"Advanced Modeling Technology - the Key to Optimal Processes"
Daniel Leineweber Bayer Technology Services GmbH, Leverkusen
Computer based modeling, analysis and optimization techniques have become an essential tool for process improvement in the chemical process industries. In order to successfully tackle real-life problems, it is often necessary to use a combination of several advanced techniques, resulting in a multi-methodic approach. Three practical examples are discussed:
- Data mining analysis of a polymer process (troubleshooting) - Multi-methodic optimization of a spandex spinning process (sensitivity reduction) - Rigorous optimization of a catalytic tube reactor (capacity maximization)
It is shown that multi-methodic approaches based on data mining, neural networks, rigorous modeling, and various optimization techniques can be successfully applied in practice to better understand and, ultimately, optimize complex processes.
Two OPTEC professors have been awarded three "Gouden Krijtjes", the yearly teaching awards given by the organization of engineering students (vtk). Prof. Lombaert was awarded the prize for the best course in civil engineering, and Prof. Diehl the prizes for the best professor and the best course in mathematical engineering (where he teaches numerical optimization). They received these awards at the yearly "proffentap" where experienced students taught them how to draft beer professionally.
