Manufacturing method for gas analysis device, computer program product, gas analysis device, simulation method, and simulation program product

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) for producing a gas analysis device (10) having at least one separating device (12) and a plurality of pneumatic modules (20). The method (100) comprises a first step (110) in which at least one target parameter (62) for the gas analysis device (10) to be produced is preset and a plurality of basic aerodynamic structures (35) are provided. In a second step (120), a plurality of continuous and discrete parameters (42, 44) of the basic aerodynamic structure (35) are provided. A basic configuration (50) is generated from the basic aerodynamic structure (35), said basic configuration being determined by changing (55) the discrete parameter (42). In a third step (130) of the method (100), candidate aerodynamic structures (60) are determined from each basic configuration (50), at least one consecutive parameter (44) of each basic configuration (50) being varied by means of an optimization algorithm (72). Furthermore, in a fourth step (140), a candidate pneumatic structure (60) is selected as a function of the desired value (64) of the target parameter (62) and output to the user and / or data interface. In addition, the gas analysis device (10) is produced on the basis of the selected candidate pneumatic structure (66). The invention also relates to a corresponding computer program product (70), a gas analysis device (10), a simulation method (200) and a simulation program product (80).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for manufacturing a gas analysis device and a computer program product for implementing the method. The invention also relates to a corresponding gas analysis device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a simulation method for such a gas analysis device and a corresponding simulation program product. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document EP 2 828 653 B2 discloses a simulation of chromatographic operation at a chromatograph. This chromatographic operation uses a mobile phase comprising a mixture of at least two eluent components with different chromatographic properties.

[0003] Gas analysis equipment is applicable to a variety of applications, each requiring a customized design to meet specific needs. Due to the physical and chemical complexity of gas analysis equipment, these adaptations are costly, time-intensive, and error-prone. Similarly, there is a need for cost-effective designs for gas analysis equipment. There is a need to accelerate and simplify the manufacture of gas analysis equipment, particularly those requiring specific adaptations. The object upon which this invention is based is to provide a possibility of improvement in at least one of these aspects. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This objective is achieved by a method according to the invention for manufacturing a gas analysis device. The gas analysis device to be manufactured has at least one separation device and multiple pneumatic modules. The separation device can be, for example, a separation column adapted by its packing and / or liner to separate a material sample into its components during flow. The pneumatic modules can be, for example, pressure regulators, valves, throttle valves, detectors, and / or pipelines. The pneumatic modules can differ in their physical construction type and / or in the control algorithms used therein.

[0005] The method includes a first step in which at least one target parameter for a gas analysis device to be manufactured is preset, for example, by a user. The target parameter can be a technical value of the gas analysis device, such as the separation performance parameters of a separation device or the maximum duration for concentration analysis of a preset material sample. Alternatively or supplementarily, the target parameter can also be a non-technical value, such as energy requirement, CO2 footprint, or manufacturing cost. Furthermore, in the first step, multiple basic pneumatic structures are provided, each comprising a virtual representation of a separation device and a pneumatic module. For this purpose, the basic pneumatic structures can be stored, for example, in a database and selected by a user and / or artificial intelligence. The basic pneumatic structures can be understood as pneumatic counterparts of circuit diagrams and respectively illustrate possible structures of a manufacturable gas analysis device. Therefore, the basic pneumatic structure itself is a virtual representation of a manufacturable gas analysis device. The basic pneumatic structure serves as the starting point for further method steps. Furthermore, the claimed method includes a second step in which multiple continuous and discrete parameters of the basic pneumatic structure are provided. Therefore, continuous and discrete parameters are identified as corresponding parameter types in the basic pneumatic structure, and a summary of these parameter types is provided in a machine-readable form. Continuous parameters can take essentially any numerically possible value within a value spectrum. For example, the length of a pipeline or the temperature of a material sample are continuous parameters. Similarly, the coefficients of the control algorithm for a pneumatic module are continuous parameters. Discrete parameters can only take a limited number of preset values. Discrete parameters can be, for example, descriptions of the materials used, selected from a list of possible materials, or descriptions of the structural type of the detector used, selected from a list of possible construction types. Thus, the provided continuous and discrete parameters can be distinguished from each other in their classification as discrete or continuous through a second step.

[0006] Furthermore, the second step involves determining multiple basic configurations using a base aerodynamic structure. These basic configurations are determined by changing discrete parameters within the base aerodynamic structure. Therefore, for each base aerodynamic structure, multiple basic configurations are determined by changing, and particularly systematically changing, the discrete parameters. The determined basic configurations are stored, at least temporarily, for further processing. Thus, each basic configuration corresponds to a base aerodynamic structure embodied in terms of discrete parameters. In terms of continuous parameters, the basic configuration remains indeterminate in the second step. The second step can be performed automatically, i.e., without user input.

[0007] Furthermore, the method includes a third step in which candidate pneumatic structures are determined starting from the basic configuration of the second step. Multiple candidate pneumatic structures are determined for each basic configuration. The candidate pneumatic structures are determined by changing the continuous parameters of the basic configuration. Therefore, the candidate pneumatic structures are also specified in terms of continuous parameters relative to the basic configuration. Here, the changing of continuous parameters is performed using an optimization algorithm. The determined candidate pneumatic structures are understood as descriptions of gas analysis equipment, which are specified to such an extent that the gas analysis equipment can, in principle, be manufactured substantially without further user input. The third step can also be performed automatically, i.e., without user input.

[0008] The method according to the invention further includes a fourth step, in which one of the candidate pneumatic structures is selected. For this purpose, target parameters for the corresponding candidate pneumatic structure are determined. This is done, for example, by simulating the candidate pneumatic structure and its operating behavior. Operating behavior can include the transient behavior of the corresponding candidate pneumatic structure or at least one of its pneumatic modules. For example, transient behavior can be a pressure change at or within one of the pneumatic modules, particularly a pressure change downstream of the operated valve. Here, transient behavior can be understood as operating behavior that cannot be realistically mapped to steady-state or quasi-steady-state operating behavior. Selection is based on a pre-set expected value for the target parameter. The expected value can be fixedly preset, for example, by a user, a table, or an algorithm, or dynamically. A dynamic expected value can, for example, be determined by identifying candidate pneumatic structures whose target parameters correspond to a maximum or minimum value. The candidate pneumatic structure selected in the fourth step corresponds to the expected value in terms of the target parameter and is automatically determined. Furthermore, the selected candidate pneumatic structure is output to the user and / or data interface.

[0009] Furthermore, in the method according to the invention, the gas analysis device is manufactured based on the candidate pneumatic structures selected in the fourth step. For this purpose, at least one control command can be output to the manufacturing equipment, such as an assembly robot or an autonomous industrial vehicle. Alternatively or supplementarily, parameterizations belonging to the selected candidate pneumatic structures can be determined in the fourth step and transmitted to the corresponding components of the gas analysis device, particularly at least one corresponding pneumatic module. The parameterizations can, for example, include coefficients through which the control algorithm for the corresponding pneumatic module can be set. Further alternatively or supplementarily, a parts list for manufacturing the gas analysis device can be generated and output based on the selected candidate pneumatic structures.

[0010] The method according to the invention includes, but is not limited to, the surprising discovery that a significant reduction in computational cost can be achieved by changing the order of discrete and continuous parameters of the basic aerodynamic structure or configuration. Since the discrete parameters of the gas analysis device take only a relatively small number of values, a relatively small number of basic configurations can be formed using the method according to the invention. Consequently, the number of optimization processes required to change the continuous parameters is also reduced. With a suitable optimization algorithm, the optimization process can be executed quickly and data-economically once agreed upon. Furthermore, there is an optimization algorithm with a termination routine that can be used in the third step. With such a termination routine, candidate aerodynamic structures that would not meet the requirements can be automatically identified early on, even with further changes to the continuous parameters. Therefore, further changes to the continuous parameters for the basic configuration can be terminated early, thereby saving computational cost. Therefore, the method according to the invention allows for the automatic reduction of a theoretically large and practically unpredictable number of possible candidate aerodynamic structures to an operable number for evaluation. Thus, a gas analysis device can be manufactured quickly overall, adapted in a specific way to the desired use, and simultaneously cost-effective. Because the method according to the invention requires only minimal input, it has reduced error variability. Therefore, the manufacture of gas analysis equipment is generally designed to be more efficient.

[0011] In one embodiment of the claimed method, at least in the third step, a virtual representation of the material sample in the separation device is reconstructed in a sliding window simulation. This reconstruction, for example, determines target parameters for the corresponding candidate aerodynamic structures. The material sample, i.e., its virtual representation, comprises at least two material components that receive different levels of retention effect due to the separation device. For each material component, the retention effect imposed by the separation device is reconstructed in a separate simulation window, which follows the corresponding material component during flow separation. The sliding window simulation can be performed, for example, based on the Crank-Nicholson method. The invention includes, but is not limited to, the surprising finding that sliding window reconstruction allows for particularly fast and simultaneously accurate simulations of the material sample flow separation device. Because the sliding window simulation offers such high speed, changing the continuous parameters used for the separation device becomes practical in terms of computational performance requirements, and thus in terms of time requirements. In particular, the separation device can be fine-tuned by changing the continuous parameters. Therefore, the claimed method allows for the targeted redirection of available computational performance towards computationally intensive but promising optimizations. This further enhances the technical advantages of the method on which it is based. Alternatively or supplementarily, the third step can be performed using an alternative model that constitutes artificial intelligence. The alternative model implements behavior for reconstructing the simulation in terms of its mode of operation, particularly the behavior of a sliding window simulation. Therefore, the alternative model is not a structural simulation of the corresponding candidate aerodynamic structure.

[0012] Furthermore, the discrete parameters can include a type specification for the detector, a material specification for the separated material, and / or a type specification for the injector. These discrete parameters can only take a relatively small number of values, i.e., they contain information and have already defined relatively precisely the capabilities of the gas analysis device with the corresponding basic configuration. Therefore, it is possible to determine, with a small number of discrete parameters, whether the target parameter can fundamentally achieve its desired value based on the basic configuration. In particular, the second step can include such a determination. If a basic configuration is identified as unsuitable for achieving the target parameter's desired value, it is excluded from further methods, i.e., ignored in the third step. Alternatively, an unsuitable basic configuration can be quickly identified as unsuitable in the third step using an optimization algorithm. This is particularly applicable to detector type specifications combined with specifications regarding the material sample to be analyzed, and to specifications for the separated material combined with specifications regarding the material sample to be analyzed.

[0013] In another embodiment of the claimed method, the continuous parameters can include the temperature of the material sample, the delivery pressure, the pipeline length of the separation device, the diameter of the separation device, and / or the contraction ratio of the throttle valve. These parameters can be set with virtually arbitrary precision when determining the target parameters. Structure-related continuous parameters, i.e., those parameters that define the component dimensions when manufacturing the gas analysis device, can be fabricated with high precision in the gas analysis device to be manufactured. For example, the pipeline length of the separation device, i.e., the path of the material sample flowing through the separation device during operation, can be set with particular precision during manufacturing. Therefore, by means of the claimed method, the achievable precision in simulation, particularly sliding window simulation, can be transferred to the precise and required dimensions of the gas analysis device components. This thus makes fuller use of the technological potential in the manufacture of gas analysis device components.

[0014] Furthermore, in the claimed method, at least one target parameter can relate to at least one material sample. This is a material sample having a preset composition, which can be analyzed using the gas analysis device to be manufactured. For example, the target parameter can be a separation performance parameter for one or more different material samples. The gas analysis device to be manufactured can be designed and / or optimized using the claimed method for operation with a single material sample or multiple different material samples. Therefore, by means of the claimed method, a gas analysis device can be rapidly manufactured, which can be configured to meet specific needs for a preset set of material samples. For example, a gas analysis device specifically designed for analyzing different natural gas mixtures or natural gas-hydrogen mixtures can be manufactured. Therefore, the claimed method simplifies and accelerates the manufacture of application-specific gas analysis devices.

[0015] Furthermore, in the claimed method, the second and / or third steps can be performed considering preset operating and / or design conditions. Here, the design conditions are preset by a corresponding basic pneumatic structure or basic configuration, and the second or third steps are performed based on said basic pneumatic structure or basic configuration. Preset operating conditions can be, for example, the maximum permissible temperature of the material sample. The maximum permissible temperature of the material sample can be defined by its chemical stability, i.e., its ignition point or the temperature at which other chemical reactions occur in the material sample. Specifically, when preset operating conditions are violated, the second and / or third steps for the corresponding basic configuration or candidate pneumatic structure can be terminated. This prohibits further computational evaluation of technically unfeasible candidate pneumatic structures and frees up computational power for other candidate pneumatic structures. Design conditions can be, for example, the internal dimensions of the housing of the gas analysis device to be manufactured. This increases the utilization rate of standardized parts in the gas analysis device to be manufactured, leading to greater cost-effectiveness. Corresponding to preset operating conditions, the second and / or third steps for basic configurations or candidate pneumatic structures that violate design conditions can be terminated. This also saves computing power and provides computing power for more promising candidate aerodynamic structures.

[0016] In the claimed method, the target parameter can be the separation performance parameter of the separation device. This separation performance parameter quantifies the quality of the separation device's operation. Examples of separation performance parameters include retention time, peak width, retention factor, selectivity, and / or theoretical separation order. For a variety of material samples, the separation performance of the separation device is crucial in determining whether a particular detector, especially one of a specific structural type, is suitable for sufficiently accurately distinguishing the two components of the material sample and determining their concentrations. Similarly, the separation performance parameters, when the gas analysis device is in good working order, determine the duration for which sufficient measurement accuracy can be expected. Therefore, the separation performance parameter indicates the extent to which the separation device can degrade until it requires maintenance. This, including but not limited to, quantifies the expected maintenance-free operating duration of the gas analysis device. The separation performance parameter as a whole allows for compelling predictions of a wide range of operational aspects of the gas analysis device. Thus, the claimed method allows for the rapid and cost-effective provision of gas analysis devices that are particularly advantageous for the intended use.

[0017] Furthermore, in the claimed method, the candidate aerodynamic structures selected in the fourth step can be provided as the basis for the base aerodynamic structure used to re-execute the method. For this purpose, the candidate aerodynamic structures are stored in a database. The claimed method is adapted to add the selected candidate aerodynamic structures to a training dataset, which can be used to train artificial intelligence, such as a neural network. With the aid of artificial intelligence, for example, the first, second, third, and / or fourth steps of the method can be executed, or an optimization algorithm can be set. Thus, the claimed method is suitable for automatic development.

[0018] Furthermore, in the claimed method, at least the third step can be performed using artificial intelligence trained through unsupervised machine learning. To this end, the claimed method is executed in multiple rounds, thereby identifying multiple candidate pneumatic structures. This invention includes, but is not limited to, the surprising discovery that the candidate pneumatic structures of the gas analysis device to be manufactured are particularly suitable for optimizing the gas analysis device using artificial intelligence, such as neural networks. Therefore, a higher degree of optimization of the gas analysis device can be achieved by means of the claimed method.

[0019] The objective is also achieved through a computer program product according to the invention. The computer program product is implemented to identify and select candidate pneumatic structures, enabling the manufacture of gas analysis equipment based on these candidate pneumatic structures. Specifically, the computer program product is implemented to: identify multiple candidate pneumatic structures from multiple basic pneumatic structures, taking into account at least one target parameter. According to the invention, the computer program product is implemented to: at least partially implement a method according to at least one of the above embodiments. The computer program product can be entirely constructed as software or hardwired, for example, as a chip, integrated circuit, or FPGA. Similarly, the computer program product can be configured as a combination thereof. Furthermore, the computer program product can be monolithically constructed, i.e., executablely stored on a single hardware platform. Alternatively, the computer program product can be modularly constructed and include multiple subroutines that cooperate via communication data links to provide the functionality of the method on which it is based. Modular computer program products, for example, can be executed on a computer cloud.

[0020] In one embodiment of the claimed computer program product, the computer program product is capable of outputting control commands to at least one manufacturing equipment based on selected candidate pneumatic structures, by means of said manufacturing equipment, to manufacture a gas analysis device, such as a robot or machine tool. For this purpose, the computer program product can have at least one data interface capable of communicating with the manufacturing equipment. Similarly, the computer program product can include an algorithm that selects components of the gas analysis device to be manufactured from the candidate pneumatic structures and converts them into machine-readable manufacturing instructions. This can be, for example, a CAD model for the component to be manufactured or assembly instructions, particularly assembly instructions for a robot. Thus, the manufacturing of the gas analysis device can be further automated and accelerated. Alternatively or additionally, the computer program product can be capable of outputting parameterized outputs of at least one pneumatic module corresponding to the selected candidate pneumatic structure to the pneumatic module.

[0021] Similarly, the objective is achieved by the gas analysis apparatus according to the invention. The gas analysis apparatus includes at least one separation device and a plurality of interconnected pneumatic modules. According to the invention, the gas analysis apparatus is manufactured according to one of the methods described above. Thus, the gas analysis apparatus is specifically adapted to its intended use and can be manufactured at a higher speed. Therefore, greater economic efficiency is achieved overall in the gas analysis apparatus.

[0022] Furthermore, the aforementioned objective is achieved by a simulation method according to the invention, which implements a method for simulating the operational behavior of a gas analysis device. The simulation method includes a first step in which a dataset is provided, by means of which the operational mode of the gas analysis device can be at least partially reconstructed. The dataset can, for example, constitute a model of at least a segment of the gas analysis device. In particular, the operational mode of at least the separation unit of the gas analysis device can be reconstructed using this dataset.

[0023] Furthermore, the simulation method includes a second step in which at least one operating parameter is preset, defining the simulated operational behavior. The operating parameter may include, for example, the composition of the material sample supplied to the gas analysis device during the simulated operation, its temperature, pressure, and / or flow rate. The preset of the operating parameter can be performed by the user. Furthermore, the simulation method includes a third step in which performance parameters of the gas analysis device are determined based on the dataset from the first step and the operating parameters from the second step. The performance parameters are determined according to a simulation program product, which is executed in the third step, and the dataset and at least one operating parameter are supplied to the simulation program product as input. The performance parameters may be, for example, the separation performance parameters of a separation device, or the duration of analysis performed on the material sample supplied to the simulated gas analysis device, i.e., its virtual representation.

[0024] Furthermore, the simulation method includes a fourth step in which the performance parameters determined in the third step are output to the user and / or a data interface. For this purpose, the data interface can be implemented to output, in addition to the performance parameters, a dataset and / or at least one operating parameter to another simulation-oriented computer program and / or optimization algorithm.

[0025] In the simulation method according to the invention, the simulated gas analysis device, i.e., its virtual representation, is constructed based on candidate aerodynamic structures created by a manufacturing method according to one of the above embodiments. The simulation method according to the invention is suitable for accompanying operational monitoring of the operation of a gas analysis device manufactured based on the represented candidate aerodynamic structures. In particular, this allows for the easy identification of failures that have occurred or are about to occur in components of the gas analysis device. The invention includes, but is not limited to, the discovery that the gas analysis device manufactured by means of the based manufacturing method is itself particularly simulation-friendly, and thus allows for accurate monitoring through simulation.

[0026] Furthermore, the aforementioned objective is achieved by a simulation program product according to the present invention, which is implemented to simulate the operational behavior of a gas analysis device. The operational behavior can be described, for example, by at least one performance parameter of the gas analysis device or a virtual representation thereof. According to the present invention, the simulation program product is implemented to perform a simulation method according to one of the above embodiments.

[0027] The simulation program product can include a physical module implemented for determining preset performance parameters of the gas analysis equipment or its virtual representation based on a dataset and operating parameters capable of at least partially reconstructing the operating mode of the gas analysis equipment. Here, the virtual representation of the gas analysis equipment corresponds to the dataset capable of at least partially reconstructing its operating mode. The simulation program product can be constructed as a digital twin of the gas analysis equipment on which it is based, or at least its discrete components. Specifically, the simulation program product can be configured as a digital twin according to document US 2017 / 286572 A1. The disclosure of US 2017 / 286572 A1 is incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively or additionally, the dataset on which the simulation program product is based can constitute a selected candidate pneumatic structure according to the manufacturing method on which it is based.

[0028] This invention includes, but is not limited to, the discovery that gas analysis equipment manufactured by the claimed manufacturing method is particularly easy to simulate and can be reconstructed with higher fidelity using simulation program products. The simulation program products can be implemented for monitoring the operation of the gas analysis equipment manufactured by the claimed manufacturing method. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the various embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. The drawings should be interpreted in a complementary sense, meaning that the same reference numerals in different drawings have the same technical meaning. Furthermore, the various features of the embodiments shown in the drawings can be combined with each other and with the features described above. Specifically, the following are shown: Figure 1 A schematic flowchart illustrating the first embodiment of the claimed method in the first stage is shown. Figure 2 A schematic flowchart illustrating the first embodiment of the claimed method in the second stage; Figure 3 A schematic flow diagram of the first embodiment of the claimed method in the third stage is shown; Figure 4 A schematic flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of the claimed method is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0030] exist Figure 1 The diagram schematically illustrates the first stage of a first embodiment of the claimed method 100 for manufacturing a gas analysis device 10. The gas analysis device 10 to be manufactured is configured to analyze a composition 16 of a delivered material sample 15. Here, the gas analysis device 10 to be manufactured is based on a basic pneumatic structure 35, which is a virtual representation 37 of the gas analysis device 10 to be manufactured, and this virtual representation also includes virtual representations 37 of the components of the basic pneumatic structure. Therefore, the following naming of the components corresponds analogously to their virtual representations 37.

[0031] The gas analysis device 10 to be manufactured includes at least one separation device 12 implemented as a separation column and multiple pneumatic modules 20 as components. The pneumatic modules 20 are implemented to influence the fluid flow capable of including material sample 15 and / or carrier gas 20. Specifically, the pneumatic module 20 can include lines 24, throttle valves 26, valves 27, detectors 30, fluid inlets 31, and / or fluid outlets 32. In the basic pneumatic structure 35, the separation device 12 and the pneumatic modules 20 are interconnected via couplings 33. The couplings 33 represent interfaces that allow the pneumatic modules 20 to be replaced within the basic pneumatic structure 35, i.e., in the virtual representation 37. In particular, the pneumatic modules 20 can be detached at the couplings 33, and other basic pneumatic structures 35 can be generated by inserting other pneumatic modules 20. The lines 24 are described in their respective structures 29, which reflect the fluid distribution and describe the line resistance 35. Structure 29, for example, shows that pipeline 24 is configured as branched or unbranched. Pipeline resistance 25 is described, at least by way of description of the corresponding pipeline length 46, its inner diameter, and / or the surface roughness of its inner wall portion.

[0032] Method 100 begins with a first step 110, in which at least one target parameter 62 is preset, which is implemented as a performance parameter 40 of the separation device 12. The target performance parameter 62 is a separation performance parameter 13, which quantifies the separation of material components 21, 22, and 23 of the material sample 15 in chromatogram 36. Specifically, according to... Figure 1 Separation performance parameter 13 is the separation distance between the first material component 21 and the third material component 23. Alternatively or supplementarily, any other quantity reflecting the separation of the first material component, the second material component, and the third material components 21, 22, and 23 by the separation device 12 can be used as separation performance parameter 13. Target parameter 62 predetermines the aspects in which the gas analysis device 10 to be manufactured should be optimized. In the first step 110, multiple parameters such as... Figure 1 The basic aerodynamic structure 35 is shown. The basic aerodynamic structure 35 differs in that it has different aerodynamic modules 20 arranged differently. In addition to the basic aerodynamic structure 35, a material sample 15 to be analyzed is also provided, in particular a composition 16 having a first component, a second component, and a third component 21, 22, and 23.

[0033] Furthermore, method 100 includes a second step 120 in which multiple discrete parameters 42 and continuous parameters 44 of the basic pneumatic structure 35 are provided. Discrete parameters 42 include, but are not limited to, type specifications 43 for valve 27, material specifications 41 for the separation material of separation device 12, particularly for its inner lining and / or filler, material specifications 49 for carrier gas 20, and type specifications 43 for detector 30. Discrete parameters 42 are implemented to have a countable number of values. Continuous parameters 44 are implemented to take substantially any value within a preset range. Continuous parameters 44 include, but are not limited to, the length 46 of pipeline 24 and / or separation device 12, the contraction ratio 47 of throttle valve 26, and the delivery pressure 48 of material sample 15 and / or carrier gas 20. In the second step 120, the discrete parameters 42 are changed, thereby creating multiple basic configurations 50 for the gas analysis device 10 to be manufactured. The changes in 50 are... Figure 1 The basic configuration 50 is indicated by a downward-pointing arrow. Therefore, the basic configuration 50 corresponds to the basic aerodynamic structure 35, which is embodied by presetting its discrete parameters 42. The continuous parameter 44 is not yet determined in the second step 120. The basic configuration 50 to be manufactured, created in the second step 120, of the gas analysis device 10 is provided to a subsequent second stage, which... Figure 2 This is shown in more detail below. Figure 1 The first stage shown is executed according to computer program product 70.

[0034] The second phase of the method 100 that is claimed to be protected is in Figure 2 This is illustrated schematically. The second phase continues in... Figure 1 Following the first stage exemplified in the example. Therefore, Figure 2 Based on the fact that the first and second steps 110 and 120 of the claimed method 100 have been performed as specified, in the second stage, the third step 130 of method 100 is performed, in which multiple candidate pneumatic structures 60 are created. The basic configurations 50 created in the second step 120 are respectively conveyed to the third step 130 via conveyors 52. In the third step 130, multiple continuous parameters 44 are changed. Here, the change 56 of the continuous parameters 44 is performed by means of an optimization algorithm 72. The changed continuous parameters 44 include, but are not limited to, the pipeline length 46 of the pipeline 24 and / or the separation device 12, the contraction ratio 47 of the throttle valve 26, and the delivery pressure 48 of the material sample 15. The change 56 in... Figure 2 The basic configuration 50 is illustrated by striped arrows. By presetting values ​​for the continuous parameter 44, the basic configuration 50 becomes the candidate aerodynamic structure 60. Therefore, the candidate aerodynamic structure 60 corresponds to the concretized basic configuration 50, in which each discrete parameter 42 and each continuous parameter 44 has a value, and this basic configuration is theoretically feasible to establish. The continuous parameter 44 is changed by the optimization algorithm 72 in such a way that the preset target parameter 62, i.e., the separation performance parameter 13 of the separation device 12, approaches the optimal value, for example, the maximum value. To determine the separation performance parameter 13, the separation device 12 and its operation are simulated by means of sliding window simulation. For each of the generated candidate aerodynamic structures 60, the value of the target parameter 62 is determined and stored in combination with the candidate aerodynamic structure. The generated candidate aerodynamic structures 60 are stored in memory at least temporarily from the third step 130 via transfer 52. Therefore, for each basic configuration 50, multiple candidate aerodynamic structures 60 are determined in the third step. For this purpose, the basic configuration 50 is processed in loop 54. The candidate aerodynamic structures 60 are datasets that at least partially describe the operating modes of the manufacturable gas analysis device 10. Accordingly, the manufactured gas analysis device 10 can be simulated in terms of its operational behavior using the corresponding candidate aerodynamic structures 60. Therefore, the candidate aerodynamic structures 60 are digital twins 75 of at least the manufacturable gas analysis device 10. Figure 2 The second stage shown is carried out by means of computer program product 70, which also includes optimization algorithm 72.

[0035] exist Figure 3 The diagram shows the third stage of the claimed method 100, which follows in... Figure 2Following the second stage shown, the third stage is as follows: Steps 110, 120, and 130 of method 100 have been performed as specified. In the third stage, step 140 is performed, in which candidate pneumatic structures 60 created in step 130 are evaluated. Specifically, the value of the target parameter 62 stored in conjunction with the candidate pneumatic structure 60, i.e., the separation performance parameter 13 as performance parameter 40, is compared. For this purpose, candidate pneumatic structures 60 are systematically queried in loop 54. Based on the preset expected value 64, the candidate pneumatic structure 60 with the maximum value of the target parameter 62 is selected. The selected candidate pneumatic structure 66 is provided and used as a preset for manufacturing the gas analysis device 10. To manufacture the gas analysis device 10, in the fifth step 150, at least one control command 67 for manufacturing the device 68 is determined and output based on the selected candidate pneumatic structure 66. This is performed via a data interface not shown in detail. Here, the manufacturing device 67 is implemented as a robot. As manufacturing 65 is performed, the desired gas analysis device 10 is obtained. Similarly, in the fifth step 150, the selected candidate pneumatic structure 66 is provided as a digital twin 75 based on the gas analysis device 10 to be manufactured or already manufactured. This is also done via a data interface not shown in detail. The digital twin 75 belongs to a simulation program product 80, which implements a simulation method 200. By means of the simulation method 200, the operating behavior of the manufactured gas analysis device 10 can be monitored. To monitor the gas analysis device 10, the digital twin 75 is connected to the gas analysis device via a feedback interface 77. Through the feedback interface 77, the current operating behavior of the gas analysis device 10 can be compared with the operating behavior determined by the digital twin 75, thereby enabling rationality checks and / or analysis for diagnostic purposes. Figure 3 The third stage shown is also performed by the claimed computer program product 70.

[0036] The second embodiment of the claimed method 100 is in Figure 4The diagram is schematically shown. Method 100 is performed by means of the claimed computer program product 70 and is implemented for: manufacturing a gas analysis device 10. In a first step 110, a plurality of basic pneumatic structures 35 are provided, each having a virtual representation 37 of its components. Belonging to these components are at least one separation device 12 and a plurality of pneumatic modules 20. Similarly, a target parameter 62 is preset, for which the gas analysis device 10 to be manufactured can be optimized. Following the first step 110 is a second step 120, in which discrete parameters 42 of the corresponding basic pneumatic structures 35 are changed. By changing 55, a basic configuration 60 is generated in the second step 120, which is provided for a third step 130. The determination of the basic configuration 60 is performed in a loop 54, such that a plurality of basic configurations 50 are generated for each basic pneumatic structure 35. This is followed by a third step 130, in which the basic configurations 50 are further processed. In the plurality of basic configurations 50, their continuous parameters 44 are changed. The change 56 of the continuous parameter 44 is performed using an optimization algorithm 72 belonging to the computer program product 70. The optimization algorithm 72 is implemented to optimize the value of the target parameter 62 towards a preset target, such as a maximum or minimum value. Here, the basic configuration 50 with values ​​for the continuous parameter 44 is a candidate aerodynamic structure 60. Therefore, in the third step 130, multiple candidate aerodynamic structures 60 are determined for each basic configuration 50, and the value of the target parameter 62 is determined for each candidate aerodynamic structure 60.

[0037] Following the third step 130, a branch 135 of the claimed method 100 is performed. Here, at least one identified candidate pneumatic structure 60 is compared with at least one design condition 74 and / or operating condition 76 of the gas analysis device 10 to be manufactured. If the at least one candidate pneumatic structure 60 violates the design condition 74 and / or operating condition 76, the corresponding candidate pneumatic structure 60 is discarded, and method 100 returns to the third step 130 via feedback 136. If the candidate pneumatic structure 60 examined at branch 135 meets the design condition 74 and / or operating condition 76, it is passed to the fourth step 140.

[0038] In the fourth step 140, multiple candidate aerodynamic structures 60 are examined based on a preset expected value 64. Here, the value of the target parameter 62 in the candidate aerodynamic structure 60 is compared with the expected value 64. Based on this, a candidate aerodynamic structure 60 is selected. The selected candidate aerodynamic structure 66 is then passed to the fifth method step 150 below.

[0039] In the fifth step 150, the gas analysis device 10 is manufactured based on the selected candidate pneumatic structure 62. Similarly, the selected candidate pneumatic structure 66 is provided as a digital twin 75, which enables monitoring of the gas analysis device 10 to be manufactured or already manufactured. For this purpose, the digital twin 75 is connected to the gas analysis device 10 via a feedback interface 77. The claimed method 100 thus concludes and reaches the method completion state 190.

Claims

1. A method (100) for manufacturing a gas analysis device (10), the gas analysis device having at least one separation device (12) and a plurality of pneumatic modules (20), the method comprising the following steps: a) Preset at least one target parameter (62) for the gas analysis device (10) to be manufactured, and provide a plurality of basic pneumatic structures (35), the basic pneumatic structures including virtual representations (37) of the separation device (12) and the pneumatic module (20). b) Provide multiple continuous and discrete parameters (42, 44) of the basic aerodynamic structure (35) and generate a basic configuration (50) using the basic aerodynamic structure (35), and determine the basic configuration by changing the discrete parameter (42) of (55); c) Determine candidate aerodynamic structures (60) using each basic configuration (50), wherein at least one continuous parameter (44) of the basic configuration (50) is changed by means of an optimization algorithm (72). d) Select a candidate aerodynamic structure (60) using the expected value (64) of the target parameter (62), and output the selected candidate aerodynamic structure (66) to the user and / or data interface. The gas analysis device (10) is manufactured using the selected candidate aerodynamic structure (66).

2. The method (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step d), at least one of the candidate aerodynamic structures (60) and the operational behavior of the candidate aerodynamic structure are simulated, wherein the operational behavior includes transient behavior.

3. The method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least in step c), a virtual representation (37) of the material sample (15) in the separation device (12) is reconstructed in a sliding window simulation.

4. The method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The discrete parameters (42) include a type description (43) for the detector (30), a material description (41) for the separation material, a carrier gas and / or a type description (43) for the injector.

5. The method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The continuous parameters (44) include the temperature of the material sample (15), the delivery pressure (48), the pipeline length (46) of the separation device (12), the diameter of the separation device, the aerodynamic resistance of the separation device (12), the aerodynamic resistance of the pipeline (24), and / or the shrinkage ratio (47).

6. The method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The at least one target parameter (62) is based on at least one material sample (15) having a preset composition (16) analyzed by the gas analysis device (10) to be manufactured.

7. The method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, Steps b) and / or c) are performed with regard to preset operating conditions (76) and / or design conditions (74), which are preset by the corresponding basic aerodynamic structure (35).

8. The method (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the candidate aerodynamic structure (60) violates the preset operating conditions (76) or design conditions (74), step c is terminated for the basic configuration (50).

9. The method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The target parameter (62) is the separation performance parameter (13) of the separation device (12).

10. The method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The candidate aerodynamic structure (66) selected in step d) is stored in the database as the basis for re-executing the method (100) for the basic aerodynamic structure (35).

11. The method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, At least step c is performed using artificial intelligence trained through unsupervised machine learning.

12. A computer program product (70) for determining and selecting candidate pneumatic structures (66) for manufacturing a gas analysis device (10), said computer program product being implemented to determine candidate pneumatic structures (60) from a base pneumatic structure (35) taking into account at least one target parameter (62), characterized in that, The computer program product (70) is implemented to at least partially implement the method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The computer program product (70) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The computer program product (70) is implemented to output control commands (67) for at least one manufacturing device (68) based on the selected candidate pneumatic structure (66), and / or output parameterized settings for at least one pneumatic module (20) based on the selected candidate pneumatic structure (66).

14. A gas analysis device (10), comprising at least one separation device (12) and a plurality of pneumatic modules (20), characterized in that, The gas analysis device (10) is manufactured by the method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

15. A simulation method (200) for simulating the operating behavior of a gas analysis device (10), comprising the following steps: a) Provide a dataset that allows at least partial reconstruction of the operating mode of the gas analysis device (10); b) Preset at least one operating parameter, and use the operating parameter to limit the operating behavior to be simulated; c) Using a simulation program product (80), determine the performance parameters (40) of the gas analysis device (10) based on the dataset and the operating parameters; d) Output the performance parameters (40) to the user and / or data interface; The gas analysis device (10) is characterized by being implemented according to the candidate aerodynamic structure (60, 66), and the candidate aerodynamic structure is manufactured by the method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

16. A simulation program product (80) for simulating the operating behavior of a gas analysis device (10), characterized in that, The simulation program product (80) is implemented to perform the simulation method (200) according to claim 15.

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