Use of data analytics to improve process control and efficiency, including prediction of emerging problems

Any phosphoric acid plant generates data containing useful information to be analysed and interpreted. From this data management and analysis, a decision support system can be developed by introducing new variables called ‘soft sensors’. These provide a real-time indication of the plant performance, its maintenance level, and even the quality of the product.

Based on this concept, Prayon has demonstrated in Belgium the value of implementing such a system to get the best from a phosphoric acid plant. It consists of a dashboard that can be adapted to the needs of any other producer.