Can you explain how the Solvay use case fits into the HyperCOG project?
The La Rochelle plant is part of the group Solvay and is producing about 4000 tons of specialty chemicals from rare earths for the automotive, electronics and medical markets.
The liquid-liquid-separation is a key process step of the process and is partially manually operated leading to lack of control, loss of production time and overuse of energy.
The solution proposed by HyperCOG is to apply machine learning and intelligent sensors (camera with image analysis) to have a better control of the process.
Optimising the productivity, quality and energy efficiency of the steam boilers within the liquid-liquid extraction process of rare-earth element was one of the main objectives of the Solvay use case. How has this developed so far?
Considering the late development of the tools, it is still too early to quantify any impact on the productivity and efficiency of the equipment.
However, the future development of the tool will allow us to anticipate problems and minimise upsets which usually result in equipment shutdown and overuse of steam to restart in good conditions.
Following the implementation and testing of HyperCOG solutions at Solvay, what have been the main results achieved and what have been the main successes in terms of process optimisation?
The implementation and testing of the cameras by ESTIA has opened a new way to understand the process by the people working on it (engineers, technicians, and operators).
The discussions around the HyperCOG HMI has started to make the operators understand the benefits of such a tool although they were quite reticent at the beginning.
How does your work tie in with the work being done in the project?
Part of my job is to develop digital solutions on the plant to enhance productivity and efficiency. The HyperCOG project has been an enabler for that, looking at the most advanced practices in the industry.
What have you enjoyed the most about being involved in HyperCOG?
The big plus of the project are the interactions between the partners coming from different fields and countries. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced the number of direct meetings during the 4 years of the project.
Are you confident that HyperCOG will achieve its ambitious aims?
The HyperCOG project has been the catalyst for the digitalisation of our processes. It is only the beginning of the road and more collaborations are planned in the future with some of the partners of the project.
