Processing Plant Device Arrangement Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing processing plants with numerous devices connected by pipes poses a challenge due to complex configurations, requiring significant effort and skill to optimize device arrangement for economic efficiency while minimizing material usage.
Innovation Solution
A method using genetic algorithms or particle swarm optimization to select device group arrangements that minimize total pipe material usage, allowing for flexible pipe-rack arrangement and calculating the cost per unit length of pipes to determine the most efficient layout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If device arrangement is determined through trial and error with comprehensive consideration of multiple restrictions, then the economic efficiency can be optimized, but the workload and complexity of the design process increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual trial-and-error mechanical design process with computer-based automated optimization algorithms. The computer automatically determines device arrangements by evaluating multiple configurations against economic efficiency criteria, eliminating the need for manual iterative adjustments while maintaining optimization quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service optimization where the computer autonomously performs the complete device arrangement determination process without requiring designer intervention. The automated system independently evaluates configurations, applies constraints, and selects optimal arrangements, reducing dependency on designer skill and experience.
2Productivity
If the number of devices and pipes in processing plant increases, then the processing capability improves, but the configuration becomes more complicated and the determination workload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes manual configuration management with automated computer-based optimization. The computer handles the complexity of arranging numerous devices and pipes by automatically evaluating multiple configurations, applying safety and operational constraints, and determining optimal arrangements without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages complexity by dynamically adjusting arrangement parameters such as device positions, pipe routing, and spatial relationships. The computer varies these parameters systematically to explore configuration space and identify optimal arrangements that satisfy all constraints while minimizing material usage.
3Manufacturing precision
If designer skill is relied upon to determine optimal device arrangement, then the quality of arrangement can be improved, but the result becomes dependent on individual capability and the workload remains high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces dependence on designer skill with automated computer-based optimization algorithms. The computer systematically evaluates configurations using objective criteria for economic efficiency, producing consistent high-quality results without being limited by individual designer capability or experience levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the computer evaluates each arrangement configuration against economic efficiency criteria and constraints, then uses this feedback to guide the search toward optimal solutions. This automated feedback loop ensures consistent quality assessment and improvement without manual intervention.
Data Source
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AI summary
[Problem] To provide a technique for finding a placement which further reduces the total amount of use of piping materials for a device group that includes devices constituting a treatment plant. [Solution] Connection information indicating that two specific device groups 3 are connected via piping 4 so as to be paired and piping information necessary for calculation of the amount of piping material to be used are set for a plurality of device groups 3 which include a plurality of devices 31 constituting a treatment plant 1 for treating a fluid and for which an occupied region 30 is set. Next, a first step for placing the plurality of device groups 3 in a site region 10 of the treatment plant 1 so that the outer edge of the occupied region 30 comes into contact with the long sides of a pipe rack placement region 20 and a second step for calculating the total amount of piping materials to be used for the piping 4 supported by pipe racks 21, 22, and 23 are repeatedly carried out, and a plurality of placements in which the total amount of piping materials to be used is small are selected on the basis of the result obtained by changing the placement of the plurality of device groups 3.