Material Flow Diagram Generation for Industrial Plant Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID) in industrial plants make it difficult for operators to monitor and trace material flow issues, as they require navigating multiple graphics files and memorizing specific layouts, hindering the understanding and resolution of complex problems.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for generating a material flow diagram by creating data sets from graphics files, extracting material-specific data, and illustrating it in a diagram, allowing selective display of relevant graphics files and readings, thereby simplifying the visualization of material flow and facilitating problem tracing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple graphics files are used to represent different portions of the plant, then the physical layout can be visually represented, but operators must trawl through multiple files to trace problems and memorize specific layouts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple graphics files into a single integrated material flow diagram that displays the complete material flow across all plant portions in one view, eliminating the need to navigate multiple separate files while maintaining visual representation of the physical layout
Solution Approach 2:
The material flow diagram serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides visual representation of plant layout, tracks material flow paths, identifies problem locations, and shows interconnections between different plant portions, replacing the need for multiple specialized graphics files
2Measurement precision
If detailed graphics files are created for specific plant portions, then specific areas can be monitored, but operators cannot have a general overview of larger processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimensional view by creating a material flow diagram that overlays material-specific information onto the plant layout, allowing operators to see both detailed portion information and overall process flow simultaneously through layered visualization
3Ease of operation
If links between various graphics files are provided, then navigation between files can be improved, but complex problems still require memorization of specific graphics files
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the navigation function and information display into a single integrated material flow diagram where all plant portions and material flows are presented in one unified view, eliminating the need for file navigation links while reducing system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method of generating a material flow diagram for an industrial plant. The method comprises creating at least one data set from at least one graphics file representing at least a portion of the industrial plant; extracting data from the at least one data set to obtain material-specific data for each of a plurality of distinct materials flowing in the industrial plant; and illustrating the material-specific data of a selected at least one of the plurality of distinct materials as a material flow diagram.