How Digitalization Can Further Improve Plant Performance and Product Quality—Outotec Pretium Advisory Tool for Alumina Calcination

Abstract

Latest improvements in the CFB based alumina calcination process are closing the gap between industrially achievable and theoretical minimal energy consumption. Obviously, this increases capital expenditures and the number of installed equipment. Improvements result in a better utilization and more efficient equipment. Improved designs benefit from deep overall process understanding. In combination with Outotec’s operational experience, a digital advisor was developed: Outotec Pretium Advisory Tool. This tool constantly compares operational data with theoretical optimum, which is achievable with given plant design. The information is used to create digital operational support, which can cover the full range from an advisory tool up to the top level of an advanced process control. Result is a safer, cleaner and more efficient process operation at required production rate. The effect will become measurable by increasing OEE, TEEP and the lately introduced Perficiency parameter and can be extended to the upstream and downstream process units.