Frequently Asked Questions

How many pulp lines can PRO-PLAN support?
There is no practical limit to the number of pulp lines.

 

How is PRO-PLAN customised for each mill?
PRO-PLAN is configured graphically using predefined objects. This will cover 95% of the customisation required for most mills.

 

When White Liquor supply, or WBL capacity is limited, how are these rationed to each pulp mill?
When this occurs, priorities must be set, and a window showing current priorities appears to allow changes to priorities to be made. The priorities determine how capacity is allocated. Being a rule-based system, the logic used to allocate capacity can be easily modified to suit an individual mills requirements.

 

How are optimal levels for storages calculated?
The desired levels are calculated based on historical reliability/breakdown figures for the equipment upstream and downstream of each storage. The desired levels are modified if a shut is imminent, or the demand is zero. Levels are also allowed to rise or fall to cope with constraints. 

 

Is there a more detailed description of the principles used in Pro-Plan?

Yes, take a look at Production Scheduling for Pulp Mills & Recoveries

 

 

How does Pro-Plan deal with constraints?

Take a look at Examples of Using Pro-Plan


Does Pro-Plan consider steam limitations?

Yes, Pro-Plan will make best use of the steam available from power boilers and recovery boilers (varies with liquor burning rate).

 

Can Pro-Plan be used for longer term planning?

Pro-Plan can determine production rates and storage levels over a longer term by:

  1. Changing the schedule period, or

  2. Stepping ahead one schedule period at a time. This will be automated in a future release.

 

Can Pro-Plan be used for shutdown and start up planning?

Pro-Plan can determine production rates and storage levels as different equipment is stopped or started by stepping ahead to one event at a time. This will be automated in a future release.

 

Can Pro-Plan be used for cost optimization?

Pro-Plan already has the infrastructure to determine costs of production for each item of equipment. These costs will be optimized in a future release.