at least one characteristic of the simulation tool.

[0116] The computer-implemented method for designing at least one forming tool may specifically be or may include a method performed independently. Alternatively, however, the computer-implemented method for designing at least one forming tool may be part of a computer-implemented method for designing at least one molded body, such as as outlined above. Thus, in particular, the computer-implemented method for designing at least one molded body may also include the design of a computer-implemented tool for manufacturing the molded body, specifically the computer-implemented method for designing at least one forming tool includes at least steps i) to v), as outlined above and / or further described in detail below.

[0117] As an example, a computer-implemented method for designing at least one molded body may include performing one or more, or even all, of the method steps of a method for designing at least one molding tool, either once or repeatedly. Specifically, a computer-implemented method for designing at least one molding tool may include performing steps i) to v) preferably in a given order. However, different orders may also be possible. Therefore, regarding the optional performance of the method steps for designing at least one molding tool in a method for designing at least one molded body, reference can be made to the description of a computer-implemented method for designing at least one molding tool, as outlined above and / or described in further detail below.

[0118] Specifically, the computer-implemented method for designing at least one forming tool can be, or can be used as, boundary conditions and / or constraints for designing at least one molded body. Thus, as an example, the forming target criteria retrieved in step i) may specifically include at least one suitability of the forming tool for forming at least one molded body, specifically having a molded body with the guiding candidate geometry determined in step e).

[0119] In another aspect of the invention, the use of a molded body having a guided candidate geometry designed according to a computer-implemented method for designing at least one molded body in a chemical process is disclosed. Specifically, the molded body may be an adsorbent. Alternatively, the molded body may be a catalyst and the chemical process may include a catalytic reaction with said catalyst.

[0120] In another aspect of the invention, a method is disclosed for producing a molded body having a guided candidate geometry designed according to a computer-implemented method for designing at least one molded body. Specifically, the molded body may be an adsorbent. Alternatively, the molded body may be a catalyst.

[0121] In another aspect of the invention, a computer-implemented method for designing a manufacturing process for producing at least one shaped article is disclosed. This method may also be referred to as a manufacturing process design method. The method includes the following steps, which may be performed in a given order. However, different orders are also possible. Further, one or more, or even all, steps may be performed once or repeatedly. Further, the method steps may be performed in a timely overlapping manner or even in parallel. The method may also include additional method steps not listed.

[0122] The computer-implemented method for designing and manufacturing processes includes the following steps:

[0123] I) A computer-implemented method for designing a molded body using a design method, specifically for designing at least one molded body as described above or further described below, thereby determining at least one guiding candidate geometry of the molded body; and

[0124] II) Designing at least one forming tool for manufacturing a shaped body using a forming tool design method, specifically a computer-implemented method for designing at least one forming tool as described above or further described below, and using step I)

[0125] At least one negative geometry of at least one guiding candidate geometry is determined as the starting geometry.

[0126] The method for designing a manufacturing process for producing at least one shaped article can be used to design at least one manufacturing process, such as a granulation process and / or a tableting process, for example a spray drying process and / or an extrusion process and / or a molding process and / or an additive manufacturing process. In particular, the method for designing a manufacturing process can be used to design at least one manufacturing process, including the production of at least one catalyst, specifically catalyst pellets, for example, the geometry of at least one catalyst and / or catalyst pellets, and / or the production of at least one adsorbent, specifically adsorbent pellets, the geometry of at least one adsorbent and / or adsorbent pellets.

[0127] As used herein, the term "design manufacturing process" is a broad term and should be given its common and conventional meaning to those skilled in the art, without limitation any particular or custom meaning. Specifically, the term may refer to, but is not limited to, the process of planning and / or specifying at least one manufacturing process. In particular, the design of a manufacturing process may specifically be, or may include, the development or definition of at least one setup or sequence of manufacturing processes, such as, for example, the sequence of manufacturing steps to be performed and / or the setting of one or more manufacturing variables.

[0128] Furthermore, the manufacturing process design method may include:

[0129] III) Prototype at least one forming tool based on at least one geometry of the forming tool designed in step II).

[0130] Specifically, as an example, in step III), at least one prototyping process as described above may be used. Therefore, specifically, in step III), at least one process may be used, wherein the process may be selected from the group consisting of: rapid prototyping processes, specifically additive manufacturing processes, more specifically, one or more of 3D printing or layer-additive manufacturing processes; conventional prototyping processes, such as subtractive prototyping processes; and spark etch processes. However, additionally or alternatively, any other prototyping process may be used in step III) to prototype at least one forming tool.

[0131] Step III) may specifically include prototyping multiple forming tools, wherein the forming tools may differ in one or more of the following aspects: geometry, material and surface properties.

[0132] Manufacturing process design methods may also include:

[0133] IV) Based on the prototype, create forming tools to manufacture at least one shaped body.

[0134] In particular, forming tools, such as those designed in step II) of the manufacturing process design method and prototyped in step III), can be used to manufacture shaped bodies, such as those designed in step I) of the manufacturing process design method.

[0135] Manufacturing process design methods may also include:

[0136] V) Experimentally verify one or more of the molded body and the molding tool.

[0137] Specifically, at least one of the molded bodies experimentally verified in step V) can be a molded body manufactured in step IV) using a prototyping molding tool. Therefore, as an example, the molding tool can be verified by comparing at least one characteristic of the molded body with at least one characteristic of a simulated molded body.

[0138] Step V) may further include comparing at least one characteristic of the molded body manufactured in step IV) with the characteristics of at least one guide candidate determined in step I). Specifically, step V) may include comparing the geometry of the manufactured molded body with the geometry of at least one guide candidate.

[0139] Step V) may further include comparing at least one characteristic of the prototyping forming tool with the characteristics of the simulated forming tool determined in step II). Specifically, step V) may include comparing at least one geometry of the prototyping forming tool with the geometry of the forming tool determined in step II).

[0140] Manufacturing process design methods may also include:

[0141] VI) Transmit information within a method.

[0142] Specifically, the information transmitted in step VI) may be selected, for example, from the group comprising: at least one target criterion, specifically a set of target criteria, such as the expected characteristics of the molded body; molding target criteria, such as the expected characteristics or settings of the molding process; at least one guiding candidate geometry of the molded body; at least one specification of the molded body, specifically at least one technical drawing of the molded body, a three-dimensional model of the molded body, such as a digital three-dimensional model of the molded body; at least one specification of the molding tool, specifically at least one technical drawing of the molding tool, a three-dimensional model of the molding tool, such as a digital three-dimensional model of the molding tool; at least one actual characteristic of the molded body, such as the measurement characteristics of the molded body; at least one actual setting of the molding process and / or tooling manufacturing process.

[0143] In another aspect of the invention, a computer program for designing at least one molded body is disclosed. The computer program is configured to, when executed on a computer or computer network, cause the computer or computer network to perform, wholly or partially, a method for designing at least one molded body, such as the method described above or further described in detail below. For possible definitions of the terminology used herein, reference may be made to the description of the design methods according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0144] As an example, a computer program may be configured to perform at least steps d) and e) of a method for designing at least one molded body, such as a design method as described above and / or further described below.

[0145] In another aspect of the invention, a computer program for designing at least one forming tool is disclosed. The computer program is configured to, when executed on a computer or computer network, cause the computer or computer network to perform, wholly or partially, a method for designing at least one forming tool, such as a forming tool design method as described above or further described below. For possible definitions of the terminology used herein, reference may be made to the description of the forming tool design method according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0146] Specifically, the computer program may be configured to perform at least steps iv) and v) of a method for designing at least one forming tool, such as a forming tool design method as described above and / or further described below.

[0147] In another aspect of the invention, a computer program is disclosed for designing at least one manufacturing process for manufacturing at least one molded body. The computer program is configured to, when executed on a computer or computer network, cause the computer or computer network to perform, in whole or in part, a method for designing the manufacturing process for manufacturing at least one molded body, such as the manufacturing process design method described above or further described below. For possible definitions of the terms used herein, reference may be made to the description of the design methods, molding tooling design methods, and manufacturing process design methods disclosed in one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0148] Specifically, one, more than one, or even all of the computer programs used to design at least one molded body, at least one molding tool, and at least one manufacturing process can be stored on a computer-readable data carrier and / or a computer-readable storage medium. As used herein, the terms "computer-readable data carrier" and "computer-readable storage medium" can specifically refer to non-transitory data storage devices, such as hardware storage media on which computer-executable instructions are stored. A computer-readable data carrier or storage medium can specifically be or may include storage media such as random access memory (RAM) and / or read-only memory (ROM).

[0149] Further disclosed and proposed herein is a computer program product including instructions that, when executed by a computer or computer system, cause the computer or computer system to perform one, more than one, or even all computer-implemented methods for designing at least one molded body, for designing at least one molding tool, and for designing at least one manufacturing process, as described above or in further detail below. Therefore, for possible definitions of the terms used herein, reference can again be made to the description of the design methods, molding tool design methods, and manufacturing process design methods disclosed in one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0150] Specifically, when the program is executed on a computer or computer network, a computer program product may include program code means stored on a computer-readable data carrier to perform design methods, tooling design methods, and / or manufacturing process design methods as described above or further described below. As used herein, the computer program product refers to the program as a tradable product. The product can generally exist in any form, such as in paper form or on a computer-readable data carrier. Specifically, the computer program product may be distributed across a data network.

[0151] In another aspect of the invention, a design system for designing at least one molded body is disclosed. The design system includes:

[0152] A. At least one interface configured to retrieve at least one set of target criteria for the shaped body;

[0153] B. At least one geometry definition unit configured to define at least one seed geometry for the shaped body;

[0154] C. At least one parameter generation unit configured to generate a set of parameters, including at least one geometric parameter of the seed geometry;

[0155] D. At least one simulation unit configured to simulate a molded body by changing the values ​​of a set of parameters and by comparing a standard simulated for those values ​​with a target standard set, thereby generating at least one adapted set of parameters for which the target standard is satisfied at least within a predetermined tolerance; and

[0156] E. At least one guiding candidate geometry definition unit, configured to determine at least one guiding candidate geometry of at least one shaped body based on an adapted set of parameters.

[0157] In particular, the design system may be configured, for example, to perform methods for designing at least one molded body, such as design methods as described above or further described below. Therefore, for most of the terms used herein, possible definitions can be found in the description of the design methods according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0158] In another aspect of the invention, a forming tool design system for designing at least one forming tool is disclosed. The forming tool design system includes:

[0159] u. At least one interface configured to retrieve at least one set of forming target criteria for forming tools;

[0160] v. At least one geometry definition unit configured to define at least one initial geometry for a forming tool;

[0161] w. At least one forming parameter generation unit, configured to generate a set of forming parameters, including at least one shape geometry parameter of the initial geometry;

[0162] x. At least one simulation unit configured to simulate a forming process using a forming tool by changing the values ​​of a set of forming parameters and by comparing the forming characteristics simulated for these values ​​with the set of forming target criteria, thereby generating at least one adapted set of forming parameters for which the forming target criteria are satisfied at least within a predetermined tolerance; and

[0163] y. At least one forming tool geometry definition unit, configured to determine at least one geometry of at least one forming tool based on an adapted set of forming parameters.

[0164] Specifically, the forming tool design system may be configured, for example, to perform methods for designing at least one forming tool, such as forming tool design methods as described above or further described below. Therefore, for most of the possible definitions of the terms used herein, reference may be made to the description of forming tool design methods according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0165] In particular, the forming tool design system may also include at least one prototyping unit configured to prototype at least one forming tool from at least one geometry of the forming tool defined by at least one forming tool geometry definition unit.

[0166] In another aspect of the invention, a manufacturing-design system for designing a manufacturing process for manufacturing at least one molded article is disclosed. The manufacturing-design system includes:

[0167] - Design system; and

[0168] - Forming tool design system.

[0169] Specifically, the manufacturing-design system includes design systems as described above or further described below, and forming tool design systems. Therefore, for most of the terms used herein, possible definitions can be found in the description of the design methods and forming tool design methods according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0170] Furthermore, the manufacturing-design system can be specifically configured to perform methods for designing manufacturing processes for manufacturing at least one molded body, such as manufacturing process design methods as described above or further described below. Therefore, for most of the possible definitions of terms used herein, reference can be made to the description of manufacturing process design methods according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0171] The methods, systems, and procedures of the present invention offer numerous advantages over methods, systems, and procedures known in the art. In particular, the methods, systems, and procedures disclosed herein can allow for reduced research lead time and costs when designing at least one molded body, at least one molding tool, and at least one manufacturing process for manufacturing at least one molded body. As an example, research lead time and costs can be reduced when defining catalyst geometry. Furthermore, molded bodies, for example, can be created with a competitive advantage due to easier manufacturing and / or better performance in applications such as those of the molded body.

[0172] Furthermore, the methods, systems, and procedures disclosed herein can establish workflows that allow for the faster and / or more cost-effective definition of at least one molded body, such as the geometry of at least one molded body. In particular, the methods, systems, and procedures disclosed herein can provide rapid and efficient identification of at least one molded body (e.g., the geometry of at least one molded body, such as a new molded body), identification of at least one forming tool (specifically at least one mold, e.g., at least one geometry of at least one mold or forming tool), and identification of at least one manufacturing process, such as including forming settings that meet predetermined criteria, such as boundary conditions and / or target values.

[0173] In particular, the methods, systems, and procedures disclosed herein can allow for a substantial reduction in the production costs of molded articles. Furthermore, the methods, systems, and procedures disclosed herein can allow for improved performance of individual molded articles, for example by allowing for more precise structures and / or more complex geometries, such as catalyst bodies. Additionally, the methods, systems, and procedures disclosed herein can allow for the differentiation of catalyst performance, which can be unlocked, for example, through optimized geometries. Moreover, catalyst production costs can be reduced, for example, due to higher yields and efficiency in manufacturing molded articles.

[0174] In particular, the methods, systems, and procedures disclosed herein can establish workflows that allow for faster and / or more cost-effective definition of shaped bodies, such as the geometry of the shaped body, for example, particularly for multiphase catalysts, but not limited to this. Specifically, the methods, systems, and procedures may include computer simulation and optimization, prototyping and experimental input of catalyst forming tools, and experimental meditation.

[0175] In summary, and without excluding further possible embodiments, the following embodiments are conceivable:

[0176] Example 1. A computer-implemented method for designing at least one molded body, the method comprising:

[0177] a) Retrieve at least one set of target criteria for the shaped body;

[0178] b) Define at least one seed geometry for the shaped body;

[0179] c) Generate a set of parameters, including at least one geometrical parameter of the seed geometry;

[0180] d) By changing the values ​​of a set of parameters and simulating a molded body by comparing the simulated standard for these values ​​with a target standard set, at least one adapted set of parameters is generated, for which the target standard is satisfied at least within a predetermined tolerance; and

[0181] e) Determine at least one guiding candidate geometry for at least one shaped body based on the adjusted set of parameters.

[0182] Example 2. The method according to the foregoing embodiments, wherein the target standard set in step a) is retrieved via at least one interface, specifically via at least one network interface.

[0183] Example 3. The method according to the foregoing embodiments, wherein the at least one guide candidate geometry of the shaped body is output via the at least one interface.

[0184] Example 4. The method according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the target criterion includes at least one constraint selected from the group consisting of: geometric constraints, such as production machine tolerances, minimum wall thickness, compressibility constraints, extrudability constraints, maximum diameter constraints, maximum height constraints; weight constraints; surface area constraints; density constraints; mechanical strength constraints; pressure drop constraints; heat transfer constraints; mass transfer constraints; productivity constraints; forming process constraints.

[0185] Example 5. The method according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein at least one target criterion in the target criterion set includes at least one condition that the molded body must satisfy.

[0186] Example 6. The method according to the foregoing embodiments, wherein the condition is a condition satisfied by the measurable characteristics of the molded body.

[0187] Example 7. The method according to the foregoing embodiments, wherein the measurable characteristics are selected from the group consisting of: geometric parameters of the molded body; weight of the molded body; surface area of ​​the molded body; density of the molded body; pore structure of the molded body; mechanical strength of the molded body; pressure drop parameters; heat transfer parameters; mass transfer parameters; productivity parameters; elastic properties of the material of the molded body, specifically the Young's modulus of the material of the molded body; shape characteristics, such as lateral crushing strength, overall crushing strength, tensile strength; chemical conversion parameters, such as reaction rate, chemical conversion rate, reaction yield, reaction selectivity; and transport parameters, such as flow index.

[0188] Example 8. The method according to any one of the preceding two examples, wherein, if the condition is met, one or both of the testing and verification include comparing the measurable characteristic with at least one numerical value, specifically with at least one of the following: a single numerical value, specifically a threshold; multiple numerical values, specifically a range; a target value.

[0189] Example 9. The method according to any one of the foregoing four examples, wherein the condition is a condition satisfied by the qualitative characteristics of the molded body.

[0190] Example 10. The method according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the target criterion includes at least one suitability of the molded body for at least one predetermined application purpose, specifically at least one of the following: suitability for application in a predetermined reactor, suitability for application under a predetermined pressure, suitability for application at a predetermined temperature, suitability for application with respect to at least one predetermined reactant, suitability for application in a predetermined reaction, suitability for application under at least one predetermined flow condition, and suitability for application at at least one predetermined mass flow rate.

[0191] Example 11. The method according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein step a) further includes weighting the target criterion.

[0192] Example 12. The method according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein step a) further includes retrieving at least one piece of information about the material to be used in the shaped body.

[0193] Example 13. The method according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the adapted set of parameters in step d) is generated by applying at least one operation selected from the group consisting of: nonlinear algorithms; stochastic algorithms; genetic algorithms; artificial intelligence algorithms; gradient-based algorithms; multi-criteria optimization functions, specifically at least one of weighted sum functions or ε-constraint functions; sequential quadratic programming; feasible direction methods; quasi-Newton methods; Newton's method.

[0194] Example 14. The method according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein step d) further includes simulating the molded body by changing the values ​​of the adjusted set of parameters.

[0195] Example 15. The method according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the shaped body is an element selected from the group consisting of: packed bed materials, such as packed bed materials used in scrubbing towers or scrubbers; tower packing, such as scrubbing tower packing; catalyst, more specifically catalyst pellets; adsorbent, more particularly adsorbent pellets.

[0196] Example 16. The method according to any of the foregoing embodiments further includes: a computer-implemented design for at least one forming tool for manufacturing the shaped article, wherein the computer-implemented method for designing the at least one forming tool includes:

[0197] i) By using at least one interface, retrieve at least one set of forming target criteria for the forming tool;

[0198] ii) Define at least one starting geometry for the forming tool by using at least one geometry definition unit, wherein at least one negative geometry of the at least one guiding candidate geometry determined in step I) is used as the starting geometry;

[0199] iii) By using at least one forming parameter generation unit (176), a set of forming parameters is generated, including at least one shape geometry parameter of the initial geometry;

[0200] iv) By using at least one simulation unit, by changing the values ​​of the forming parameter set and by comparing the forming characteristics simulated for these values ​​with the forming target standard set, a forming process using the forming tool (126) is simulated to generate at least one forming geometry having an adapted forming parameter set, for which the forming target standard is satisfied at least within a predetermined tolerance; and

[0201] v) By using at least one forming tool geometry definition unit, at least one geometry of the at least one forming tool is determined according to the adapted set of forming parameters.

[0202] Example 17. The method according to the foregoing embodiments, wherein the forming target criterion includes at least one suitability of the forming tool for forming the at least one shaped body, specifically having a shaped body having a guiding candidate geometry determined in step e).

[0203] Example 18. The method according to any one of the preceding two embodiments, wherein the forming target criterion includes at least one constraint selected from the group consisting of: surface characteristic constraints; geometric constraints; pressure constraints; shear force constraints; compressive force constraints; ejection force constraints; productivity constraints; force distribution constraints; velocity distribution constraints; mechanical stability constraints; strength constraints, such as tensile strength constraints; hole size constraints; weight constraints; wear performance constraints; production machine constraints; production constraints.

[0204] Example 19. The method according to any one of the foregoing three embodiments, wherein at least one forming target criterion in the set of forming target criteria includes: at least one condition that the forming tool must satisfy.

[0205] Example 20. The method according to any one of the foregoing four examples, wherein the adapted set of parameters in step iv) is generated by applying at least one operation selected from the group consisting of: nonlinear algorithms; stochastic algorithms; genetic algorithms; artificial intelligence algorithms; gradient-based algorithms; multi-criteria optimization functions; sequential quadratic programming; feasible direction methods; quasi-Newton methods; Newton's method.

[0206] Example 21. Use of a molded body having a guided candidate geometry designed according to a computer-implemented method for designing at least one molded body according to any of the foregoing examples in a chemical process.

[0207] Example 22. The use according to the foregoing examples, wherein the shaped body is an adsorbent.

[0208] Example 23. The use according to Example 21, wherein the shaped body is a catalyst and the chemical process includes a catalytic reaction with the catalyst.

[0209] Example 24. A process for producing a molded body (112) having a guided candidate geometry designed according to a computer-implemented method for designing at least one molded body (112) according to any one of Examples 1 to 20.

[0210] Example 25. The production process according to the foregoing examples, wherein the shaped body is an adsorbent.

[0211] Example 26. The production process according to Example 24, wherein the shaped body is a catalyst.

[0212] Example 27. A computer-implemented method for designing a manufacturing process for manufacturing at least one shaped article, the method comprising:

[0213] I) Determining at least one guiding candidate geometry of the molded body by designing the molded body using the method described in any of the foregoing embodiments of the method for designing at least one molded body; and

[0214] II) Designing at least one forming tool for manufacturing the shaped body using a computer-implemented method for designing at least one forming tool, wherein the computer-implemented method for designing the at least one forming tool includes:

[0215] i) Retrieve at least one set of forming target criteria for the forming tool;

[0216] ii) Define at least one starting geometry for the forming tool, wherein at least one negative geometry of the at least one guiding candidate geometry determined in step I) is used as the starting geometry;

[0217] iii) Generate a set of forming parameters, including at least one shape geometry parameter of the initial geometry;

[0218] iv) By changing the values ​​of the forming parameter set and simulating the forming process using the forming tool by comparing the forming characteristics simulated for these values ​​with the forming target standard set, at least one forming geometry having an adapted forming parameter set, for which the forming target standard is satisfied at least within a predetermined tolerance; and

[0219] v) Determine at least one geometry of the at least one forming tool based on the adjusted set of forming parameters.

[0220] Example 28. The method according to the foregoing examples, wherein the forming tool is one or more of a tableting tool and an extrusion die.

[0221] Example 29. The method according to the foregoing embodiments, wherein the forming target criterion includes at least one suitability of the forming tool for forming at least one predetermined object.

[0222] Example 30. The method according to the foregoing embodiments, wherein the predetermined object is a molded body designed by using the method described in any of the foregoing embodiments of the method for designing at least one molded body.

[0223] Example 31. The method according to any one of the three preceding embodiments, wherein the set of shaping target standards in step i) is retrieved via at least one interface, specifically via at least one network interface.

[0224] Example 32. The method according to the foregoing embodiments, wherein the at least one geometry of the forming tool is output via the at least one interface.

[0225] Example 33. The method according to any one of the preceding five embodiments, wherein the forming target criterion includes at least one constraint selected from the group consisting of: surface characteristic constraints; geometric constraints, specifically the geometric constraints of the object formed by using the forming tool; pressure constraints; shear force constraints; compressive force constraints; ejection force constraints; mold filling constraints; productivity constraints; economic constraints, such as price and / or profit margin; force distribution constraints; velocity distribution constraints; mechanical stability constraints; strength constraints, such as tensile strength constraints; hole size constraints; weight constraints; wear performance constraints; production machine constraints, such as the size of the production machine; production constraints, such as limitations due to the design of the production technology.

[0226] Example 34. The method according to any one of the preceding six embodiments, wherein at least one forming target criterion in the set of forming target criteria includes at least one condition satisfied by the forming tool.

[0227] Example 35. The method according to the foregoing embodiments, wherein the condition is a condition satisfied by the measurable characteristics of the forming tool, such as by the performance of the forming tool, specifically one or more of the following: whether the forming tool is suitable for manufacturing the shaped body, for example, whether it is suitable for providing and / or withstanding a predefined shear stress and / or pressure drop across the forming tool (e.g., across the mold), and / or ejection force, specifically the ejection force of the tableting tool, process life, productivity, for example, minimum productivity measured in kilograms per hour [kg / h], output, such as maximum output, for example, minimum number of production scraps.

[0228] Example 36. The method according to the foregoing embodiments, wherein the measurable characteristics of the forming tool are selected from the group consisting of: surface parameters of the forming tool; geometric parameters of the forming tool; geometric parameters of the object being formed using the mold; pressure parameters; shear force; compressive force; ejection force; productivity parameters; material properties of the object being formed using the mold, specifically viscosity, powder bulk density, compressibility, compactability and compressibility-compactability curve, cohesion; flowability; particle size distribution; crushing strength of primary particles.

[0229] Example 37. The method according to any one of the preceding two embodiments, wherein, if the condition is satisfied, one or both of the testing and verification include comparing the measurable characteristic with at least one numerical value, specifically with at least one of the following: a single numerical value, specifically a threshold; multiple numerical values, specifically a range; a target value.

[0230] Example 38. The method according to any one of the foregoing ten embodiments, wherein step i) further includes weighting the target criterion.

[0231] Example 39. The method according to any one of the preceding eleven embodiments, wherein step i) further includes retrieving at least one material to be formed by the forming tool, for example retrieving at least one material property of the at least one material to be formed by the forming tool.

[0232] Example 40. The method according to any one of the foregoing twelve embodiments, wherein step iv) further includes simulating the forming process using the adapted set of forming parameters.

[0233] Example 41. The method according to any one of the preceding thirteen embodiments, wherein the adapted set of parameters in step iv) is generated by applying at least one operation selected from the group consisting of: nonlinear algorithms; stochastic algorithms; genetic algorithms; artificial intelligence algorithms; gradient-based algorithms; multi-criteria optimization functions, specifically at least one of weighted sum functions or ε-constraint functions; sequential quadratic programming; feasible direction methods; quasi-Newton methods; Newton's method.

[0234] Example 42. The method according to any one of the foregoing fourteen embodiments, wherein step II) further comprises:

[0235] vi) Prototype at least one forming tool based on at least one geometry of the forming tool determined in step v).

[0236] Example 43. The method according to the foregoing embodiments, wherein, in step vi), at least one process selected from the group consisting of: rapid prototyping process, specifically additive manufacturing process, more specifically, one or more of 3D printing process or layer-additive manufacturing process; conventional prototyping process, such as subtractive prototyping process; spark etching process.

[0237] Example 44. The method according to any one of the foregoing two embodiments, wherein the method further comprises:

[0238] vii) The prototyping tool is verified by comparing at least one characteristic of the prototyping tool with at least one characteristic of the simulation tool.

[0239] Example 45. The method according to any one of the foregoing seventeen embodiments, wherein the method further comprises:

[0240] III) Prototype the at least one forming tool according to at least one geometry of the forming tool designed in step II).

[0241] Example 46. The method according to the foregoing embodiments, wherein, in step III), at least one process according to Example 31 is used.

[0242] Example 47. The method according to any one of the preceding two embodiments, wherein step III) includes prototyping a plurality of forming tools, wherein the forming tools are different in one or more of the following aspects: geometry, material and surface properties.

[0243] Example 48. The method according to any one of the foregoing three embodiments, wherein the method further comprises:

[0244] IV) Manufacture at least one shaped body using a forming tool based on the prototype.

[0245] Example 49. The method according to any one of the foregoing five embodiments, wherein the method further comprises:

[0246] V) Experimentally verify one or more of the shaped body and the forming tool.

[0247] Example 50. The method according to the two preceding embodiments, wherein at least one of the molded bodies experimentally verified in step V) is a molded body manufactured in step IV) using the prototype making molding tool.

[0248] Example 51. The method according to the foregoing embodiments, wherein step V) further includes comparing at least one characteristic of the molded body manufactured in step IV) with the characteristics of at least one guide candidate determined in step I), specifically comparing the geometry of the manufactured molded body with the geometry of the at least one guide candidate.

[0249] Example 52. The method according to Examples 33 and 37, wherein step V) further includes comparing at least one characteristic of the prototype forming tool with the characteristic of the simulated forming tool determined in step II), specifically comparing at least one geometry of the prototype forming tool with the geometry of the forming tool determined in step II).

[0250] Example 53. The method according to any one of the foregoing twenty-six embodiments, wherein the method further comprises:

[0251] VI) Transmit information within a method.

[0252] Example 54. The method according to the foregoing embodiments, wherein the information transmitted in step VI) is selected from the group consisting of: at least one target criterion, specifically a set of target criteria, such as the expected characteristics of the molded body; molding target criteria, such as the expected characteristics or settings of the molding process; at least one guiding candidate geometry of the molded body; at least one specification of the molded body, specifically at least one technical drawing of the molded body, a three-dimensional model of the molded body, such as a digital three-dimensional model of the molded body; at least one specification of the molding tool, specifically at least one technical drawing of the molding tool, a three-dimensional model of the molding tool, such as a digital three-dimensional model of the molding tool; at least one actual characteristic of the molded body, such as the measurement characteristics of the molded body; at least one actual setting of the molding process and / or the tool manufacturing process.

[0253] Example 55. A computer program for designing at least one shaped body, configured to cause the computer or computer network to perform at least partially the method according to any one of the foregoing embodiments when executed on the computer or computer network.

[0254] Example 56. A computer program according to the foregoing embodiments, wherein the computer program is configured to at least execute steps d) and e) of the method.

[0255] Example 57. A computer program according to any one of the foregoing two embodiments, wherein the computer program is configured to perform at least steps iv) and v) of the method described according to any one of Examples 16 to 42.

[0256] Example 58. A manufacturing-design system for designing a manufacturing process for manufacturing at least one molded body, the manufacturing-design system comprising a molding tool design system according to any one of the preceding three embodiments, the manufacturing-design system further comprising a design system for designing at least one molded body, the design system comprising:

[0257] A. At least one interface configured to retrieve at least one set of target criteria for the shaped body;

[0258] B. At least one geometry definition unit configured to define at least one seed geometry for the shaped body;

[0259] C. At least one parameter generation unit configured to generate a parameter set, including at least one geometric parameter of the seed geometry;

[0260] D. At least one simulation unit configured to simulate the molded body by changing the values ​​of the parameter set and by comparing a standard simulated for those values ​​with the target standard set, thereby generating at least one adapted parameter set, wherein the target standard is satisfied at least within a predetermined tolerance for the at least one adapted parameter set; and

[0261] E. At least one guiding candidate geometry definition unit, configured to determine at least one guiding candidate geometry of the at least one shaped body based on the adapted set of parameters.

[0262] Example 59. A design system according to the foregoing embodiments, wherein the design system is configured to perform the method described in any of the foregoing embodiments of the method for designing at least one molded body.

[0263] Example 60. A manufacturing-design system for designing a manufacturing process for manufacturing at least one molded article, the manufacturing-design system comprising a design system according to any one of Examples 46 to 47 and at least one molding tool design system for designing at least one molding tool, the molding tool design system comprising:

[0264] u. At least one interface configured to retrieve at least one set of forming target criteria for the forming tool;

[0265] v. At least one geometry definition unit configured to define at least one initial geometry for the forming tool;

[0266] w. At least one forming parameter generation unit configured to generate a set of forming parameters, the set of forming parameters including at least one shape geometry parameter of the initial geometry;

[0267] x. At least one simulation unit configured to simulate a forming process using the forming tool by changing the values ​​of the forming parameter set and by comparing the forming characteristics simulated for these values ​​with the forming target criterion set, thereby generating at least one adapted set of forming parameters, for which the forming target criterion is satisfied at least within a predetermined tolerance; and

[0268] y. At least one forming tool geometry definition unit, configured to determine at least one geometry of the at least one forming tool based on an adapted set of forming parameters.

[0269] Example 61. A manufacturing-design system according to the foregoing embodiments, wherein the design system is configured to perform the method according to any one of Examples 16 to 42.

[0270] Example 62. A manufacturing-design system according to any one of the foregoing two embodiments, wherein the system further includes at least one prototyping unit configured to prototype the at least one forming tool according to at least one geometry of the forming tool defined by the at least one forming tool geometry defining unit. Attached Figure Description

[0271] Further optional features and embodiments will be disclosed in more detail in the following description of embodiments, preferably in conjunction with the dependent claims. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the corresponding optional features can be implemented in isolation and in any feasible combination. The scope of the invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments. Embodiments are schematically depicted in the accompanying drawings. In these drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same or functionally comparable elements.

[0272] In the attached diagram:

[0273] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method for designing at least one molded body is shown.

[0274] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method for designing at least one tool is shown;

[0275] Figures 3A to 3C : Flowcharts illustrating different embodiments of a method for designing a manufacturing process for producing at least one shaped body;

[0276] Figure 4 An embodiment of a design system for designing at least one molded body is shown;

[0277] Figure 5 An embodiment of a design system for designing at least one forming tool is shown;

[0278] Figures 6A to 6C : Flowcharts illustrating different embodiments of a method for designing a manufacturing process for producing at least one shaped body;

[0279] Figure 7 Different embodiments of the molded body arranged in the figure are shown;

[0280] Figure 8A An embodiment of the molded body is shown in perspective.

[0281] Figure 8B : Shows the materials used in manufacturing Figure 8A A perspective view of an embodiment of the forming tool for the molded body shown;

[0282] Figure 9A An embodiment of the molded body is shown in perspective.

[0283] Figure 9B : Shows the materials used in manufacturing Figure 9A A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the forming tool for the molded body shown;

[0284] Figures 10A to 10D Different embodiments of the forming tool are shown in perspective and cross-sectional views;

[0285] Figures 11A to 11D Different embodiments of the forming tool are shown in perspective view;

[0286] Figures 12A to 12D : This shows how to use them separately Figures 11A to 11D Different embodiments of the molded body manufactured by the forming tool shown; and

[0287] Figures 13A to 13D Different embodiments of the forming tool are shown in cross-sectional view. Detailed Implementation

[0288] exist Figure 1 The diagram shows a flowchart of a computer-implemented method 110 for designing at least one molded body 112. The computer-implemented method 110 for designing at least one molded body on 112, such as design method 110, includes the following steps, which may be specifically performed in a given order. However, different orders are also possible. It is possible to perform two or more of the method steps completely or partially simultaneously. It is further possible to perform one, more than one, or even all of the method steps once or repeatedly. The method may include additional method steps not listed herein. The method steps of design method 110 are the following:

[0289] a) (denoted by reference numeral 114) retrieve at least one set of target criteria for the molded body 112;

[0290] b) (denoted by reference numeral 116) defines at least one seed geometry for the shaped body 112;

[0291] c) (denoted by reference numeral 118) Generate a set of parameters, including at least one geometric parameter of the seed geometry;

[0292] d) (denoted by reference numeral 120) By changing the values ​​of the parameter set and by simulating the molded body 112 for these values ​​and comparing the simulated standard with a target standard set, at least one adapted parameter set is generated, for which the target standard is satisfied at least within a predetermined tolerance; and

[0293] e) (represented by reference numeral 122) determine at least one guiding candidate geometry of at least one shaped body 112 based on the adapted set of parameters.

[0294] exist Figure 2 The diagram shows a flowchart of a computer-implemented method 124 for designing at least one forming tool 126. The computer-implemented method 124 for designing at least one forming tool 126, such as a forming tool design method 124, includes the following steps, which may be specifically performed in a given order. However, different orders are also possible. It is possible to perform two or more of the method steps completely or partially simultaneously. It is further possible to perform one, more than one, or even all of the method steps once or repeatedly. The method may include additional method steps not listed herein. The method steps of design method 124 are the following:

[0295] i) (denoted by reference numeral 128) retrieves at least one set of forming target criteria for forming tool 126;

[0296] ii) (denoted by reference numeral 130) defines at least one initial geometry for forming tool 126;

[0297] iii) (represented by reference numeral 132) Generate a set of forming parameters, including at least one shape geometry parameter of the initial geometry;

[0298] iv) (denoted by reference numeral 134) By changing the values ​​of the forming parameter set and by comparing the forming characteristics simulated for these values ​​with the forming target standard set, the forming process using forming tool 126 is simulated to generate at least one forming geometry having an adapted forming parameter set, for which the forming target standard is satisfied at least within a predetermined tolerance; and

[0299] v) (represented by reference numeral 136) determines at least one geometry of at least one forming tool 126 based on an adapted set of forming parameters.

[0300] exist Figure 3A The diagram shows a flowchart of a computer-implemented method 138 for designing a manufacturing process for manufacturing at least one molded body 112. The computer-implemented method for designing a manufacturing process for manufacturing at least one molded body 112, such as manufacturing process design method 138, includes the following steps, which may be specifically performed in a given order. However, different orders are also possible. It is possible to perform two or more of the method steps completely or partially simultaneously. It is further possible to perform one, more than one, or even all of the method steps once or repeatedly. The method may include additional method steps not listed herein. The method steps of design method 138 are the following:

[0301] I) (denoted by reference numeral 140) uses design method 110 to design a molded body 112, specifically a computer-implemented method 110 for designing at least one molded body 112 as described above or further described below, thereby determining at least one guiding candidate geometry of the molded body 112; and

[0302] II) (represented by reference numeral 142) at least one forming tool 126 for manufacturing the shaped body 112 is designed by using forming tool design method 124, specifically a computer-implemented method 124 for designing at least one forming tool 126 as described above or in further detail below, and using at least one negative geometry of at least one guiding candidate geometry determined in step I) 140 as the starting geometry.

[0303] Furthermore, for example, Figure 3B As shown in the flowchart of the manufacturing process design method 138, the manufacturing process design method 138 may include additional steps. Specifically, the manufacturing process design method 138 may include, for example, the following further steps:

[0304] III) (represented by reference numeral 144) Prototype at least one forming tool 126 according to at least one geometry of the forming tool 126 designed in step II;

[0305] IV) (represented by reference numeral 146) manufacture at least one molded body 112 based on the prototype molding tool 126;

[0306] V) (denoted by reference numeral 148) experimentally verifies one or more of the molded body 112 and the molding tool 126; and

[0307] VI (indicated by reference numeral 150) transmits information within method 138.

[0308] exist Figure 3C The figure shows flowcharts of different embodiments of a method 138 for designing a manufacturing process for producing at least one molded body 112. Specifically, as shown, steps I) 140 and II) 142 can be performed iteratively. In particular, in step I) 140, design method 110 can be performed, wherein in step II) 142, forming tool design method 124 can be performed. Thus, as an example, in step I) 140, design method 110, for example by simulating the molded body in step d), can be used to define a guiding candidate geometry for the molded body 112. As a further example, in step II) 142, forming tool design method 124, for example by simulating the forming process using forming tool 126 in step vi), can be used to optimize the geometry of forming tool 126, for example, the geometry of the forming tool required for producing at least one molded body 112. In particular, steps I) 140 and II) 142, specifically, design method 110 and forming tool design method 124 can be performed individually and / or in combination, such as, for example, in a feedback loop. Therefore, in step II) 142, the results from step I) 140, such as, for example, guiding candidate geometries for the formed body 112, can be used. Additionally or alternatively, the results from step II) (such as, for example, the geometry of the forming tool 126) can be used in step I) 140, specifically for generating seed geometries. Design method 110 and forming tool design method 124 can be performed iteratively, such as determining the forming tool 126 and the corresponding formed body 112. Thus, as an example, design method 110 and forming tool design method 124 can be performed iteratively until the best possible compromise can be found between the target criteria for the formed body 112 and the forming target criteria for the forming tool 126. In particular, more than one geometry for the forming tool 126, such as a group of geometry shapes for the forming tool 126, can be determined, wherein subsequently, the most suitable geometry for the forming tool 126 can be selected from the group of geometry shapes for the forming tool 126.

[0309] exist Figure 4 An embodiment of a design system 152 for designing at least one molded body 112 is shown in a front plan view. The design system 152 includes at least one interface 154 configured to retrieve at least one set of target criteria for the molded body 112. Further, the design system 152 includes at least one geometry definition unit 156 configured to define at least one seed geometry for the molded body 112. Further, the design system 152 includes at least one parameter generation unit 158 ​​configured to generate a parameter set including at least one geometric parameter of the seed geometry. Further, the design system 152 includes at least one simulation unit 160 configured to simulate the molded body 112 by changing the values ​​of the parameter set and by comparing the simulated criteria for these values ​​with the set of target criteria, for which the target criteria are satisfied at least within predetermined tolerances. Furthermore, the design system 152 includes at least one guided candidate geometry definition unit 162, which is configured to determine at least one guided candidate geometry of at least one shaped body from an adapted set of parameters.

[0310] This set of target criteria may include multiple target criteria, such as first target criterion X1, second target criterion X2, third target criterion X3, etc. For example... Figure 4 As shown, as an example, the set of target criteria may include eight target criteria X1 to X8. In particular, the target criteria can be weighted. Therefore, as... Figure 4 As further shown, each objective criterion X1 to X8 can be weighted individually, which can be illustrated by the added weights labeled α1 to α8. In particular, for example, when using multi-criterion optimization, the weights of individual criteria can be freely chosen, such as the weights of individual objective criteria in the set of objective criteria, to such an extent that, within the optimization function, individual objective criteria in the set of objective criteria can be fully considered, e.g., α = 1, or completely discarded, e.g., α = 0, or anything in between, e.g., 0 < α < 1.

[0311] As an example, simulation unit 160 can be configured to simulate the shaped body 112. Figure 4In this simulation, the model 112 can be described by the following: a first box 164 indicating changes in the values ​​of the parameter set; a second box 166 indicating a comparison between the simulated standard and the target standard set for these values; and a third box 168 indicating iterative execution of the simulation by feeding back the changed values ​​of the parameter set to the first box 164, such as to further change the values. Therefore, as shown, in simulation unit 160, the values ​​of the parameter set can be iteratively varied until an adapted parameter set that meets the target standard at least within a predetermined tolerance can be found.

[0312] Specifically, when designing at least one formed body 112 using design system 152, a seed geometry can be described using, for example, geometric parameters. Further, geometry definition unit 156 can be used to define the seed geometry, such as the generated geometry. The seed geometry can then be evaluated using simulation unit 160 for performing simulations according to predefined performance criteria, such as by changing the values ​​of the parameter set and by comparing the simulated criteria for these values ​​with a target criterion set until an adapted parameter set that satisfies the target criteria is generated. In detail, as an example, depending on the result of the comparison, the values ​​of this parameter set (e.g., geometric parameters) can vary in the simulation (e.g., during an optimization loop) in such a way that, firstly, the new geometry may have a higher probability of satisfying the predefined criteria (e.g., target criteria), and secondly, simulation resources and time can be reduced. Specifically, an optimization loop can be performed until the best possible trade-off between the objectives can be reached, where further target criteria, such as boundary conditions, can be adhered to.

[0313] For example, target criteria may include constraints on geometry and weight. Thus, target criteria may include pre-existing geometric constraints, such as the dimensions of an existing forming machine or an existing application reactor, and weight constraints, such as pre-existing constraints on the maximum and / or minimum weight within the application reactor. Further, target criteria may include, for example, constraints on surface area, weight, and density. Thus, target criteria may include the geometric outer surface area or weight of a single formed body, the specific surface area of ​​a single formed body, such as surface area divided by weight or its reciprocal, the surface area or weight of particles within a reactor bed, the specific surface area of ​​the reactor bed, such as the surface area of ​​the formed body bed divided by the volume of the empty reactor or its reciprocal, and the loading density of the reactor bed, such as the weight of the bed divided by the surface area of ​​the bed or its reciprocal. Specifically, target criteria may also include the BET surface area of ​​a single particle or reactor bed, and / or the internal surface area of ​​a single particle or reactor bed. Additionally or alternatively, target criteria may include the pore structure of the formed body or particles or particles within the reactor bed. Further, target criteria may include, for example, the accessible surface area of ​​the reactor bed, i.e., when considering surface blockage attributable to the presence of other particles or internal reactor structures.

[0314] Additionally or alternatively, the target criterion may be or may include mechanical strength. Thus, the target criterion may include crushing strength, i.e., compressive strength, tensile strength, shear strength, flexural strength, torsional strength, cutting strength, wear, abrasion, elasticity, torsional strength, etc. It may specifically be uniaxial, multiaxial, isotropic, and / or anisotropic. As an example, the target criterion may include mechanical strength in stationary and / or moving and / or fluidized beds, specifically mechanical stress, mechanical strength in thermal stress cycles, e.g., transport stress and / or stress caused by vibration with respect to temperature rise and / or fall. As an example, the target criterion including mechanical strength may be measured, for example from measurements of the material of a shaped body. In particular, these measurements are performed with any object having an arbitrary geometry, such as, for example, a simple geometry, such as a cylinder. Additionally or alternatively, information regarding mechanical strength may be obtained from prior art literature.

[0315] Additionally or alternatively, the target criterion may be or may include pressure drop, specifically the maximum and / or minimum value of pressure drop. Thus, the target criterion may include the pressure drop of the shaped body, specifically the pressure drop of a single shaped body and / or reactor bed (such as a reactor bed filled with shaped bodies). In particular, pressure drop can be calculated by using prior art mathematical correlations as an example. Further, pressure drop can be calculated and / or simulated by using prior art tools such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and / or other available methods as an example. Specifically, pressure drop can be calculated and / or simulated, for example, by using information about the fluid and conditions, such as temperature, pressure, and / or residence time, which may occur in the reactor. Additionally or alternatively, pressure drop can be calculated and / or simulated, for example, by using estimated information about the fluid and conditions. Additionally or alternatively, pressure drop can be calculated and / or simulated, for example, by using aspects of similarity, such as by estimating the pressure drop for similar geometries. These calculation and / or simulation methods may, for example, allow absolute and / or relative comparisons.

[0316] Additionally or alternatively, the target criterion may be or may include heat transfer, specifically the maximum and / or minimum value of heat transfer. Thus, the target criterion may include the heat transfer of the formed body, specifically, the heat transfer of a single formed body and / or reactor bed (such as a reactor bed filled with formed bodies). In particular, heat transfer can be calculated using prior art mathematical correlations as an example. Further, heat transfer can be calculated and / or simulated using prior art tools such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD), finite element method (FEM), and discrete element method (DEM) and / or other available methods. Specifically, heat transfer can be calculated and / or simulated, for example, by using information about the fluid and conditions, such as temperature, pressure, and / or residence time, which may occur in a reactor. Additionally or alternatively, heat transfer can be calculated and / or simulated, for example, by using estimated information about the fluid and conditions. Additionally or alternatively, heat transfer can be calculated and / or simulated, for example, by using similarity aspects, such as by estimating heat transfer for similar geometries.

[0317] Additionally or alternatively, the target criterion may be or may include mass transfer, specifically the maximum and / or minimum value of mass transfer. Thus, the target criterion may include the mass transfer of the formed body, specifically, the mass transfer of a single formed body and / or reactor bed (such as a reactor bed filled with formed bodies). In particular, mass transfer can be calculated by using prior art mathematical correlations as an example. Further, mass transfer can be calculated and / or simulated using prior art tools such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD), finite element method (FEM), and discrete element method (DEM) and / or other methods. Specifically, mass transfer can be calculated and / or simulated, for example, by using information about the fluid and conditions, such as temperature, pressure, and / or residence time, which may occur in a reactor. Additionally or alternatively, mass transfer can be calculated and / or simulated, for example, by using estimated information about the fluid and conditions. Additionally or alternatively, mass transfer can be calculated and / or simulated, for example, by using similarity aspects, such as by estimating the mass transfer for similar geometries.

[0318] Additionally or alternatively, the target criterion may be or may include productivity, specifically minimum and / or maximum productivity. Productivity can be specifically estimated using existing data on similar geometries. Additionally or alternatively, productivity can be calculated and / or simulated using manufacturing information, such as regarding production machines (e.g., production lines), and / or regarding product characteristics, such as the product characteristics that might be required to produce a desired geometry with the desired chemical composition and physicochemical properties. Specifically, other target criteria, such as, for example, specifically for extrusion pressure, extrusion speed, and / or shear force during extrusion, and / or specifically for tablet compression force, machine rotation speed, and / or ejection force during tableting, can be considered to affect productivity, for example, positively or negatively. Additionally or alternatively, the target criterion may be or may include any further criteria, such as, for a set of predetermined geometries, technical criteria (e.g., rolling capability of the formed body), economic criteria, such as market size or market model, minimum and / or maximum costs, such as production costs, for example, a cost model for a set of predetermined geometries.

[0319] exist Figure 5 An embodiment of a forming tool design system 170 for designing at least one forming tool 126 is shown in a front plan view. The forming tool design system 170 includes at least one interface 172 configured to retrieve at least one set of forming target criteria for the forming tool 126. Further, the forming tool design system 170 includes at least one geometry definition unit 174 configured to define at least one initial geometry for the forming tool 126. Further, the forming tool design system 170 includes at least one forming parameter generation unit 176 configured to generate a set of forming parameters, including at least one shape geometry parameter of the initial geometry. Furthermore, the forming tool design system 170 includes at least one simulation unit 178 configured to simulate the forming process using the forming tool by changing the values ​​of a set of forming parameters and comparing the forming characteristics simulated for these values ​​with the set of forming target criteria, thereby generating at least one adapted set of forming parameters for which the forming target criteria are satisfied at least within a predetermined tolerance. Furthermore, the forming tool design system 170 includes at least one forming tool geometry definition unit 180 configured to determine at least one geometry of at least one forming tool based on the adapted set of forming parameters.

[0320] This set of forming target standards may include multiple forming target standards, such as a first forming target standard Y1, a second forming target standard Y2, a third forming target standard Y3, etc. Figure 5 As shown, as an example, the set of forming target criteria may include eight forming target criteria Y1 to Y8. In particular, the forming target criteria can be weighted. Therefore, as... Figure 5 As further shown, each shaping objective criterion Y1 to Y8 can be weighted individually, which can be illustrated by the added weight identifiers β1 to β8. In particular, for example, when using multi-criterion optimization, the weights of individual criteria, such as the weights of individual shaping objective criteria in the set of shaping objective criteria, can be freely chosen to such an extent that, within the optimization function, the individual shaping objective criteria in the set of shaping objective criteria can be fully considered, for example, β = 1, or completely discarded, for example, β = 0, or anything in between, for example, 0 < β < 1.

[0321] As an example, simulation unit 178 can be configured to simulate the forming process using forming tool 126. Figure 5 In the simulation, the forming process using forming tool 126 can be described as follows: a first box 182 indicating changes in the values ​​of the forming parameter set; a second box 184 indicating a comparison between the simulated forming characteristics for these values ​​and a set of forming target standards; and a third box 168 indicating that the simulation can be iteratively performed by feeding back the changed values ​​of the forming parameter set to the first box 182, such as to further change the values. Therefore, as shown, in simulation unit 178, the values ​​of the forming parameter set can be iteratively varied until an adapted set of forming parameters that satisfies the forming target standards at least within a predetermined tolerance can be found.

[0322] Specifically, when designing at least one forming tool 126 using the forming tool design system 170, the initial geometry can be described using, for example, geometric parameters. Further, a geometry definition unit 180 can be used to define the initial geometry, such as the forming tool geometry. The initial geometry can then be evaluated using a simulation unit 178 for performing simulations according to predefined performance criteria, such as by changing the values ​​of a set of forming parameters and by comparing the simulated forming characteristics for these values ​​with a set of forming target criteria until an adapted set of forming parameters that meets the forming target criteria is generated. In detail, as an example, depending on the results of the comparison, the values ​​of this set of forming parameters, such as forming tool geometry parameters, can be varied in the simulation in such a way that, for example, during an optimization cycle, the new geometry may have a higher probability of meeting the predefined criteria (e.g., forming target criteria), and secondly, simulation resources and time can be reduced.

[0323] Specifically, when designing at least one forming tool 126 using the forming tool design system 170, the properties of the material to be formed (e.g., density and / or viscosity) and / or further forming target criteria, such as the boundary conditions of the machine used for forming, such as the maximum extrusion pressure and / or minimum rotational speed of the tablet press, can be taken into consideration.

[0324] As an example, forming tool design method 124 may be designed to identify the geometry of a forming tool that allows starting material to be formed into a desired geometry, while maintaining target product characteristics and manufacturing productivity. Specifically, forming tool design method 124 may be used as an example to determine an optimized geometry of a forming tool (e.g., a mold), specifically for a new geometry of the molded body. Additionally or alternatively, forming tool design method 124 may be used to derive a new geometry of a forming tool for an existing molded body.

[0325] As an example, when simulating a forming process using forming tool 126 (e.g., by using simulation unit 178), it may be necessary to estimate and / or measure the physical properties of the material to be formed for use in the simulation.

[0326] For example, forming target criteria may include material properties of the material to be formed. Therefore, forming target criteria may include viscosity, powder bulk density, compressibility, such as a compressibility-compactibility curve. Additionally or alternatively, forming target criteria may include, for example, surface properties. In particular, the surface properties of the forming tool 126 may, for example, directly affect the surface of the object, such as the surface of the shaped body 112 manufactured using the forming tool 126. Therefore, forming target criteria may be or may include properties of the shaped body 112. In particular, properties of the shaped body, such as geometry, weight, mechanical strength, porosity, etc., may be estimated based on measurements and / or calculations and / or simulations using the forming tool 126 (e.g., as a forming tool). Additionally or alternatively, forming target criteria may include boundary conditions of the manufacturing machine, such as machine geometry, maximum permissible pressure, maximum permissible shear force, maximum permissible compressive force, and / or maximum permissible ejection force.

[0327] Additionally or alternatively, forming target criteria may be or may include productivity, specifically minimum and / or maximum productivity. Productivity can be specifically estimated using existing data on similar geometries. Additionally or alternatively, productivity can be calculated and / or simulated using manufacturing information, such as regarding production machines, such as production lines, and / or regarding product characteristics, such as the product characteristics that might be required to produce the desired geometry with the desired chemical composition and physicochemical properties. Specifically, other forming target criteria, such as, for example, specifically for extrusion pressure, extrusion speed, and / or shear force during extrusion of the extrudate, and / or specifically for tablet compression force, machine rotation speed, and / or ejection force during tableting, can be considered to affect productivity, for example, positively or negatively. Additionally or alternatively, forming target criteria may be or may include any further criteria, such as, for a set of predetermined geometries, technical criteria, such as the rolling ability of the formed body, economic criteria, such as market size or market model, minimum and / or maximum costs, such as production costs, such as a cost model for a set of predetermined geometries. In particular, productivity can be affected by the geometry of forming tools, such as the geometry of a mold, and thus may influence its design.

[0328] exist Figures 6A to 6C The diagram shows flowcharts of different embodiments of a method 138 for designing a manufacturing process for producing at least one molded body 112. Specifically, as shown... Figure 6AAs indicated by the arrows shown, steps I) 140, II) 142, III) 144, and V) 148 can be performed iteratively, wherein information can be transferred from step I) 140 to step II) 142, from step II) 142 to step III) 144, from step III) 144 to step V) 148, and from step V) 148 to step I) 140. Specifically, from step I) 140, as an exemplary output, guided candidate geometries, such as the geometry of the formed body, for example, a drawing of the geometry, specifically in digital form, such as in the form of an STL or CAD file, can be transferred as input to step II) 142. Further, from step II) 142, as an exemplary output, the geometry of the forming tool 126 and / or the negative geometry of the extrusion geometry, for example in digital form such as a CAD file, and / or the surface quality and / or surface tension and / or surface roughness of the forming tool, can be transferred as input to step III) 144. Specifically, the information transmitted from step II) 142 to step III) 144 can, for example, influence material selection, manufacturing process selection, and / or subsequent and / or post-processing selection, particularly during the execution of step III). Further, from step III) 144, as an exemplary output, forming tool 124 and / or design characteristics, such as maximum extrusion pressure, can be transmitted as input to step V) 148. Further, from step V) 148, as an exemplary output, feedback regarding testing, such as characteristics of the molded body and / or information regarding forming conditions, can be transmitted as input to step I) 140.

[0329] Specifically, steps I) 140 and II) 142 can be performed individually and / or in combination with each other and / or in combination with any of steps III) 144, IV) 146 (not shown), and V) 148 to first achieve the optimized geometry of the guiding candidate shape, such as the shaped body 112, and / or its secondary geometry for the forming tool, such as the optimized geometry of at least one mold. As an example, an illustration of step VI) 150 can show that information can flow from one step to another, such as between any of steps I) 140 to V) 148. Additionally or alternatively, information can be centralized, such as in a public data lake, where information from any of steps I) 140 to V) 148 can be centralized and any of steps I) 140 to V) 148 may be able to access said information. Specifically, as Figure 6BAs shown, information transmission and / or exchange can allow for accelerated development and make the process more seamless and transparent, for example, more transparent to all members. Specifically, steps III) 144, IV) 146 (not shown), and V) 148 can be performed individually and / or in combination with each other or in combination with steps I) 140 and / or II) 142. The method 138 for designing a manufacturing process for manufacturing at least one molded body 112 can be initiated at any of steps I) 140, II) 142, III) 144, IV) 146, V) 148, or VI) 150. In particular, each of steps I) through VI) can provide available outputs.

[0330] As an example, the method 138 for designing a manufacturing process for producing at least one shaped body 112 can be applied to shaped bodies such as tablets, extrusions, honeycomb bodies, three-dimensional printed bodies, granules, or any other two-dimensional or three-dimensional structures. The method 138 for designing a manufacturing process for producing at least one shaped body 112 can specifically be configured to design a manufacturing process for producing catalyst geometry. However, the method 138 for designing a manufacturing process for producing at least one shaped body 112 can be applied to designing (e.g., optimizing) the geometry of any two-dimensional or three-dimensional object or body.

[0331] In particular, such as Figure 6BAs indicated by the arrows shown, information can also be transmitted in two directions: specifically from step I) 140 to step II) 142, from step II) 142 to step III) 144, from step III) 144 to step V) 148, and from step V) 148 to step I) 140, and vice versa. In particular, from step II) 142, as an exemplary output, the geometry of the forming tool, such as the geometric boundary conditions of the forming tool, and / or information about necessary variations in the geometry, such as information about variations in at least one wall thickness, can be transmitted as input to step I) 140. As an example, information about how to operate the forming machine for processing at least one formed body 112 (e.g., having a target geometry) can be transmitted from step II) 142 to step V) 148. As another example, information about experimental verification, such as feedback information, can be transmitted from step V) 148 to step II) 142. Further, from step III) 144, as an exemplary output, the available space for the geometry of forming tool 126 and / or the technical drawing of forming tool 126, such as a CAD model and / or the boundary conditions of surface quality and / or construction (e.g., construction used in prototyping), can be passed as input to step II) 142. Further, from step V) 148, as an exemplary output, the boundary conditions of the forming tool, such as the boundary conditions of the die, such as minimum and / or maximum pressure, and / or the characteristics of the machine used for forming, such as the geometry of the forming tool plate, and / or error messages, such as information about high wear and / or information about extrusion molding, can be passed as input to step III) 144. In particular, the information passed from step V) 148 to step III) 144 can, for example, influence the selection of the adapting surface (e.g., the surface of forming tool 126), and / or the modification type to adapt to flow characteristics, specifically when performing step III). Furthermore, from step I) 140, as an example output, the predicted characteristics of the molded body and / or information about which characteristics are optimized and / or the set of target criteria can be passed as input to step V) 148.

[0332] Additional or alternative land, such as Figure 6BAs further shown, information can be transferred between all steps by performing step VI) 150. Specifically, from step II) 142, as an exemplary output, the predicted experimental settings, such as extrusion speed and / or extrusion pressure, and / or information about the speed profile across the forming tool 126, such as information about the simulated speed of the slurry across the forming tool 126, can be transferred as input to step V) 148. Further, from step V) 148, as an exemplary output, the viscosity of the material to be formed, such as slurry viscosity, and / or information about the experimental results of the simple geometry, such as pressure and / or throughput, can be transferred as input to step II) 142. Further, from step I) 140, as an exemplary output, guiding candidate geometries, such as the geometry of the formed body, such as optimized geometries, including mass including weight and / or properties of the formed body, such as torsion, can be transferred as input to step III) 144. Furthermore, from step III) 144, as an exemplary output, the geometric boundary conditions of the forming tool, such as the geometric boundary conditions of the mold, such as a specific file format, can be passed as input to step I) 140.

[0333] As an example, the output of any one of steps I) 140, II) 142, and / or V) 148 can be automatically used in step III) 144, for example, to generate at least one technical drawing, at least one 3D model, and / or to specify the manufacture of forming tool 126, such as the manufacture of forming tools. Further, specifically, to allow for automatic use, machine learning algorithms, artificial intelligence, and / or neural networks can be used.

[0334] Specifically, such as Figure 6C As indicated by the further arrows shown, information can also be input to and / or from the outputs of each of steps I) 140, II) 142, III) 144, and V) 148. Specifically, input and / or output information for each step can be collected separately, for example, as inputs and / or outputs. Additionally or alternatively, the inputs and outputs of each step can be collected in a central database. As an example, inputs and outputs can be formatted into standard report formats, such as those to facilitate recording and comparison. Additionally or alternatively, inputs and outputs can be or may include at least one technical document, such as at least one computer-aided design (CAD) drawing, technical drawing, and / or technical specification. In detail, inputs and / or outputs can be collected and / or generated for each individual step. Additionally or alternatively, inputs and / or outputs can be collected and / or generated for any combination of steps, even for combinations of all method steps. Specifically, inputs and / or outputs can be collected and / or generated after each interaction between steps and / or after the overall goal of the method can be achieved.

[0335] In detail, input information, such as general input information, for step I) 140, for example, input information from the demand owner to step I) 140 may be or may include one or more of the following: seed geometry; inputs required for each target criterion, such as material properties, such as catalyst material properties and / or Young's modulus, and / or application conditions, such as reactor geometry, such as reactor diameter and / or reactor temperature; multi-criteria optimization function; simulation tools used in the simulation, such as nonlinear algorithms, stochastic algorithms, genetic algorithms, artificial intelligence and / or neural networks; weights of at least one target criterion in the target criterion set, for example, for the multi-criteria optimization function; the target criterion set. Output information from step I) 140, for example, output information from step I) 140 to the demand owner may be or may include one or more of the following: a report including information about the molded body 112, such as a report containing a description of the optimized geometry; at least one characteristic of the molded body 112, such as a characteristic guiding candidate geometries; a comparison between different geometries of the molded body; a list of options; the best choice. In particular, information about the molded body 112 may exist in technical documents, such as CAD files and / or CAD drawings.

[0336] Further, input information, such as general input information for step II) 142, for example, input information from the demand owner to step II) 142 may be or may include one or more of the following: desired extrusion speed; rheology of the material to be molded, such as the rheology of a slurry. Output information from step II) 142, for example, output information from step II) 142 to the demand owner may be or may include, for example, simulated documentation, such as simulated velocity profiles in the forming tool 126 and / or velocity profiles along the forming tool 126 and / or further information, such as at least one image. As another example, output information from step II) may be or may include information about predicted settings of the forming machine, such as extrusion pressure, tableting pressure, throughput, etc.

[0337] Furthermore, input information, such as general input information, for step III) 144, for example, input information from the demand owner to step III) 144 may be or may include one or more of the following: boundary conditions for the forming tool 126 (e.g., at least one mold), such as the geometry of the forming tool 126; prototyping information, such as pressure; requirements, such as material requirements, such as for minimizing corrosion. Output information from step III) 144, for example, output information from step III) 144 to the demand owner may be or may include one or more of the following: forming tool 126, such as a prototyping mold; technical documents, such as technical drawings and / or technical models.

[0338] Further, input information, such as general input information for step V) 148, for example, input information from the demand owner to step V) 148 may be or may include one or more of the following: material information, specifically material combinations, such as material formulations, such as the formulation to be tested; mechanical information about the molded body and / or about the forming tool, specifically the stability of the catalyst; information about the sensitivity of the molded body and / or the forming tool to production parameters; information about which experiments were performed; information about analytical parameters, specifically about the required analytical parameters; information about the safety aspects of at least one experiment. Output information from step V) 148, for example, output information from step V) 148 to the demand owner may be or may include one or more of the following: behavior when forming the molded body 112 with the forming tool 126, for example, extrusion pressure and speed; evaluation of the molded body 112 and / or the forming tool 126, such as an evaluation of optimized geometry, such as an evaluation of optimized geometry using analytical parameters.

[0339] Specifically, the manufacturing process for producing at least one molded body 112 can be configured to meet at least one requirement. In particular, for example, the requirement can be a combination of the target criteria of design method 110 and the molding target criteria of molding tool design method 124.

[0340] Specifically, in manufacturing process design method 138, at least one requirement to be met by the manufacturing process for manufacturing at least one molded body 112 may be considered. Therefore, in particular, the requirement (e.g., a combination of target criteria and forming target criteria) may be identified based on at least one of the following considerations: technology available for the manufacturing process; cost, such as the production cost for the molded body 112 and / or for the forming tool 126; market. Specifically, the target criteria may be or may include one or more of the following: maximum and minimum permissible pressure drop; target productivity in tons per day, etc. Specifically, the forming target criteria may be or may include one or more of the following: maximum permissible extrusion pressure; maximum permissible rotational speed of the tablet press, etc. Further, the target criteria and forming target criteria of steps I) 140 and II) 142, such as boundary conditions for simulation and optimization, may be further related to performing step III) 144, and specifically may be or may include one or more of the following: extrusion constraints, such as the maximum diameter of the extrusion die; tableting constraints, such as the maximum tableting height; forming constraints, such as the boundary of the forming process.

[0341] As an example, the design of the manufacturing process may specifically depend on the target criteria used for the molded body 112, such as depending on at least one desired characteristic of the molded body. In particular, the geometry (e.g., shape) and / or material of the molded body can be determined for selection. Especially for complex shapes, new manufacturing techniques, such as additive manufacturing, may be used. Depending on the application, as an example, additively manufactured parts may receive finishing processes, such as final treatments, to smooth the surface of the part. Therefore, in cases where the forming tool 126 can be prototyped or manufactured using an additive manufacturing process, its surface may receive finishing processes, such as treatments to smooth the surface. As an example, to finish the surface of the forming tool 126, one or more of the following techniques may be used: electropolishing, plasma polishing, laser polishing, tumbling, sandblasting, hydro-erosion grinding, and MMP (micromachining process).

[0342] exist Figure 7 Different embodiments of the molded body 112 are shown in the figure. Specifically, the molded bodies 112 can be arranged in the figure according to at least one characteristic of each of them. In particular, by way of example, the x-axis can refer to the lateral crushing strength 188 of the molded body 112, and the y-axis can refer to the specific reactor surface area 190 of the molded body 112.

[0343] exist Figure 8A An embodiment of the molded body 112 is shown in the perspective view. Figure 8B The image shows the materials used in manufacturing. Figure 8A An embodiment of the forming tool 126 for the molded body 112 is shown. Arrows indicate the material passing through. Figure 8A The flow direction of the forming tool 126 shown.

[0344] exist Figure 9A An embodiment of the molded body 112 is shown in the perspective view. Figure 9B The image shows the materials used in manufacturing. Figure 9A A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the forming tool 126 for the molded body 112 is shown. Again, the arrows indicate the flow direction of material through the forming tool 126 in order to manufacture the corresponding molded body 112.

[0345] exist Figures 10A to 10D Different embodiments of the forming tool 126 are shown, each in the upper perspective view and the lower cross-sectional view. Specifically, the development of the geometry of the forming tool 126 when simulating the forming process using the forming tool 126 in step iv) can be shown, wherein... Figure 10A The forming tool 126 shown can indicate the initial geometry, and Figure 10D The forming tool 126 shown can be illustrated with the geometry of the forming tool 126 determined according to the adapted set of forming parameters.

[0346] exist Figures 11A to 11D In the figure, different embodiments of the forming tool 126 are shown in perspective view, and in Figures 12A to 12D The diagram shows how to use them separately. Figures 11A to 11D Different embodiments of the molded body 112 manufactured by the molding tool 126 are shown. Specifically, Figures 11A to 12D A simulation, such as that performed in step II) 142, can be shown.

[0347] exist Figures 13A to 13D In the figure, different embodiments of the forming tool 126 are shown in cross-sectional view, wherein, again, when the forming tool 126 is used to simulate the forming process in step iv), the development of the geometry of the forming tool 126 can be shown.

[0348] Reference tag list

[0349] 110 Design Methods

[0350] 120 formed body

[0351] 114 Step a)

[0352] 116 Step b)

[0353] 118 Step c)

[0354] 120 Step d)

[0355] 122 Step e)

[0356] 124 Forming Tool Design Method

[0357] 126 Forming tools

[0358] 128 Step i)

[0359] 130 Step ii)

[0360] 132 Step iii)

[0361] 134 Step iv)

[0362] 136 Step v)

[0363] 138 Manufacturing Process Design Methods

[0364] 140 Step I)

[0365] 142 Step II)

[0366] 144 Step III)

[0367] 146 Step IV)

[0368] 148 Step V)

[0369] 150 Step VI)

[0370] 152 Design System

[0371] 154 interface

[0372] 156 Geometric Shape Definition Units

[0373] 158 parameter generation units

[0374] 160 analog units

[0375] 162 Guiding candidate geometry definition unit

[0376] 164 First frame

[0377] 166 Second frame

[0378] 168 Third frame

[0379] 170 Forming Tool Design System

[0380] 172 interface

[0381] 174 Geometric Shape Definition Units

[0382] 176 Forming Parameter Generation Unit

[0383] 178 simulation units

[0384] 180 Forming Tool Geometry Definition Unit

[0385] 182 First frame

[0386] 184 Second frame

[0387] 186 Third frame

[0388] 188 Lateral crushing strength

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method (110) for designing at least one shaped body (112), wherein, The shaped body is one or more of catalyst pellets and adsorbent pellets, and the method (110) includes: a) By using at least one interface (154), at least one set of target criteria for the shaped body (112) is retrieved; b) Define at least one seed geometry for the shaped body (112) by using at least one geometry definition unit (156), wherein the seed geometry is a starting geometry for the shaped body, wherein step b) includes a sub-step of providing the seed geometry to at least one processor of a computer executing the computer-implemented method thereon; c) By using at least one parameter generation unit (158), a parameter set is generated, the parameter set including at least one geometrical parameter of the seed geometry, wherein step c) includes a sub-step of providing the parameter set to at least one processor of a computer performing the computer-implemented method thereon; d) By using at least one simulation unit (160), the molded body is simulated by changing the values ​​of the parameter set and by comparing the simulated standard for these values ​​with the target standard set, thereby generating at least one adapted parameter set, for which the target standard is satisfied at least within a predetermined tolerance, wherein the adapted parameter set refers to the set of values ​​of adapted parameters, wherein the values ​​of the parameter set of the seed geometry change when the molded body is simulated, wherein the values ​​of the changed parameters are then analyzed to determine whether the molded body satisfies the target standard set for these changed parameters, wherein the changes in the values ​​of the parameter set are iteratively performed until the values ​​of the parameter set cause the molded body to satisfy the target standard set at least within a predetermined tolerance; and e) By using at least one guiding candidate geometry definition unit (162), at least one guiding candidate geometry of the at least one molded body (112) is determined according to the adapted set of parameters, wherein the guiding candidate geometry is the resulting geometry for the molded body.

2. The method (110) according to claim 1, wherein the target criterion comprises at least one constraint selected from the group consisting of: geometric constraints; weight constraints; density constraints; mechanical strength constraints; pressure drop constraints; heat transfer constraints; mass transfer constraints; productivity constraints; forming process constraints.

3. The method (110) of claim 1, wherein, The target standard includes at least one constraint selected from the group consisting of: production machine tolerance, minimum wall thickness, compressibility constraint, extrudability constraint, maximum diameter constraint, and maximum height constraint.

4. The method (110) of claim 1, wherein, The target standard includes surface area constraints.

5. The method (110) of claim 1, wherein, At least one of the target criteria in the set of target criteria includes at least one condition that the shaped body (112) must satisfy.

6. The method (110) of claim 1, wherein The target criteria include at least one suitability of the molded body for at least one predetermined application purpose.

7. The method (110) of claim 1, wherein The adapted set of parameters in step d) is generated by applying at least one operation selected from the group consisting of: nonlinear algorithms; stochastic algorithms; artificial intelligence algorithms; multi-criteria optimization functions; sequential quadratic programming; and feasible direction methods.

8. The method (110) of claim 1, wherein, The adjusted set of parameters in step d) is generated by applying a genetic algorithm.

9. The method (110) according to claim 1, wherein, The adapted set of parameters in step d) is generated by applying at least one operation selected from the group consisting of gradient-based algorithms, quasi-Newton methods, and Newton's method.

10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The computer-implemented design of at least one forming tool (126) for manufacturing the shaped body (112), and the computer-implemented method (124) for designing the at least one forming tool (126) include: i) By using at least one interface (172), at least one set of forming target criteria for the forming tool (126) is retrieved; ii) Define at least one starting geometry for the forming tool (126) by using at least one geometry definition unit (174), wherein at least one negative geometry of the at least one guiding candidate geometry determined in step e) is used as the starting geometry; iii) By using at least one forming parameter generation unit (176), a forming parameter set is generated, the forming parameter set including at least one shape geometry parameter of the initial geometry; iv) By using at least one simulation unit (178), simulating the forming process using the forming tool (126) by changing the values ​​of the forming parameter set and comparing the forming characteristics simulated for these values ​​with the forming target standard set, thereby generating at least one forming geometry having an adapted forming parameter set that satisfies the forming target standard set at least within a predetermined tolerance; and v) By using at least one forming tool geometry definition unit (180), at least one geometry of the at least one forming tool (126) is determined according to the adapted set of forming parameters.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The forming target criteria include: at least one suitability of the forming tool (126) for forming the at least one shaped body (112), wherein the shaped body (112) has the guiding candidate geometry determined in step e).

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The forming target standard includes at least one constraint selected from the group consisting of: surface property constraints; pressure constraints; shear force constraints; ejection force constraints; force distribution constraints; velocity distribution constraints; mechanical stability constraints; strength constraints; hole size constraints; weight constraints; production constraints.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The forming target standard includes tensile strength constraints.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein, The forming target standard includes geometric constraints.

15. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The forming target standard includes compressive force constraints.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein, The forming target standard includes at least one constraint selected from the group consisting of: productivity constraints, wear performance constraints, and production machine constraints.

17. The method (138) according to claim 10, wherein, At least one forming target criterion in the set of forming target criteria includes at least one condition that the forming tool (126) must satisfy.

18. The method (138) according to claim 10, wherein, The adapted set of parameters in step iv) is generated by applying at least one operation selected from the group consisting of: nonlinear algorithms; stochastic algorithms; artificial intelligence algorithms; multi-criteria optimization functions; sequential quadratic programming; and feasible direction methods.

19. The method (138) according to claim 18, wherein, The adapted set of parameters described in step iv) is generated by applying a genetic algorithm.

20. The method (138) according to claim 18, wherein, The adapted set of parameters in step iv) is generated by applying at least one operation selected from the group consisting of gradient-based algorithms, quasi-Newton methods, and Newton's method.

21. Use of a shaped body (112) having a guided candidate geometry designed according to a computer-implemented method for designing at least one shaped body (112) according to any one of claims 1 to 20 in a chemical process.

22. A process for producing a molded body (112) having a guided candidate geometry designed according to a computer-implemented method for designing at least one molded body (112) according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

23. A computer-implemented method (138) for designing a manufacturing process for manufacturing at least one shaped body (112), the method (138) comprising: I) Design the molded body (112) by using the method (110) according to any one of claims 1 to 20 of the method for designing at least one molded body (112), thereby determining at least one guiding candidate geometry of the molded body (112); as well as II) Designing at least one forming tool (126) for manufacturing the shaped body (112) using a computer-implemented method (124) for designing at least one forming tool (126), the computer-implemented method (124) for designing the at least one forming tool (126) comprising: i) Retrieve at least one set of forming target criteria for the forming tool (126); ii) Define at least one starting geometry for the forming tool (126), wherein at least one negative geometry of the at least one guiding candidate geometry determined in step I) is used as the starting geometry; iii) Generate a set of forming parameters, the set of forming parameters including at least one shape geometry parameter of the initial geometry; iv) By changing the values ​​of the forming parameter set and comparing the forming characteristics simulated for these values ​​with the forming target standard set, a forming process using the forming tool (126) is simulated to generate at least one forming geometry having an adapted forming parameter set that satisfies the forming target standard set at least within a predetermined tolerance; and v) Determine at least one geometry of the at least one forming tool (126) based on the adjusted set of forming parameters; III) Prototype the at least one forming tool (126) according to at least one geometry of the forming tool (126) designed in step II), wherein at least one process is used, wherein the process is selected from the group consisting of: rapid prototyping process; conventional prototyping process; spark etching process.

24. The method (138) according to claim 23, wherein, The forming target criteria include: at least one suitability of the forming tool (126) for forming at least one predetermined object, wherein the predetermined object is the formed body (112) designed by using the method according to any one of claims 1 to 20 of the method for designing at least one formed body (112).

25. The method (138) according to claim 23, wherein, The forming target standard includes at least one constraint selected from the group consisting of: surface property constraints; pressure constraints; shear force constraints; ejection force constraints; force distribution constraints; velocity distribution constraints; mechanical stability constraints; strength constraints; hole size constraints; weight constraints; production constraints.

26. The method according to claim 23, wherein, The forming target standard includes tensile strength constraints.

27. The method according to claim 23, wherein, The forming target standard includes geometric constraints.

28. The method according to claim 23, wherein, The forming target standard includes compressive force constraints.

29. The method according to claim 23, wherein, The forming target standard includes at least one constraint selected from the group consisting of: productivity constraints, wear performance constraints, and production machine constraints.

30. The method (138) according to claim 23, wherein, At least one forming target criterion in the set of forming target criteria includes at least one condition that the forming tool (126) must satisfy.

31. The method (138) according to claim 23, wherein, The adapted set of parameters in step iv) is generated by applying at least one operation selected from the group consisting of: nonlinear algorithms; stochastic algorithms; artificial intelligence algorithms; multi-criteria optimization functions; sequential quadratic programming; and feasible direction methods.

32. The method (138) according to claim 23, wherein, The method in step II) also includes: vi) Prototype the at least one forming tool (126) according to at least one geometry of the forming tool (126) determined in step v); and vii) The prototype forming tool (126) is verified by comparing at least one characteristic of the prototype forming tool (126) with at least one characteristic of the simulated forming tool (126).

33. The method (138) according to claim 23, wherein, The method further includes: IV) Manufacturing the at least one molded body using a molding tool (126) based on the prototype; and V) Experimentally verify one or more of the shaped body (112) and the forming tool (126).

34. The method (138) according to claim 33, wherein, Step V) further includes comparing at least one characteristic of the shaped body (112) manufactured in step IV) with the characteristics of the at least one guide candidate determined in step I), and wherein step V) further includes comparing at least one characteristic of the prototyping tool with the characteristics of the simulated forming tool determined in step II).

35. The method (138) according to claim 23, wherein, The rapid prototyping process includes an additive manufacturing process, wherein the additive manufacturing process includes one or more of a 3D printing process or an additive manufacturing process, and wherein the conventional prototyping process includes a subtractive prototyping process.

36. The method (138) according to claim 31, wherein, The adapted set of parameters described in step iv) is generated by applying a genetic algorithm.

37. The method (138) according to claim 31, wherein, The adapted set of parameters in step iv) is generated by applying at least one operation selected from the group consisting of gradient-based algorithms, quasi-Newton methods, and Newton's method.

38. A design system (152) for designing at least one molded body (112), wherein, The shaped body is one or more of catalyst pellets and adsorbent pellets, and the design system includes: A. At least one interface (154) configured to retrieve at least one set of target criteria for the shaped body (112); B. At least one geometry definition unit (156) configured to define at least one seed geometry for the shaped body (112), wherein the seed geometry is a starting geometry for the shaped body; C. At least one parameter generation unit (158) configured to generate a parameter set including at least one geometrical parameter of the seed geometry; D. At least one simulation unit (160) configured to simulate the molded body by changing the values ​​of the parameter set and by comparing the standards simulated for these values ​​with the target standard set, thereby generating at least one adapted parameter set, for which the target standard is satisfied at least within a predetermined tolerance, wherein the adapted parameter set refers to the set of values ​​of adapted parameters, wherein the values ​​of the parameter set of the seed geometry change when the molded body is simulated, wherein the changed parameter values ​​are then analyzed to determine whether the molded body satisfies the target standard set for these changed parameters, wherein changing the values ​​of the parameter set is performed iteratively until the values ​​of the parameter set cause the molded body to satisfy the target standard set at least within a predetermined tolerance; and E. At least one guiding candidate geometry definition unit (162) configured to determine at least one guiding candidate geometry of the at least one molded body according to the adapted set of parameters, wherein the guiding candidate geometry is the resulting geometry for the molded body.

39. A manufacturing-design system for designing a manufacturing process for manufacturing at least one molded body (112), the manufacturing-design system comprising a design system (152) according to claim 38 and at least one forming tool design system (170) for designing at least one forming tool (126), the forming tool design system (170) comprising: u. At least one interface (172) configured to retrieve at least one set of forming target criteria for the forming tool (126); v. At least one geometry definition unit (174) configured to define at least one initial geometry for the forming tool (126); w. At least one forming parameter generation unit (176) configured to generate a set of forming parameters, the set of forming parameters including at least one shape geometry parameter of the initial geometry; x. At least one simulation unit (178) is configured to simulate the forming process using the forming tool (126) by changing the values ​​of the forming parameter set and by comparing the forming characteristics simulated for these values ​​with the forming target standard set, thereby generating at least one adapted forming parameter set, for which the forming target standard is satisfied at least within a predetermined tolerance; as well as y. At least one forming tool geometry definition unit (180) configured to determine at least one geometry of the at least one forming tool (126) based on an adapted set of forming parameters.

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