CPI leads Innovate UK Project to Support Computer Models in Manufacturing Processes

The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) has led an Innovate UK project focused on the establishment of a generic framework and core capability to improve industrial productivity using computer models.

Over a two-year period, the CPI has worked with industry, technology providers, and university research groups on the Models for the Manufacturing of Particulate Process (Models MPP) project, resulting in the development of a generic framework for translating particle models of industrial relevance into industrial practice. This framework encompasses a decision support methodology/tool for models’ development to facilitate access and adoption by UK-based industrial organizations.

The developed framework is expected to provide guidance for the coupling of well-established computer modeling techniques at different size scales, which should help development scientists and engineers develop models to simulate different parts of the manufacturing process. 

As an example of how the framework can be employed, academic partners of the project (the Universities of Sheffield and Edinburgh) evaluated twin-screw wet granulation. Conducting a review of current technologies, the academic partners used the insight from the framework to develop coupled models using EDEM and PSE software platforms and the technology vendor expertise to develop industrially robust methods. The coupled models that were developed were then validated in real-life trials and the industrial partner’s production facility.

“It has been a privilege to work with the world-leading partners to deliver a step-change in how particle modeling can be translated from academia into real industrial formulations,” said Caroline Kelly, CPI Technology and Innovation officer and manager of the Models MPP project. “It is also exciting to see the potential opportunities for how this new capability will be deployed, particularly in the new granulation capability recently established within our formulation facility. This modeling project is the first in a series of five capability-build projects to complete, and we look forward to similar success stories over the next 18 months.”

“This innovative project demonstrates the benefits of industry and academic organizations working together to share knowledge and advance technology developments,” added an EDEM Simulations’ representative. “Coupling two different methodologies, discrete element modeling at the particle scale and population balance modeling at the meso-scale, will enable scientists to predict and improve the continuous manufacturing process, which in turn will lead to increased process efficiency and significant cost savings.”

Source: CPI