Providing events and / or tasks for the change of layer during the operation of a system for producing or processing a fibrous web

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a system for producing or processing a fibrous web, there being provision for a computer system which is designed to provide the following functions: a. logging events during the operation of the system ("LOG") b. logging tasks which need to be carried out for the operation of the system ("TASK") c. providing a log for the change of layer, there being provision for at least one of steps I.-III. I. At least some of the events are logged by virtue of signals being picked up by the system and an automated process being used to detect and log events therefrom II. At least some tasks are logged by virtue of signals being picked up by the system and an automated process being used to create and log tasks therefrom and / or by virtue of logged events being picked up and an automated process being used to create and log tasks therefrom III. At least some of the entries in the log for the change of layer are generated by virtue of an automated process being used to handle events and / or tasks from the computer system. The invention also relates to a computer system and a computer program product.

Description

[0001] Method, computer system and computer program product

[0002] The invention relates to a method for operating a plant for the production or processing of a fibrous web according to claim 1, as well as a computer system for carrying out such a method and a corresponding computer program product.

[0003] Operating a plant for the production or processing of fibrous webs, such as a paper machine, is a complex task. A multitude of different activities, such as maintenance, troubleshooting, and production optimization, must be performed. Some of these activities can be planned, while others arise unexpectedly due to various malfunctions. Furthermore, paper machines typically operate around the clock, meaning that pending tasks must be handled by different individuals or teams.

[0004] Due to the complexity, there is always a risk that individual tasks will be overlooked and not processed, or only processed late.

[0005] The object of the invention is to simplify the operation of the system and reduce its susceptibility to errors. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to increase the productivity of the operating personnel and thereby improve the economic efficiency of the systems.

[0006] The problems are solved according to the invention by an embodiment according to the independent claim. Further advantageous embodiments of the present invention are found in the dependent claims.

[0007] A method for operating a plant for the production or processing of a fibrous web is proposed, wherein a computer system is provided that is configured to provide the following functions: a. Recording events during the operation of the plant ("LOG") b. Recording tasks to be performed for the operation of the plant ("TASK") c. Providing a log for shift changes

[0008] At least one of steps 1-33 is provided for.

[0009] I. The recording of events is carried out at least partially by receiving signals from the system, and automatically recognizing and recording events from these signals.

[0010] II. Tasks are recorded at least partially by receiving signals from the system and automatically creating and recording tasks from them, and / or by recording events and automatically creating and recording tasks from them.

[0011] III. The entries in the shift change log are generated at least partially by automatically transferring events and / or tasks from the computer system.

[0012] The log provided in step c) can contain a wide variety of information that is helpful to the recipient. This can include, in particular, open and / or completed tasks, problems and malfunctions, or production information. Such a log is especially needed when changing shifts. Therefore, this application always refers to a "shift change log." However, providing such logs for other purposes, such as performance monitoring or similar, is always included.

[0013] The provided log can be viewed electronically by staff at the required time. These logs are often also saved for long-term storage for documentation purposes.

[0014] Tasks a), b), and c) have long been performed manually. Traditionally, tasks to be completed were recorded manually on a board in the waiting room, or relevant events were written in a paper log. More recently, the board and paper log have often been replaced, and events and tasks are now recorded in computer files. This is not only prone to errors but also very cumbersome for the operating personnel. Entering events and tasks interrupts the normal workflow and is time-consuming. This is both ergonomically and economically disadvantageous.

[0015] The inventors have realized that some, if not all, of these tasks can be automated.

[0016] Many events that were previously recorded manually are now accompanied by corresponding signals from the system. These signals can then be used to trace the underlying event back to the source. Examples include:

[0017] • The time of a track break can be determined very precisely if, for example, a track sensor no longer provides values.

[0018] • The start of a product change can be detected by parameter changes in the process, e.g., changes in the speed of the stock pump and / or changes in the consistency of the suspension, or directly from a higher-level planning system.

[0019] • Malfunctions of components can be detected via existing sensors (vibrations, pressure drop) or connected device diagnostics.

[0020] • Undershooting / overshooting of limit values ​​or malfunctions in the production process

[0021] • A wear measurement, e.g. on sealing strips, indicates a critical condition ("remaining service life less than 4 weeks")

[0022] • Etc.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally, tasks can also be recorded at least partially by capturing signals from the system and automatically creating and recording tasks from them, and / or by recording captured events and automatically creating and recording tasks from them.

[0024] There are also many possibilities for the automated recording of tasks, such as:

[0025] • If a desired change of variety is detected, the necessary settings and adjustments for the target variety can be recorded as a task.

[0026] • If a critical wear condition is measured, the replacement of the wear part can be recorded as a task.

[0027] • If a malfunction of a component is detected, maintenance and / or replacement can be recorded as a task.

[0028] • Etc.

[0029] It is particularly advantageous if tasks are not only recorded but also assigned to a specific team. Such teams might include service staff, laboratory staff, shift supervisors, purchasing staff, etc. This assignment simplifies the work for staff, as each individual is assigned only the tasks relevant to them and that they are required to complete.

[0030] The recording of tasks can be done at least partially by means of a knowledge management system, which automatically assigns signals and / or events to an underlying problem and which includes a database in which tasks related to this underlying problem are stored.

[0031] In addition to simply recording tasks, the system can also perform at least a rough scheduling of them. For example, the system can determine the latest possible replacement date for a sealing strip based on its remaining service life. Scheduling can also be done by indicating that the task should be performed during a subsequent plant shutdown. Furthermore, it can include an estimate of the task's expected duration.

[0032] Alternatively or additionally, task clustering can be implemented. Tasks involving comparable activities on the same component can be grouped into a single task cluster. This prevents, for example, operators from having to perform multiple tasks on a potentially difficult-to-access component in quick succession. This, in turn, increases operator productivity. Such clustering is possible, for instance, through the structured solution description outlined below, where solutions for various tasks are assigned to the plant structure. This allows a computer system to easily recognize that different activities—often triggered by different events—must be performed on the same part of the plant and to group them effectively into clusters.Such a comprehensive overview of the pending tasks from various areas of the plant is not possible with the methods known so far, or only with great effort.

[0033] The acceptance of such automated data collection systems will certainly depend heavily on their quality. In particular, it will be crucial that the correct tasks are derived from the recorded signals or events and that these tasks are assigned to the appropriate teams.

[0034] Improving the quality of this assignment can be achieved, for example, through a multi-stage process, which in itself represents an inventive idea and comprises the following steps: a. Data collection b. Qualification c. Analysis. Initially, structured problem descriptions are stored in the computer system and linked to the corresponding events and components or sections of the plant. Furthermore, corresponding solution measures are described for each problem and also stored in the computer system. These problem and solution descriptions are generally based on common expertise or the plant supplier's know-how based on existing plants.

[0035] During the qualification process, these proposed structured problem descriptions are verified by a technologist and, if necessary, supplemented or modified. This qualification can be based on the domain knowledge of on-site technologists (domain experts / operators) and is grounded in the experience and local working methods of the respective plant operator.

[0036] The analysis then takes place during plant operation. The success of the implemented solutions is evaluated using a standardized approach. This evaluation can be conducted in various ways. For example, it can be assessed whether the desired goal was achieved at all (Does the paper have the desired basis weight?). Alternatively or additionally, a benchmark can be used to evaluate how quickly and effectively the goal was achieved. For instance, when changing paper types, the time required for the changeover can be compared with the times for comparable changes on the same plant or on other plants. If the values ​​deviate significantly from the benchmarks, a requalification process can be carried out to develop improved solutions.

[0037] In this context, the use of artificial intelligence can also be helpful. For example, the assignment of signals and / or events to an underlying problem can be AI-supported. The analysis step can also be made simpler and more efficient through the use of artificial intelligence.

[0038] It is generally advantageous to record not only the tasks themselves but also their processing status, and to include this status as an entry in the shift change log. This is particularly beneficial for generating the log, as it is important for the following shift to know what has already been done and what still needs to be done.

[0039] The processing status can include one or more of the following attributes, for example:

[0040] -Is the task completed?

[0041] -Time until the task is completed.

[0042] -How much time has been spent on processing so far?

[0043] -How much downtime of the plant was caused by the processing?

[0044] -What costs have been incurred so far due to the processing?

[0045] -When is the processing expected to be completed?

[0046] Depending on the application, other attributes may also be relevant.

[0047] Furthermore, it may be provided that the entries in the shift change protocol are generated at least partially by automatically taking over events and / or tasks from the computer system.

[0048] In addition to the automatically generated events and tasks, it is of course still possible to manually record events and / or tasks in methods according to aspects of the present invention. This may be necessary, for example, if the required sensors are not available or are defective, or in the case of external events that cannot be automatically recorded, such as delays in the delivery of spare parts or staff illness.

[0049] These manually entered events and tasks, if recorded in the shared computer system, can also be automatically included in the log.

[0050] The proposed procedure already offers advantages if one of steps 1-13 is carried out. It is more advantageous if at least two of steps 1-13 are included. It is usually most advantageous if all three steps 1-13 are included.

[0051] To assess the productivity or efficiency of various processes, specific key performance indicators (KPIs) are often used, also known as "performance values" or "KPIs." A KPI frequently aggregates the effects of several smaller units into a larger goal. For example, overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), as a possible KPI, examines the actual utilization of a machine compared to its theoretically possible utilization.

[0052] In advantageous embodiments of the invention, the computer system may be configured to generate key performance indicators (KPIs) that can be entered into the shift change log. An example of such a KPI from the paper industry is described in patent EP3589786 B1. There, the control performance is specified as a KPI, which describes the rate of change in production speed.

[0053] Key performance indicators (KPIs), such as the one above, can be automatically recorded as an attribute in the corresponding task. Alternatively or additionally, they can be included as an entry in the log. The inventors have recognized that another type of characteristic value can be determined very easily using methods based on aspects of the present invention, methods that are not yet known in industry. This type of characteristic value, which requires more effort, can also be determined independently of the methods described here and represents a separate inventive idea.

[0054] It is possible that at least one of the key performance indicators (KPIs) is calculated based on the processing status of one or more tasks. As described, tasks and their processing status can be stored in the computer system and, ideally, even recorded automatically. Information from recorded events can also be integrated into these KPIs. Similarly, entries from other linked computer systems, such as business management systems, can be integrated into these KPIs.

[0055] As an example, consider changing the felt. Besides the duration of the felt change and the required person-hours, the cost of the felt and any disposal costs can also be included in the key performance indicator (KPI). Using such a KPI, it can then be assessed, for example, whether it makes economic sense to use a more expensive felt that promises a longer service life and therefore needs to be changed less frequently.

[0056] It is also possible to combine different aspects into one key figure and, if necessary, to weight these aspects situationally.

[0057] As an example, consider a changeover between product types. One aspect that can be included in the key performance indicator (KPI) is the speed, or time, required to achieve the target specifications of the new type. A second aspect could be the required personnel effort, which also represents a cost factor. An evaluation of the product changeover can be derived from considering both aspects together. Depending on the situation, these aspects can be weighted differently in the KPI. For example, during the day shift, greater emphasis can be placed on the speed of the product changeover, as sufficient personnel are available on-site during this shift. During the night shift, on the other hand, greater emphasis can be placed on the personnel effort required.

[0058] The examples given are intended to show how broad the field of application is for key performance indicators that are based on the processing status of one or more tasks.

[0059] Furthermore, a computer system is proposed that is configured to execute a procedure according to one of the aspects described herein. Additionally, a computer program product is proposed, comprising a computer program that can be directly loaded into the memory of a computer system, with program sections to execute all steps of a procedure according to one of the described aspects when the program sections are executed by the computer system.

[0060] The invention will be explained below with reference to the figure. The invention is not limited to the embodiment shown here.

[0061] Figure 1 shows the schematic of a method according to aspects of the invention.

[0062] Figure 1 schematically shows a plant 1 for the production or processing of a fibrous web and a computer system 2. The computer system is configured to provide the following functions: a. Recording of events 100 during the operation of the plant ("LOG") b. Recording of tasks 200 to be completed for the operation of the plant ("TASK") c. Providing a log 300 for the shift change

[0063] In the recording of events 100, five events 101-105 are shown as examples. Some events 101, 102 can be recorded manually, while for other events 103, 104, 105, the recording is at least partially carried out by signals 10 being received from system 1, and events 103, 104, 105 being automatically recognized and recorded from them.

[0064] In the recording of tasks 200 that need to be completed for the operation of plant 1, four tasks 201-204 are shown in Figure 1. Tasks 201, 202, and 203 are recorded by capturing events 103 and 104, and automatically creating and recording tasks 201, 202, and 203 from them. It is possible that an event 104 triggers a task 203, or that several tasks 201 and 202 are created and recorded from a single event 103.

[0065] Furthermore, it is possible that signals 10 are received from the system 1, and tasks 204 are automatically created and recorded from them.

[0066] To provide a protocol 300 for the shift change, the entries of the protocol 300 are generated, at least in part, by automatically transferring events 101-105 and tasks 201-204 from the computer system. Protocol 300 can also contain the respective processing status of tasks 201-204. Furthermore, it can also be provided that the computer system 2 generates one or more key performance indicators (KPIs) and includes them as entries in protocol 300. It is highly advantageous if at least one of the KPIs is calculated using the processing status of one or more tasks 201-204.

[0067] Reference symbol list

[0068] 1 Annex

[0069] 2 computer systems

[0070] 10 signals

[0071] 100 Recording of events

[0072] 101 - Events

[0073] 105

[0074] 200 Recording of tasks

[0075] 201 - Tasks

[0076] 204

[0077] 300 Provision of a protocol

Claims

Patent claims 1. Method for operating a plant (1) for the manufacture or processing of a fibrous web, wherein a computer system (2) is provided which is configured to provide the following functions: a. recording events (100) during the operation of the plant (“LOG”) b. recording tasks (200) to be performed for the operation of the plant (“TASK”) c. providing a log (300) for the shift change, wherein at least one of steps 1-33 is provided. I. The recording of events (100) is carried out at least partially by recording signals (10) from the system (1), and automatically recognizing and recording events (101-105) from them. II. The recording of tasks (200) is carried out at least partially by recording signals (10) from the system (1), and automatically creating and recording tasks (201-204) from them, and / or by recording recorded events (101-105), and automatically creating and recording tasks (201-204) from them. III. The entries in the protocol (300) for the shift change are generated at least partially by automatically taking events (101-105) and / or tasks (201-204) from the computer system (2).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that at least two of steps 1-13 are provided.

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all three steps 1-13 are provided.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the corresponding processing group is also included in the tasks (201-204).

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recording of the tasks (200) in step II. is carried out at least partially by means of a knowledge management system which automatically assigns signals (10) and / or events (101-105) to an underlying problem, and which comprises a database in which tasks (201-204) belonging to this underlying problem are stored.

6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the assignment of signals (10) and / or events (101-105) to an underlying problem is carried out using a Large Language Model (LLM).

7. Method according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the individual tasks (201-205) are automatically assigned to the corresponding processing group.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in addition to recording the tasks (200), the processing status of these tasks (201-204) can also be recorded, and the processing status can in particular be entered into the log for the shift change (300).

9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the processing status of one or more of the following attributes - 15 - includes: -Is the task completed? -How much time has been spent on processing so far? -How much downtime of the plant was caused by the processing? -What costs have been incurred so far in processing this? -When is the processing expected to be completed? 10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the computer system (2) is configured to generate characteristic values ​​(“KPls”) which can be entered into the protocol for the shift change (300).

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that at least one of the characteristic values ​​is formed on the basis of the processing status of one or more tasks (201-204).

12. Computer system (2) configured to perform a method according to any of the preceding claims 13. Computer program product comprising a computer program which can be directly loaded into a memory of a computer system (2), comprising program sections to execute all steps of a method according to any one of claims 1 to 11 when the program sections are executed by the computer system (2).

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