Filling process with optimized scheduling

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for filling a filling installation, comprising a step of receiving tasks to be performed and a set of resources to be used, a step of calculating the adjusted available time, a step of selecting available resources corresponding to the resources to be used, and of selecting the tasks to be performed and at least one production order such that the set of tasks to be performed of said at least one production order is selected, a step of defining a complete execution order of the selected tasks to be performed such that the time to perform each selected task to be performed is less than or equal to the available time of the selected available resources, and a step of filling at least a portion of the plurality of available containers according to the complete execution order. Abstract figure: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Filling method with optimized scheduling

[0001] The present invention relates to a filling method with optimized sequencing of filling tasks, and more particularly the invention relates to a method for filling containers intended to hold a fluid under pressure. The present invention also relates to a filling system.

[0002] Many examples of methods for filling containers intended to contain a fluid under pressure are known from the prior art.

[0003] Application EP2005057A1 discloses an example of a filling method. This method allows for the filling of at least one compressed gas container with at least one gas, a reference compressed gas container being formed in which a measurement of at least one quantity relevant to the state in the reference compressed gas container can be performed. This method thus makes it possible to produce gas mixtures with high precision. However, this method does not allow for the management of a set of filling operations, nor does it optimize the use of the resources required for filling.

[0004] A bottle filling process for filling a batch of identical bottles is also known from application FR3136831A1. This filling process is not suitable for filling installations that must implement a filling process for different containers, for example, containers with different capacities. Nor is this process suitable for a filling installation that must use a multitude of gases or gas mixtures. Furthermore, this prior art process does not allow for optimized use of the installation's resources, for example, filling ramps or filling tools.

[0005] A prior art method for filling cylinders for a gas conditioning plant with several branching gas lines is also known from application FR2811909A1. This prior art method does not aim to optimize the scheduling of filling operations. Furthermore, this prior art method does not allow for optimized use of the plant's resources, such as filling manifolds or filling tools.

[0006] A user of a filling process may have to manage a very large number of resources during filling operations, for example, a large number of containers, gases, or tools present at the packaging / filling center. Furthermore, each filling operation involves operations / tasks Various factors can arise. The user may make poor decisions during the filling process. Sometimes these decisions lead to delivery delays or errors such as using the wrong tool or container. No prior art process addresses these constraints or allows for the simple implementation of a filling process involving multiple operations / tasks and resources.

[0007] The present invention aims to effectively remedy the drawbacks of prior art processes by proposing a filling process that makes it possible to carry out a set of tasks with multiple resources in a simple and optimized way.

[0008] The invention thus relates to a method for filling a filling installation, the installation comprising a set of so-called available resources, the set of available resources comprising: - at least one initial source of available fluid, - a plurality of containers available for filling, - at least one available fluid transfer circuit intended to be fluidically connected at one end to a container and at the other end to at least the first fluid source, so as to allow filling of at least a part of the plurality of containers by the fluid, the filling process comprising the following steps: - a) receipt of descriptive data for completion, the descriptive data including: - a plurality of manufacturing orders, each manufacturing order defining a set of tasks to be performed in a predefined order of execution, - the time required to complete each of the tasks to be performed, - a set of resources to be used comprising at least one first source of fluid (1) to be used, at least one container to be used, at least one fluid transfer circuit (3) to be used, each resource to be used being capable of performing at least one task to be executed to fill at least part of the plurality of containers to be used, - an available duration for each available resource, - an adjustment index between 0 and 1 for each of the resources to be used. - b) calculation of an available duration, referred to as adjusted, for each available resource, the adjusted available duration being equal to the available duration multiplied by the adjustment index, - c) selection of available resources corresponding to the resources to be used, selection of tasks to be performed using the available resources, selection of at least one production order such that all the tasks to be performed by said at least one production order are selected, - d) definition of a complete execution order of at least two selected tasks to be performed such that: - for each selected task to be performed in a selected manufacturing order, the time required to complete said selected task is less than or equal to said available time of said associated resource, - the predefined order of execution is respected, - e) filling at least a part of the plurality of available containers according to the complete order of execution.

[0009] Depending on the case, the invention may include one or more of the following features:

[0010] Step a) includes the identification of at least one task to be performed in progress, the resources available for the performance of the task to be performed in progress, a said remaining time to complete the task to be performed in progress, and the adjustment index of at least one available resource among the set of useful resources is configured to be less than 1 as long as the remaining time is different from 0.

[0011] Step a) includes identifying the set of tasks to be performed during the execution of a selected manufacturing order, the resources available for the execution of the set of tasks to be performed during the execution of a selected manufacturing order, the so-called remaining durations to complete each task in the set of tasks to be performed during execution, and the adjustment indices of the available resources are configured to be less than 1 as long as the remaining durations are not equal to 0.

[0012] Step a) includes receiving a predetermined planning duration and step d) defines the order of execution within the predetermined planning duration.

[0013] The method of the invention comprises a step d) of determining a remaining available time for each of the selected available resources, each remaining available time being equal respectively to the available time of each selected available resource less the sum of the times required to perform the at least two tasks to be executed with each of the selected available resources, and said method comprises a step e) of repeating said steps b), c) and d) so that the remaining available time of each of the selected available resources is minimal.

[0014] The relative difference between at least the so-called remaining durations of two available resources is less than 5%.

[0015] Step a) includes receiving a priority indicator for each manufacturing order among the plurality of manufacturing orders and the execution order respects said priority indicator.

[0016] The steps of the filling process are carried out when at least one new available container is added to the set of available resources.

[0017] The steps of the filling process are carried out at a predetermined period of between 1 minute and 180 minutes.

[0018] The filling process includes a step of transmitting, to a display device, an ordered list of at least two tasks to be performed and / or selected available resources.

[0019] The filling process includes a step of identifying unordered manufacturing orders and resources to be used suitable for carrying out the tasks to be performed on unordered manufacturing orders, and in that the filling process includes a step of transmitting, to the display device, a list of unordered manufacturing orders and / or a list of resources to be used suitable for carrying out the tasks to be performed on unordered manufacturing orders.

[0020] The priority indicator is indexed to a predetermined maximum completion date of the manufacturing order.

[0021] At least one available resource, referred to as shared, among the set of available resources is configured to perform several tasks to be executed simultaneously.

[0022] At least one container includes an identification device, for example a radio frequency identification tag, and in that step a) enables the receipt of description data of at least one container to be used by means of the identification device.

[0023] The invention also relates to a filling system for pressurized fluid containers comprising an information device, a computer program, and a set of available resources including at least: - a first available source of fluid, - a plurality of containers available for filling, - an available fluid transfer circuit intended to be connected fluidically, through one end to a container and through a second end to at least the first source of fluid, so as to allow the container to be filled by the fluid, and that the computer program executes the steps of the filling process of the invention and the reception of the description data according to step a) is carried out by means of said information device.

[0024] Depending on the case, the filling system of the invention may include one or more of the following features:

[0025] The computer program is configured to execute said steps a) to d) by means of constraint programming.

[0026] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description and examining the accompanying figure. This figure is given only by way of illustration and in no way limits the invention.

[0027] [Fig. 1] is a schematic representation of the filling installation for the implementation of the invention;

[0028] With reference to [Fig. 1], the filling installation comprises a set of available resources. These resources include, for example, filling ramps 6, tools 5 for supplying the ramps, pumps 4, and fluid sources 1. Resources also include, for example, containers for holding pressurized gas, such as gas cylinders. An available resource is a resource that can be used to perform a task; for example, a filling ramp 6 may be available to perform the task of filling a container 2. This set of resources includes, in particular, at least one first available fluid source 1. The fluid source 1 may be, for example, a gas cylinder, the storage tank of a truck, or an air separation unit. The fluid may be a gas selected from oxygen, nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide, a noble gas, or a mixture of these gases.The resource set also includes a plurality of containers 2 available for filling. These containers 2 may be, for example, empty or partially full. There are at least two containers 2. The containers 2 are, for example, cylinders intended for the packaging of pressurized gas. The containers 2 may have different pressures; for example, the containers 2 are cylinders with a pressure range of 50 to 300 bar. The resource set also includes at least one available fluid transfer circuit 3. This fluid transfer circuit 3 is intended to be fluidically connected at one end to a container 2 and at the other end to at least one first fluid source 1. For example, a fluid transfer circuit 3 includes at least one gas line that fluidly connects the source 1, a pump 4, a tool 5, a filling manifold 6, and a container 2.Thus, when containers 2 and fluid source 1 are in fluidic relationship, the filling of at least a part of said plurality of containers by the fluid is possible. The set of resources can... including other resources such as the protective cap for containers 3 or a pressure regulator valve.

[0029] The filling installation enables the implementation of the filling process which includes the following steps:

[0030] First, there is a step a) of receiving description data to perform the filling.

[0031] The descriptive data includes, for example, the production plan, i.e., a list of containers to be filled based on customer orders or replenishment needs. These lists take the form of work orders that indicate the number of containers to be filled with a specific type of gas. Each work order requires a number of tasks to be performed in order to be completed, i.e., to fill the number of containers indicated in the work order with the desired fluid. This descriptive data thus includes a plurality of work orders. The tasks to be performed include, for example, connecting the tool 5 to the filling manifold 6 (when the manifold 6 is, in particular, a mobile manifold), starting the gas mixture, purging the system or container 2, filling a container 2, and disconnecting the container 2 from the manifold 6.

[0032] These tasks must be performed in a predefined sequence, that is, in an order defined in advance by the user of the filling process. For example, an operator must connect container 2 to the filling ramp 6 before filling container 2. This predefined sequence can, for example, be stored for each production order to be carried out. The description data includes this predefined sequence for each production order.

[0033] The description data also includes durations for each of the tasks to be performed. Thus, each task must be performed within a certain timeframe.

[0034] This descriptive data also includes a set of resources to be used, meaning that the resources in this set are the resources to be used to perform each task to be executed in the manufacturing orders. This set of resources to be used includes at least one first source of fluid 1 to be used, at least one container 2 to be used, and at least one fluid transfer circuit 3 to be used. Each resource to be used is capable of performing at least one task to be executed to fill at least partially said plurality of containers to be used. For example, a particular resource may be used for a particular task. A fluid source 3 containing oxygen is used to perform the task of filling a container 2 with oxygen. Certain tools 5 may be configured to be compatible only with certain filling ramps 6, for example.

[0035] This descriptive data also includes available durations for each available resource. This duration corresponds to the availability of the resource. to complete the task. The availability of resources can be estimated manually or automatically. For example, the available time can be specified by the user or calculated based on the nature of the resource.

[0036] This descriptive data also includes an adjustment index between 0 and 1 for each of the resources to be used. This adjustment index allows constraints to be defined on the use of the resources. This adjustment index is defined by the user and can differ depending on the resource to be used, for example, depending on whether the resource is a container 2 or a filling ramp 6. For example, if a maintenance operation is planned at the packaging site, the filling ramp 6 or the tool 5 is not 100% available. For example, the resource is only available for part of the planning period. This availability is reduced, for example, by 50%, so the adjustment index is 0.5.

[0037] The filling process then includes a step b) of calculating an available time, referred to as adjusted time, for each available resource. The adjusted available time is equal to the available time multiplied by the adjustment index. This step allows a constraint to be applied to the available resource.

[0038] The filling process then includes a step c) of selecting the available resources corresponding to the resources to be used; these are then selected available resources. Based on this selection, a selection of tasks to be executed using these selected available resources is made. Thus, only tasks that can be performed with the selected available resources are chosen. This step helps reduce user errors, such as starting a task that cannot be completed due to resource unavailability. Finally, at least one production order is selected so that all the tasks to be executed for the production order are selected. Thus, only production orders for which all tasks are feasible are selected. This step guarantees the reliability and quality of the filling process.Thus, a manufacturing order is guaranteed to be completed with these selections. Furthermore, thanks to this step, the containers 2 are filled with the gas specified in the manufacturing order and, more specifically, in the tasks to be performed. For example, a manufacturing order includes these tasks: move containers 2 to a filling manifold 6, connect the carbon dioxide source 3 to a pump 4, connect a tool 5 to the pump 4 and the filling manifold 6, connect containers 2 to the filling manifold 6, select to fill the containers 2 with fluid, for example, carbon dioxide, disconnect the containers 2 from the manifolds 6, and move the containers 2 to a storage area. Other tasks may be performed, such as: choosing the gas mixture or single gas, starting the filling process, performing a filling test, and verifying the filling's compliance. If the resources are available, then... For example, if there is enough carbon dioxide in fluid source 1, containers 2, manifold 6, tool 5, and pump 4, then all the tasks to be performed in the manufacturing order are feasible. All the tasks to be performed in this manufacturing order can be selected.

[0039] The filling process then includes a step of defining a complete execution order. This complete execution order includes at least two tasks to be performed selected in step c). Each selected task to be performed is also associated with at least one available selected resource, called an associated resource.

[0040] This definition step is carried out such that, for each selected task to be performed in a selected manufacturing order, the time required to perform the selected task is less than or equal to the adjusted available time of at least one associated resource. Thus, the capacity of each associated resource is not exceeded. The user is therefore guaranteed, for example, that each associated resource is available to perform the entire selected task, if that task requires only that resource. If, for example, the selected task requires two associated resources, the process ensures that both resources are available to perform the entire selected task.

[0041] The definition step is also carried out in such a way that the predefined execution order is respected. Thus, if a step to be executed is preceded by a previous step, the previous step must then be performed before the next step. For example, a previous task to be performed consists of connecting container 2 to the filling ramp 6, and the next task consists of filling container 2. With the method of the invention, the user obtains a complete execution order specifying that the previous task must be performed before the next task. Thus, connecting container 2 to the ramp 6 is scheduled before the task of filling container 2. This step makes it possible to avoid resource handling errors and therefore wasted time or filling defects.

[0042] In one embodiment, the method of the invention may include a step of determining the association of available resources. A first resource is associated with a second resource to perform a task. For example, a filling ramp 6 is associated with one or more tools 5.

[0043] The filling process then includes a step of filling at least some of the plurality of containers 2 available according to the complete execution order. Thus, a set of tasks is ordered in such a way as to guarantee the user optimal and reliable resource utilization. Furthermore, thanks to the process of the invention, there are no unnecessary operations. For example, all the containers 2 connected to a filling ramp 6 are filled. Moreover, thanks to the process of the invention, there is no due to error in resource selection, thus containers 2 are filled with the gas specified in the description data.

[0044] In one embodiment, step a) includes identifying at least one task to be performed during execution, the resources available for performing said task, and a remaining time to complete the task. The adjustment index of at least one available resource from the set of resources to be used is configured to be less than 1 as long as the remaining time is not equal to 0. This embodiment allows, for example, a container not to be added to a filling ramp. This makes it possible, for example, to dedicate the filling ramp to a single task. This might be the case, for instance, for filling with certain gases. Resources must then be dedicated to this filling. This embodiment can thus allow an operator to be dedicated to a single task.The user of the invention's method may wish to perform only one task with a single resource, even if physically two tasks can be performed simultaneously. In this embodiment, the adjustment index can alternatively be a dummy task to be performed, allocated, for example, over a predetermined period, to the resources to be used. The dummy task is, for example, a task listed previously.

[0045] In one embodiment, step a) includes identifying all the tasks to be performed during the execution of a selected production order, the resources available for performing all the tasks to be performed during the execution of a selected production order, and the remaining time to complete each task in the set of tasks to be performed. The adjustment indices for the available resources are then configured to be less than 1 as long as the remaining time is not equal to 0. This embodiment allows, for example, dedicating an operator to a production order. This embodiment also allows, for example, dedicating an operator to two production orders when both production orders concern the same gas or gas mixture. This minimizes operational errors and thus, for example, ensures the quality of the mixtures and the filling process.This embodiment allows a set of resources to be dedicated to a single production order. This could be the case, for example, for filling with certain gases. The user of the invention's process may only want to perform one production order with certain resources, even if physically two production orders can be performed simultaneously. It could also be the same tool performing a set of production orders. Thus, the user saves time, for example, by avoiding multiple adjustments. In this embodiment, the adjustment index can be... alternatively a fictitious task to be carried out allocated, for example over a predetermined period, to the resources to be used.

[0046] In one embodiment, the task set includes two of: connecting the fluid transfer circuit 3 to the container 2 or to the first fluid source 1, purging the container 2, filling the container 2, disconnecting the fluid transfer circuit 3 from the container 2 or from the first fluid source 1.

[0047] In one embodiment, step a) of the process involves receiving a predetermined planning duration. This predetermined planning duration is the time during which the tasks to be performed can be carried out. It is set by the user, for example, by means of a human-machine interface, and this planning duration can be stored by the filling system. The user may, for example, want a schedule of forty-eight hours, a week, or a month. Then, in step c), the complete execution sequence is defined within this predetermined planning duration. Thus, the complete execution sequence includes tasks that can be performed during this predetermined planning duration.

[0048] In one embodiment, step a) of the process includes receiving a priority indicator for each production order from among the plurality of production orders. This priority indicator is, for example, set by a user and stored by the filling system. In one embodiment, the priority indicator is indexed to a predetermined maximum completion date for the production order. This priority indicator can be, in other words, a latest completion date. Thus, a production order to be completed before March 31 of year N has priority over another production order to be completed before April 30 of the same year N. The complete production order defined respects the priority indicator and therefore orders the tasks to be performed so that the production order to be completed earlier is completed before the other production order.

[0049] In one embodiment, the process includes an additional step of determining the remaining available time for each of the selected available resources. The remaining available time is equal to the available time of each selected available resource minus the sum of the times required to perform the tasks to be executed with each of the selected available resources. Thus, when an available resource is allocated, i.e., selected, for a task to be performed, the resource's consumption is estimated. A remaining capacity is then defined, i.e., the resource's availability time minus the execution time. The process also includes a step of iterating steps b), c), and the step of determining the remaining available times. This iteration step is performed so that the remaining available time of each of the selected available resources is minimized.Thus the filling process. It optimizes resource utilization by enabling maximum resource use. For each available resource in the installation, the available time is the maximum possible usage time of the resource. For example, one available resource might be available for eight hours in a day, and another available resource for five hours. Therefore, if a task requires one hour of either resource, the filling process of the invention prioritizes the use of the resource with the shorter remaining available time after the complete execution sequence is defined. In one embodiment, an available quantity is calculated, for example, a quantity, expressed as pressure, of fluid from source 3. Thus, a remaining available quantity is calculated. Therefore, the process of the invention ensures optimal use of the fluid sources 3.This can, for example, eliminate the need to handle containers. Furthermore, the process ensures that the selected resources are sufficient to complete the filling.

[0050] In one embodiment, the relative difference between at least the remaining durations of two available resources is less than a predetermined percentage. This makes it possible to balance the resource load. For example, this prevents premature wear of one tool compared to another. This embodiment allows, for instance, two operators to have the same workload.

[0051] In one embodiment, the steps of the filling process are carried out when at least one new available container is added to the available resources. For example, a new container may be delivered to the filling center during the execution of the tasks ordered by the filling process. Indeed, in a filling center, baskets of bottles or individual bottles are transported. These bottles are then in transit, for example, returning from a customer site. Systems capable of analyzing the presence of these containers in transit, or any other resource, may also be present in the filling center. Thus, these detection systems can detect whether a new container is available on site. These systems are, for example, an image processing system for cameras placed at the filling center / site.These systems allow, for example, the updating of descriptive data as soon as they detect a new container. Furthermore, in a filling site, there may be both sorted and unsorted containers, meaning containers whose condition has not been verified. There may also be containers whose capacity, in terms of volume or gas content, is unknown to the user. Unsorted containers are therefore unavailable for performing a task. As soon as a container, for example a bottle, is sorted, it is added to the available resource pool. For example, once sorted, bottles intended for fluid packaging can be scanned by the [system / machines / etc.]. operators. As soon as a new bottle is scanned, the information is transmitted to an information device that updates the description data. Then, all the steps of the process of the invention are implemented. Thus, a maximum number of tasks are ordered to allow the filling of a maximum number of containers.

[0052] In one embodiment, the filling process steps are performed at a predetermined interval at least once a day. In another embodiment, the filling process steps are performed at a predetermined interval at least twice a day. In another embodiment, the filling process steps are performed at a predetermined interval at least every three hours. In another embodiment, the filling process steps are performed at a predetermined interval between 1 minute and 180 minutes. This ensures that the user can optimize the use of their resources. For example, in the event of a quality defect, a resource failure, or maintenance on a selected available resource, updating the complete work order allows for an update of the available resources.Furthermore, carrying out the process steps at a predetermined time allows for optimal management of the filling process, and therefore for maximizing the number of manufacturing orders and thus filling the maximum number of containers 2.

[0053] In one embodiment, the scheduling method can also allow for an update, that is, the execution of all the steps of the process of the invention, either on demand or following the occurrence of an event. For example, when a new resource, different from a container 2, is available, or when a new production order is entered, or if the number of resources to perform a task is sufficient. Thus, the complete execution sequence is optimized, and in particular, resource utilization is optimized so that there is little waiting time before these resources are used. Furthermore, the scheduling method of the invention makes it possible to fine-tune the scheduling plan, the complete execution sequence, so as to optimize resource utilization and thus fill a maximum number of containers.Furthermore, the user can obtain real-time information on the possible planning of operations and tasks to be performed. This guarantees the operational feasibility of the production plan, that is, the feasibility of fulfilling the manufacturing orders.

[0054] In one embodiment, step a) includes identifying at least one task to be performed, the resources available for performing the task, and a remaining time to complete the task. The available time of each selected resource is reduced by the remaining time to complete the task. When the process is launched As the filling process is underway, tasks are being performed in the packaging center, so the remaining capacity of each resource associated with that task must be calculated. This remaining capacity, the new calculated available time, is also entered into the description data.

[0055] In one embodiment, the process includes a step of transmitting, to a display device, an ordered list of at least two tasks to be performed and / or selected available resources. The display device is, for example, a computer screen. This step allows the visualization of the tasks to be performed along with the complete execution sequence generated by the filling process. Thus, the user can adjust their setup as quickly as possible to comply with this scheduling plan and thereby optimize resource utilization in terms of capacity. In one embodiment, the visualization of the tasks to be performed can also allow real-time production monitoring by displaying the list of tasks already executed and therefore of completed production orders. In another embodiment, this visualization can also indicate whether resources are currently in use or about to be used.This helps prevent errors in resource handling, for example.

[0056] In one embodiment, the filling process includes a step of identifying unordered production orders and the resources to be used that are suitable for performing the tasks to be executed on the unordered production orders. The process also includes a step of transmitting, to a display device, a list of unordered production orders and / or a list of resources to be used that are suitable for performing the tasks to be executed on the unordered production orders. For example, this resource list may allow the user to prioritize searching for the listed resources, for example, by means of a sorting step. Indeed, unordered production orders always need to be ordered; they must be carried out within the framework of the production organization of the filling center. If a resource is missing, the user must find a resource through this sorting step.In one embodiment, the resource list is ordered according to a priority indicator. For example, the list might indicate two specific containers to the user. The order of this list allows the user to sort and ensure the availability of resources for filling. In one embodiment, the definition step is performed in such a way that the number of unordered manufacturing orders or tasks to be executed is minimal.

[0057] The sorting step, for example of containers 2, also ensures, for example, that the resource is suitable for refilling. For example, the resource is not defective or damaged. The sorting includes, for example, a visual inspection step or an inspection by a non-destructive testing method, followed by a step of Grouping of sorted available resources. For example, the operator groups resources intended to fill the same fluid or fluid mixture. Sorting can be done either manually or via a semi-automated system.

[0058] In one embodiment, at least one available resource is said to be shared among the set of available resources. This shared resource is configured to perform several tasks simultaneously. As illustrated in [Fig. 1], a pump 4 or a tool 5 can, for example, depending on its configuration, be designed to perform two different filling tasks. A pump 4 (or a tool 5) can be connected to two different filling manifolds 6. The pump 4 (or the tool 5) thus allows at least partial supply of the two filling manifolds 6. The containers 2 connected to the filling manifolds 6 are then filled with, for example, different gases or gas mixtures. In another example, two different work orders define tasks to be performed, including the filling of containers with the same gas or gas mixture.If sufficient time is available for the resources, then the method of the invention allows the pump 4 (or the tool 5) to be selected for the performance of two tasks to be carried out simultaneously.

[0059] In one embodiment, at least one container includes an identification device, for example, a radio frequency identification tag, and in that said step a) enables said receipt of said descriptive data from said at least one container 3 for use by means of the identification device. For example, the resources may include an identification device, for example, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag affixed, for example, to a gas cylinder. Sensors may also be attached in the filling center; for example, these may be sensors capable of reading identification devices such as RFID tags. Furthermore, in one embodiment, as soon as a new container / bottle with an RFID tag is added to the set of available resources and detected by an information device, steps a) to c) of the method of the invention are carried out.

[0060] The invention also relates to a filling system for pressurized fluid containers. This filling system comprises an information device, a computer program, and a set of available resources including at least one first available fluid source 1, a plurality of available containers 2 to be filled, and a fluid transfer circuit 3 intended to be fluidically connected at one end to a container 2 and at the other end to said at least first fluid source 1, so as to allow the container to be filled by the fluid. The computer program then executes at least steps a) to d) of the filling process of the invention. Step a) of receiving the description data is carried out by means of a information device. In one embodiment, step e) of filling is carried out using the computer program.

[0061] In one embodiment, the computer program is configured to execute steps a) to c) using constraint programming. Constraint programming is a form of artificial intelligence that allows the user to specify conditions to be met. The program, or solver, then searches for the best solution that satisfies these constraints.

[0062] In the process of the invention, the constraints are, for example: - For each selected task to be performed in a selected manufacturing order, the time required to complete the selected task is less than or equal to the available time of each of the selected available resources. - the predefined order of execution is respected, - the order of priority is respected, or - The planning timeframe is respected.

[0063] The user can intervene to change the constraints, for example by means of a human-machine interface, or HMI, which allows the constraints to be given as instructions to the program implementing the invention. Thus, steps a) to c) are carried out quickly. But above all, the complete execution sequence thus defined is the solution that best respects the constraint(s).

Claims

Demands

1. A method for filling a filling installation, said installation comprising a set of available resources, said set of available resources comprising: - at least one first source of fluid (1) available, - a plurality of containers (2) available to be filled, - at least one fluid transfer circuit (3) available intended to be fluidically connected by a first end to a container (2) and by a second end to said at least first source of fluid (1), so as to permit filling of at least a part of said plurality of containers by the fluid, said filling process comprising the following steps: - a) receipt of descriptive data for said filling, said descriptive data comprising: - a plurality of manufacturing orders, each manufacturing order defining a set of tasks to be performed in a predefined order of execution, - durations to perform each of the tasks to be performed, - a set of resources to be used comprising at least one first source of fluid (1) to be used, at least one container (2) to be used, at least one fluid transfer circuit (3) to be used, each resource to be used being capable of performing at least one task to be performed to fill at least part of said plurality of containers to be used, - the available duration for each available resource, - an adjustment index between 0 and 1 for each of the resources to be used. - b) calculation of an available duration, referred to as adjusted, for each available resource, said adjusted available duration being equal to said available duration multiplied by said adjustment index, - c) selection of said available resources corresponding to said resources to be used, selection of said tasks to be executed using said available resources, selection of at least one manufacturing order such that all the tasks to be executed of said at least one manufacturing order are selected, - d) definition of a complete execution order of at least two selected tasks to be executed, each task to be executed being associated with at least one of said selected available resources, such that: - for each selected task to be executed of a selected manufacturing order, said time to perform said selected task to be executed is less than or equal to said available time of said associated resource, - said predefined execution order is respected,- e) filling at least a part of the plurality of containers (2) available in the complete order of execution.

2. A filling method according to claim 1, characterized in that said step a) comprises identifying at least one task to be performed in progress, the resources available for performing said task in progress, a said remaining time to complete said task in progress, and said adjustment index of at least one available resource from said set of useful resources is configured to be less than 1 as long as said remaining time is different from A

3. U. A filling method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said step a) comprises identifying the set of tasks to be performed during the execution of a selected production order, the resources available for performing said set of tasks to be performed during the execution of a selected production order, the said remaining times to complete each task of said set of tasks to be performed during execution, and said adjustment indices said available resources are configured to be less than 1 as long as said remaining durations are not equal to 0.

4. A filling method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said step a) comprises receiving a predetermined planning time and said step d) defines said execution order within said predetermined planning time.

5. A filling method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said method comprises a step d) of determining a said remaining available time of each of the selected available resources, each remaining available time being equal respectively to said available time of each selected available resource less the sum of the times to perform said at least two tasks to be performed with each of the selected available resources and said method comprises a step e) of iterating said steps b), c) and d) so that said remaining available time of each of the selected available resources is minimal.

6. Filling method according to claim 5, characterized in that the relative difference between at least the said remaining durations of two available resources is less than 5%.

7. A filling method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said step a) comprises receiving a priority indicator for each manufacturing order among said plurality of manufacturing orders and said manufacturing order complies with said priority indicator.

8. A filling method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steps of the filling method are carried out when at least one new available container is added to said set of available resources.

9. A filling process according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steps of the filling process are carried out at a predetermined period of between 1 minute and 180 minutes.

10. A filling method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a step of transmitting an ordered list to a display device of at least two tasks to be performed and / or selected available resources.

11. A filling method according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises a step of identifying unordered manufacturing orders and resources to be used suitable for carrying out the tasks to be performed for said unordered manufacturing orders and in that the filling method comprises a step of transmitting, to said display device, a list of said unordered manufacturing orders and / or a list of said resources to be used suitable for carrying out the tasks to be performed for said unordered manufacturing orders.

12. A filling method according to any one of claims 3 to 10, characterized in that said priority indicator is indexed to a predetermined maximum completion date of said manufacturing order.

13. A filling method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one available resource, said to be shared, among said set of said available resources is configured to perform several tasks to be executed simultaneously.

14. A filling method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one container comprises an identification device, for example a radio frequency identification label, and in that said step a) enables said reception of said description data of said at least one container (3) for use by means of said identification device.

15. A filling system for pressurized fluid containers comprising an information device, a computer program, and a set of available resources including at least: - a first available fluid source (1), - a plurality of containers (2) available for filling, - a fluid transfer circuit (3) available for fluid connection at one end to a container (2) and at the other end to said at least first fluid source (1), so as to permit filling of the container with the fluid, characterized in that said computer program executes said steps of the filling process according to any one of them

16. of claims 1 to 13 and said receipt of description data according to said step a) is carried out by means of said information device. Filling system for pressurized fluid containers according to claim 14 characterized in that said computer program is configured to execute said steps a) to c) by means of constraint programming.

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