Chemical Plant Module Configuration Using Component Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing production systems for chemical reactions face challenges in efficiently configuring system modules to meet specific and complex technical requirements, leading to difficulties in reusing existing modules and increasing development efforts.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a computer program that selects or compiles system modules from databases by manually or automatically entering process-specific technical requirements, comparing them with stored parameters, and replacing non-compliant components with suitable alternatives from a component database to configure a production system quickly and inexpensively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If existing plant modules are reused directly, then development time is reduced, but the ability to meet specific complex technical requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments plant modules into standardized components with defined interfaces and parameters. Each module is broken down into functional units that can be independently configured and combined, allowing rapid assembly while meeting specific technical requirements through parameter selection rather than complete redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal plant module templates that can serve multiple functions through configurable parameters. A single module template can be adapted to different technical requirements by adjusting parameters such as dimensions, materials, operating conditions, and component specifications, enabling one module design to fulfill multiple specific application needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If new plant modules are developed to meet specific requirements, then adaptability improves, but development effort and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary configuration work by pre-defining module templates with standardized structures, interfaces, and parameter sets. This advance preparation allows specific technical requirements to be met through parameter selection and combination rather than creating new modules from scratch, significantly reducing development effort while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables adaptation to specific requirements by changing parameters within existing module templates rather than redesigning modules. Parameters such as size, material properties, operating temperature, pressure ratings, and component specifications can be adjusted to meet different technical requirements while reusing the same underlying module architecture.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration of plant modules is performed, then customization precision improves, but configuration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses module templates as reusable copies that can be instantiated multiple times with different parameter values. Instead of manually configuring each module from scratch, the system copies proven module designs and adapts them through parameter specification, ensuring configuration precision while dramatically reducing configuration time through template reuse.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for configuring a production plant designed for performing at least one chemical reaction, wherein the production plant has at least one plant module, and a plant module for configuring the production plant, which plant module is chosen from a module database running on a first server system and/or is combined from a component database running on a second server system, wherein the selecting and/or combining of a plant module comprises the following steps: manual first entry of process-specific technical requirements to a plant module; comparison of the first entry with at least one technical parameter which is stored in the module database and which defines a process-specific property of a respective plant module, and, for a negative result: identifying of at least one plant module, the process-specific property whereof does not meet the process-specific technical requirements; identification of at least one component of the identified plant module which does not meet the requirements for the plant module; manual second entry of process-specific technical requirements for the identified component; - comparison of the second entry with at least one technical parameter which is stored in the component database and which defines the process-specific property of a respective series component, and, for a positive result: identifying of at least one series component of a component which meets the process-specific technical requirements and combining of the output plant module with the output series component.