386
R. Schiemann et al.
Fig. 3 Typical solution life cycle of Pretium digital systems
The first step comprises clarification and implementation of IT structure and
solution. This includes IT setup, security aspects as well as agreement on remote
access. The mentioned remote connection only provides external access to the PC,
server or virtual machine that has the ACT platform installed.
The implementation of the Pretium Optimizer is the next step and involves a
deployment, commissioning and tailoring of the digital solution: Connection to specific and selected DCS tags and measurements is set up, simulation models are tailored to the specific plant, and safety checks are configured. When that is done, a stepwise commissioning of the system during a site visit from process and digitalization
experts is carried out.
Next, during the early operation period of the system, the Optimizer usage typically increases up to 100%. The system performance is closely monitored and finetuned remotely. If necessary, adjustments to models and graphical interface are made.
The frequency of remote adjustments and updates typically declines with the system
becoming more and more utilized and performant.
Finally, a transition to the last lifetime phase of the product is taking place where
it is kept in automatic operation but still monitored remotely. Functional upgrades
are made as required. In this phase, process know-how is continuously used to debottleneck the plant to further improve performance. In this sense, digitalization is part
of a modernization journey for a process plant. The combination of digital systems,
process know-how and manufacturing capability allows to deliver the best level of
support on the roadmap to achieve operational excellence.
Worldwide Applications
Today, multiple Pretium digital systems are in place in Zinc and other metal roasting
plants in the world, continuously exploiting the integrated digital know-how to run
the plant in a stable, profitable, and availability-preserving way. In each application,
R. Schiemann et al.
Fig. 3 Typical solution life cycle of Pretium digital systems
The first step comprises clarification and implementation of IT structure and
solution. This includes IT setup, security aspects as well as agreement on remote
access. The mentioned remote connection only provides external access to the PC,
server or virtual machine that has the ACT platform installed.
The implementation of the Pretium Optimizer is the next step and involves a
deployment, commissioning and tailoring of the digital solution: Connection to specific and selected DCS tags and measurements is set up, simulation models are tailored to the specific plant, and safety checks are configured. When that is done, a stepwise commissioning of the system during a site visit from process and digitalization
experts is carried out.
Next, during the early operation period of the system, the Optimizer usage typically increases up to 100%. The system performance is closely monitored and finetuned remotely. If necessary, adjustments to models and graphical interface are made.
The frequency of remote adjustments and updates typically declines with the system
becoming more and more utilized and performant.
Finally, a transition to the last lifetime phase of the product is taking place where
it is kept in automatic operation but still monitored remotely. Functional upgrades
are made as required. In this phase, process know-how is continuously used to debottleneck the plant to further improve performance. In this sense, digitalization is part
of a modernization journey for a process plant. The combination of digital systems,
process know-how and manufacturing capability allows to deliver the best level of
support on the roadmap to achieve operational excellence.
Worldwide Applications
Today, multiple Pretium digital systems are in place in Zinc and other metal roasting
plants in the world, continuously exploiting the integrated digital know-how to run
the plant in a stable, profitable, and availability-preserving way. In each application,