Virtual Recycling Process Modeling for Multi-Path Byproduct Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for modeling plant recycling processes are limited to recycling byproducts using the same physical component that created them, lacking solutions for multiple-input multiple-output recycling processes where efficiency and cost-effectiveness are improved by recycling byproducts through different components.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and apparatus that identify physical representation data of a plant's recycling process, generate a virtual recycling process model, and initiate optimization actions to route byproducts through different physical components for efficient recycling, including generating user interfaces to display models and actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If byproducts are recycled using the same physical component that created them, then the system is simple to operate, but the recycling efficiency and cost-effectiveness are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables byproducts to be recycled by different physical components than the ones that created them. For example, a first byproduct from a first physical component can be recycled by a second physical component, and a second byproduct from the first physical component can be recycled by a third physical component. This multi-functional approach allows any physical component to potentially recycle any byproduct, maximizing recycling efficiency and cost-effectiveness while moving beyond the limited one-to-one recycling model.
2Productivity
If multiple-input multiple-output recycling processes are implemented, then recycling efficiency and cost-effectiveness improve, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a virtual representation of the physical recycling process that mirrors the complex multiple-input multiple-output relationships. This virtual model captures the intricate feed paths and component interactions without requiring operators to directly manage the complexity. The virtual copy allows for simulation, optimization, and control of the complex recycling network while presenting a simplified interface for operation and monitoring.
3Loss of substance
If byproducts are routed through different physical components, then waste reduction and profitability increase, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring process flows increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual representation as an intermediary between the physical recycling process and the monitoring/control systems. This virtual model serves as a mediator that tracks and measures the complex multiple feed paths and byproduct routing through different components. The intermediary virtual system simplifies the detection and measurement of process flows by providing a consolidated view of material balances and feed paths without requiring direct complex instrumentation of every physical flow path.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, methods, and computer program products are provided herein. For example, a computer-implemented method may include identifying physical representation data representing a physical layout of a recycling process associated with a plant. In some embodiments, the physical representation data comprises a physical representation of a plurality of physical components of the plant associated with the recycling process and a physical representation of a plurality of feed paths associated with the plurality of physical components of the plant associated with the recycling process. In some embodiments, the computer-implemented method may include generating a virtual recycling process model corresponding to the recycling process associated with the plant based at least in part on the physical representation data. In some embodiments, the computer-implemented method may include generating at least one recycling process optimization action based at least in part on the virtual recycling process model.