New Models give Process Engineers ‘X-Ray Vision’

Mathematical models, developed by Oxfordshire-based Innoval Technology, make it possible to ‘see inside’’ a working process and obtain parameters which are physically impossible to measure. The models, which are being launched for the aluminium rolling industry, will be a huge asset to process optimisation.

The engineers at Innoval Technology, a leading provider of independent technical expertise to the global downstream aluminium industry, have drawn upon the vast amount of process and materials expertise within the company to create the models and to make them really easy to use. For example, the Innoval Ingot Preheating Model makes it possible to obtain the temperature at any position within an ingot, and at any time, during a heating cycle without having to use thermocouples. This ‘internal vision’ means Process Engineers can really understand what is happening within their process and optimise it to increase productivity, to improve product quality or to save energy.

The five process models, covering ingot preheating, rolling, mill vibration, spray cooling and coil heating and cooling, are available for purchase under a license agreement from Innoval Technology.